Premier League debut for Sam Curtis today - plug to a piece from last November about his unique CV for a kid departing Ireland

Shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that the situation at Dundalk has gone this way - just slightly surprising it’s happening this early. But you’re unlikely to see a siege mentality within the club develop around this one.

Sean O’Connor bats away Kenny chat but happy to embrace questions on Mason Melia after the 16 year old stood up to a stern physical test last night

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Video wrap of the storylines around the league

Report on a fun game in Tallaght. Lots of storylines but only right that Mason Melia’s picture should accompany the piece

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What a wild game that was in Tallaght. Great response from Pat's after their shaky opening. Rovers giving up the lead twice in a week where they've conceded five times at home. Mad league.

Mad game in Tallaght. Huge moment for 16-year-old Mason Melia who cancels out Dan Cleary's lead goal. Great composure to finish, although a slip from Leon Pohls made things a lot easier for him.

Looked like Rovers were going to run away with this game but Pat's have grown in confidence since equalising. Bit of unease in the Tallaght crowd coming up to half-time. Pat's causing a few issues with fluid formation.

The sun seems to have brought the goals out in the LOI. Rovers-Pat's game is very open. Somehow Pat's are level despite living very dangerously with attacking set-up. Entertaining viewing.

Filtering regular updates from the game into live blog here with news from around the grounds

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Sean O’Connor on the sideline for a Rovers-Pat’s derby. Another quirky aspect to this season. Summer football vibe in Tallaght. Looks like an attacking set up from Pat’s

Four minute preview of tonight’s action

Details on Shamrock Rovers deal with Sharp Group which they say is largest ever commercial sponsorship deal in LOI - Sharp covered cost (circa 650k) of installing LED signage that could generate up to €1m - with income ringfenced for academy contracts

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Dundalk have released a lot of strange statements in recent years but this is a new one. Basically admitting they had to explain to an Irish based player that using a referee’s Irish nationality in a discriminatory way might not be a good thing.

Back from a break to discuss the events of the week - another quiet one etc

A chat with Derry City’s Guinea born Sadou Diallo about faith, football & life before and after Manchester City independent.ie/sport/soccer/l…

Finally a recall in Daniel McDonnell 's absence. Pace not what it was and trying to use experience to keep up with younger pros.

Shane Robinson’s first interview since becoming FAI’s asst DOF

His main impression? ‘The politics are unbelievable’

Interesting mention of FAI board & the increasingly influential president Paul Cooke - reminding people they actually backed Canham’s FPP

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