Shamrock Rovers Bookmaker’s Favourites in the League Of Ireland

As another season of the League of Ireland (LOI) gets underway, almost every regular watcher can agree with one statement: Shamrock Rovers are the favourite. Rovers have been one of the dominant teams in recent league history, adding a twenty-second league title to their collection in 2025.

While they only won the league by three points last year – pipping Derry City to the title – Rovers are the best side in Irish domestic football. A double, culminating in a 2-0 win in the FAI Cup Final against Cork City, leaves Shamrock as by far and away the favourite heading into this year.

Backed by their European income thanks to making the UEFA Europa Conference League, the bookies see them as a clear favourite.

Shamrock Rovers LoI Champions: What Do The Bookies Say?

Rovers are currently healthy favourites to win with bet365 (5/4) and William Hill (5/4). Stephen Bradley has built one of the most competitive sides in recent league history, and their dominance comes as little surprise. The odds reflect their position as a team with plenty of experience, depth, and no shortage of title winners among their ranks.

The next closest contenders include Derry City, who are 11/4 at both bookmakers, and Shelbourne, who are rated at 5s at both bet365 and William Hill. St. Patrick’s Athletic are next up, though odds of 6s (bet365) and 13/2 (William Hill) paint a pretty clear picture about their chances.

You only need to look at the quality in the Shamrock team to understand the odds. Alongside young star Michael Noonan, who stuck around despite interest from Glasgow Celtic and TSG Hoffenheim, there are also well-recognised names in the league, such as Jack Byrne, Enda Stevens, Jake Mulraney and former Welsh international Adam Matthews.

Add in the fact that this Shamrock team has won five of the last six LoI titles, and it’s easy to see why they sit atop the pile.

Is There Any Hope Of A Surprise LoI Title Winner?

Well, maybe. The league could be more competitive this season. Bohemians are a good team, and newly promoted Dundalk have a good history in the league. There are some decent teams, but the most serious threat is likely to come from Derry City.

They’ve signed some impressive players, including Irish international hero James McClean. Tiernan Lynch has built a decent outfit there, finally getting a better balance between the older veterans and the younger talent. The likes of Patrick McClean and Darragh Markey are good LoI standard players. Derry probably lacks the depth of Rovers, but they are easily the next best contender out there.

Recent history of finishing in the runners-up spot – in 2022, 2023 and 2025 – means Derry are at least used to competing for the full season.

However, it would be hard to look beyond Shamrock. They have acquitted themselves well enough in Europe in recent years, too, which only helps to bolster their coffers and give the team more confidence that they can dominate at home as well as do alright in continental games.

Expect a Shamrock title win in 2026, but it might not be as easy as some may predict. The bookies, though, have them as clear favourites for a reason!