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Friday Nights Return: Celebrating the 2026 League of Ireland Season

Written by Tom Rasmussen | Feb 3, 2026 12:48:36 PM

The wait is over. This week, the 2026 League of Ireland season kicks off, bringing life and energy back to stadiums from Dublin to Donegal. The floodlights will shine, songs will rise, and fans of all ages will share those unmatched moments of joy, nerves, and togetherness that only Irish football can deliver.

Irish football is about so much more than the ninety minutes on the pitch. It’s friendships forged in stands and on terraces, volunteers rolling up their sleeves in every kind of weather, families building rituals around the matchday, and towns and cities uniting in support of something bigger than themselves. These traditions are the backbone of football in Ireland, loyal, proud, and always ready for the next chapter.

Every club has its own story to tell

From the RSC’s thrum as Waterford FC kicks off a new era, to the red and white waves at the Brandywell as Derry City FC continues its remarkable journey, every club has its own story to tell. Bohemians FC brings thousands together at the Aviva, Bray Wanderers and Cork City FC find fresh momentum under new leadership, Treaty United FC launches bold ambitions in Limerick, and Sligo Rovers FC reminds everyone what community-driven football can accomplish. Across the country, university football thrives through the steadfast spirit of UCD AFC.

The real work happens behind the scenes

While heroes on the pitch earn the headlines, the real heart of Irish football beats in the everyday work behind the scenes. Ticket office teams work tirelessly, club staff build connections, and commercial teams open doors for growth. Supporters keep coming back, season after season, rain or shine.

At TicketCo, we’re honoured to play a supportive role for the clubs and people who make League of Ireland football so special. 8 clubs across the divisions now use TicketCo, representing 40% of the league, a number that reflects a shared commitment to making Irish football better for everyone involved.

Our role is straightforward: help clubs own their data and streamline everything from ticket sales to turnstiles, so their focus stays on fans and community. We know that every matchday counts, and our goal is to make the experience as smooth as possible for clubs and supporters alike.

👉 Learn more about Matchday Optimisation

Proof in practice from League of Ireland clubs

The evidence is clear in places like Derry City FC, where season ticket renewal rates have soared above 90%, and staff spend less time wrestling with admin and more time serving their loyal base. As Derry’s ticketing manager Karen Pyne puts it:

“Don’t think—just do.”

Her words capture the spirit of Irish football: practical, bold, and focused on progress that benefits everyone involved.

Another satisfied TicketCo partner is UCD, and the club’s soccer development officer Gerard Barron puts it this way:

“Everyone at UCD FC has been extremely pleased with TicketCo and their match day ticketing platform. The system is efficient, reliable, and very user-friendly, making the process seamless for both our supporters and staff. TicketCo’s professionalism and smooth operation have significantly improved our match day experience.”

Looking ahead to the 2026 season

As a new season dawns, let’s celebrate the resilience, unity, and ambition that define football in Ireland. Here’s to vibrant crowds, new stories, and Friday nights filled with hope and community pride.

👉 See how clubs use TicketCo in practice

From everyone at TicketCo, we wish clubs, staff, and supporters a memorable and uplifting 2026 season.

Curious how we’re working with League of Ireland clubs? Reach out to daragh.searing@ticketco.net to find out more.