The long-delayed SSE Airtricity First Division fixture list has been revealed, as has a new promotion playoff structure.
The new second-tier season will begin a week after the Premier Division on February 21.
Shamrock Rovers II will begin life in the First Division away to Longford Town. It's been clarified that the Rovers' reserves can't be promoted, compete in the playoffs or enter the FAI Cup or EA Sports Cup.
UCD's return to the division begins away to last season's second-bottom side, Wexford.
Opening night will also see Cabinteely play host to Bray Wanderers and Galway United will take on Athlone Town.
Following 2019's playoff disappointment, Drogheda United's season begins with a trip to Cobh Ramblers on Saturday February 22.
Release of the fixtures had been delayed initially by the denial of Limerick a licence to play this season, and the subsequent need to see them replaced in the league.
That position went controversially to Shamrock Rovers II.
The promotion-relegation playoffs have now been extended to include the 5th place side in the league this season. They'll then play the 2nd place side in a de facto two-legged semi-final, with 4th playing 3rd.
The ultimate goal for the playoffs remains the same - a two-legged tie with the 9th placed side in the Premier Division.
That First Division side will still have only three-days between the second leg of their 'promotion final' and the first leg of the 'promotion-relegation final'.
SSE Airtricity First Division fixtures - first week
Friday, February 21
Cabinteely v Bray Wanderers
Galway United v Athlone Town
Longford Town v Shamrock Rovers II
Wexford v UCD
Friday, February 22
Cobh Ramblers v Drogheda United
SSE Airtricity First Division playoff schedule
Friday, October 2
4th placed First Division club v 3rd placed First Division club
5th placed First Division club v 2nd placed First Division clubC
Friday, October 9
3rd placed First Division club v 4th placed First Division club
2nd placed First Division club v 5th placed First Division club
Friday, October 16
Winner of 4th/3rd Play-off v Winner of 5th/2nd Play-off
Friday, October 23
Winner of 5th/2nd Play-off v Winner of 4th/3rd Play-off
Monday, October 26
Winner of First Division Play-off series v 9th placed Premier Division club
Friday, October 30
9th placed Premier Division club v Winner of First Division Play-off series
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
