Fresh calls for extra funding as crowds surge past half-a-million already this season in the League of Ireland

For the first time, attendances this year across the League of Ireland have passed the half-a-million mark by the summer break, according to the FAI, with 506,475 supporters passing through the turnstiles so far in 2024.

Compared to last year, Premier Division crowds are up 6pc, with the current average standing at 3,505. The highest-attended fixture so far this season has been champions Shamrock Rovers' clash with Bohemians at Tallaght Stadium last March, which drew a crowd of 10,094.

Damien Duff’s Shelbourne have also seen a significant upsurge in attendances, with 4,150 supporters on average descending on Tolka Park for Premier Division fixtures so far this season - an increase of 23pc compared to 2023 - with capacity at the Drumcondra ground recently increased.

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With Galway United and Waterford promoted to the top flight for 2024, the average attendance for First Division games has dropped from 1,037 to 961, while Women’s Premier Division crowds have risen from 308 to 396 on average.

The FAI also say that Treaty United have seen a significant rise so far this season. More people have already attended their First Division fixtures in 2024 than in the entirety of last season already. Their average has risen by 53pc while the Limerick club’s women’s side have also seen their crowds more than double.

“Reaching half a million people already in 2024 is an exciting landmark and shows the rising profile of the League and our clubs,” said Scanlon.

“Our clubs continue to develop and do fantastic work in communities they are embedded in and these statistics also highlight once more the need for investment in our facilities to help us grow to the next level as sell-out signs are a regular occurrence and many of the stadiums are unable to cater for demand.”

Meanwhile, Kieran Freeman's contract at St Patrick's Athletic has been terminated by mutual consent, the club have announced.

The former Scotland Under-21 right-back arrived at Richmond Park last February from Dundee United but found starts hard to come by in Inchicore, making just five across the Saints' opening 23 games of the season.

Since Stephen Kenny took over from Jon Daly last month, the 24-year-old defender has seen just two minutes of league action and has not been included in their last five matchday squads before his departure was confirmed this morning.

The Saints have also this evening announced the signing of Joseph Anang on a two-and-half year deal.

The goalkeeper spent six months on loan at Richmond Park from West Ham in 2022, but has now brought his seven year spell with the Hammers to and end to pen a permanent contract in Inchicore.

After signing his first player since taking the reins at St Pat’s last month, manager Stephen Kenny said

“The thing that struck me about Joseph from speaking to him on zoom when he was at him visiting Ghana, was his sheer enthusiasm and determination to re-join St Pat's, to play games and continue to improve.

Ahead of linking up with his new teammates next week, 24-year-old Anang added: I had a zoom call with PJ (Pat Jennings, goalkeeper coach) and The Gaffer and that put the icing on the cake.

“Stephen told me about his plans for me and the style of play he wants to implement, I feel I'll fit into that and I really bought into what his plans are.

“I also want to speak about the St Patrick's Athletic supporters, they showed me a lot of love when I first came to the club two years ago, so with that factored into my decision too, coming back was a no brainer really.”

Meanwhile, Dundalk have suffered a blow with the news that defender Zak Johnson is set to return to parent club Sunderland when his loan deal expires next week.

“I have loved every minute of my time here. The lessons in maturity and self-development have been so valuable, they will stay with me for the rest of my life. I am now ready to come back and continue my journey with Sunderland,” said Johnson, who is set to play his final game for the Lilywhites against Shamrock Rovers on Thursday week.

“The key message was to play as many games as possible. That’s the simple part. However, I have done everything to be consistent and bring the best version of myself.

“I want to thank Dundalk for supporting me throughout. The supporters have also been amazing.”