Last updated : Friday, 28 June 2024
Introduction
The SSE Airtricity League is the top level association football league in the Republic of Ireland. It is also known as the League of Ireland Premier Division. The league was founded in 1921 and currently consists of 10 teams.
The current champions are Shamrock Rovers, who have won the title 20 times. Other notable teams in the league include Dundalk, Bohemians, and St Patrick's Athletic.
History
The League of Ireland was founded in 1921, shortly after the establishment of the Irish Free State. The first season consisted of just 8 teams, but the league has since expanded to its current size of 10 teams.
The league has been dominated by a few teams over the years. Shamrock Rovers have won the title 20 times, followed by Dundalk with 19 titles. Bohemians and St Patrick's Athletic have both won 11 titles.
Format
The SSE Airtricity League is a 38-game season, with each team playing each other twice. The top two teams at the end of the season qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League, while the third-placed team enters the UEFA Europa League. The bottom two teams are relegated to the First Division.
