2016 League of Ireland Premier Division


The 2016 League of Ireland Premier Division was the 32nd season of the League of Ireland Premier Division. The league began on 4 March 2016 and concluded on 28 October 2016; the relegation play-offs followed on 31 October and 4 November 2016. The prize fund for the SSE Airtricity League Premier and First Divisions was €475,500 for the 2016 season.
Dundalk were crowned champions for the third year in a row on 23 October after a 2–1 win against Bohemians.

Overview

The Premier Division consisted of 12 teams. Each team played each other three times, a total of 33 matches in the season.
Wexford Youths, the 2015 First Division champion, entered the top level for the first time in their history. Finn Harps were promoted after winning the promotion/relegation playoffs.
The 12 clubs competed for €371,500 in prize money ranging from €110,000 for the winners to €17,000 for the team finishing bottom of the table.

Teams

TeamHome city/suburbStadium
BohemiansPhibsborough, DublinDalymount Park
Bray WanderersBrayCarlisle Grounds
Cork CityCorkTurner's Cross
Derry CityDerryBrandywell Stadium
DundalkDundalkOriel Park
Finn HarpsBallybofeyFinn Park
Galway UnitedGalwayEamonn Deacy Park
Longford TownLongfordCity Calling Stadium
Shamrock RoversTallaght, DublinTallaght Stadium
Sligo RoversSligoThe Showgrounds
St Patrick's AthleticInchicore, DublinRichmond Park
Wexford YouthsCrossabegFerrycarrig Park

Personnel and kits

Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
TeamManagerCaptainKit manufacturerShirt sponsor
Bohemians Keith Long Derek PenderHummelMr Green
Bray Wanderers Harry Kenny Conor KennaNikeSonas Bathrooms
Cork City John Caulfield John DunleavyNikeClonakilty Sausages
Derry City Kenny Shiels Ryan McBrideHummelDiamond Corrugated
Dundalk Stephen Kenny Stephen O'DonnellCX+ SportFyffes
Finn Harps Ollie Horgan Kevin McHughLegeaMcGettigan Group
Galway United Tommy Dunne Ryan ConnollyUhlsportComer Property Management
Longford Town Tony Cousins Mark SalmonMacronCity Calling
Shamrock Rovers Pat Fenlon Conor KennaNew BalancePepper
Sligo Rovers Dave Robertson Gavin PeersJomaVolkswagen
St Patrick's Athletic Liam Buckley Ger O'BrienUmbroClune Construction Company L.P.
Wexford Youths Shane Keegan Graham DoyleBodibroSBOBET

League table

Results

Matches 1–22

Teams played each other twice.

Matches 23–33

Teams played each other once.

Promotion/relegation playoffs

, the eleventh-placed team from the Premier Division took part in a two-legged play-off against Drogheda United, the winners of the 2016 First Division play-off, to decide who will play in the 2017 Premier Division.

First Leg

Second Leg

Drogheda United are promoted to the 2017 Premier Division; Wexford Youths are relegated to the 2017 First Division.

Top scorers

RankPlayerClubGoals
1 Sean MaguireCork City18
2 Rory PattersonDerry City17
3 David McMillanDundalk16
4 Vincent FahertyGalway United12
5 Conan ByrneSt Patrick's Athletic11
6 Raffaele CretaroSligo Rovers10
6 Kurtis ByrneBohemians10
6 Christy FaganSt Patrick's Athletic10
6 Gary McCabeShamrock Rovers10
10 Daryl HorganDundalk9