Catherine O’Mahony (above) writes:

Dear Ireland fans,

Firstly, thank you for doing the country proud off the pitch in Poland in the absence of pride on it. From the funny flags to the emotional Fields of Athenry, the media all over Europe have commented on your undying support and good nature during this tournament.

Sadly, Ireland are out and I’m sure you’ll all be returning home tired and hungover. But you’ll still have that buzz, that feeling of belonging. That sense of collective identity and excitement that only live football can bring.

There is live football happening every week in your national league and it desperately needs your support. The Airtricity League of Ireland resumes this Friday so why not get your fix by getting out and supporting your nearest team. When Eamonn Dunphy outlined the future of the Irish team, he singled out players like Keith Fahey, James McClean, Seamus Coleman and Wes Hoolahan. All of them developed and grew in the League of ireland, and would not be where they are today without it. Who knows what future star you’ll be watching this week?

On the same day as Ireland’s Euro journey came to an end, Monaghan United were forced to pull out of the premier division.

League of Ireland is an integral part of Irish football and vital for the development of our future heroes. It needs all of us to get behind it and bring that world renowned passion

and support to the games each week. Real football, real fans and none of Trap’s negative tactics in sight ;)

Thanks in advance for helping to keep Irish football alive.

Catherine O’Mahony

League of Ireland fan

This week’s fixtures:

Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers (Thurs), St Pats v Bohs, Cork City v Derry, Drogheda v Bray, UCD v Dundalk