League of Ireland: What every team is playing for on the last day

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Published: Fri 31 Oct 2025, 11:47 AM

Last updated: Fri 31 Oct 2025, 1:13 PM

Michael Bolton

The League of Ireland season concludes this weekend, with eight out of 10 teams having something to play for on the final day.

After missing out on the title last season, Shamrock Rovers have returned to their familiar position as champions with a victory over Galway on Wednesday.

At the other end of the table, Cork City's fate has been decided for some time as they are going back down.

However, with European football and relegation play-off places still to be decided, here is all you need to know ahead of Saturday's action.

Race for Europe

In the second and third, Derry City and Shelbourne have secured European football for next season.

With Shamrock Rovers taking on Cork City in the FAI Cup final, whoever finishes fourth faces a nervous wait next week to see if they will qualify for Europe.

If Stephen Bradley's side completes the double, fourth place will qualify.

Currently in fourth on goal difference is St Patrick's Athletic, level on points with Bohemians and Drogheda United.

If St Pat's win against Shelbourne, fourth should be secured, provided Bohemians don't win by six goals against Drogheda.

Should St Pat's lose, the winner of Bohemians and Drogheda would take fourth, while a draw would give Bohemians fourth if Stephen Kenny's side loses.

A draw for St Pat's against Shelbourne would mean the winner of Drogheda and Bohemians would claim fourth.

Battle to avoid the drop

While Cork are set for the second tier, the relegation play-off is yet to be decided, with Galway United, Sligo Rovers, and Waterford all hoping to avoid ninth.

Waterford are currently in the play-off position on goal difference, level on points with Sligo Rovers and Galway United on 39.

Champions Shamrock Rovers host Sligo, who may be looking to Europe and the FAI Cup final next week, with key players possibly rested.

Galway and Waterford face each other, with both sides desperate to avoid defeat. Victory for either side would be enough, while a draw and a win for Shamrock Rovers would see Sligo Rovers in the relegation play-off position.

A draw in both games would see Waterford stay in ninth, while wins for Sligo and Waterford would see Galway in trouble.

All of Saturday's games will kick off at 4:30 pm, and will be shown live on LOITV.