The new season was opened at the Maldron Hotel in Tallaght which sees Shamrock Rovers start a new chapter in their history. The hotel choice was a significant gesture as it overlooks the Tallaght Stadium. It's been over two decades on the move without a home, but their first home match against Sligo Rovers on Friday, March 13th will be live on RTE Two.
With sponsors Eircom, Newstalk and the Irish Daily Star, together with official suppliers the prize fund for this season is 1 Million Euro. The new prize fund will be shared more evenly so as to ensure greater stability for struggling clubs.
Speaking at the launch of the 2009 League of Ireland season, League of Ireland Chairman Eamon Naughton said on www.fai.ie
"We have a great season to look forward to and I am confident that this season we will continue to show more and more people the talent on offer in the League of Ireland. We have an exciting eight months of football ahead of us, with new players, new managers, a new club, and a new stadium to look forward to. The 2009 season is sure to be a competitive season - may the best team win!"