A week is a long time on football, as Derry City discovered just before the mid-season break. From two points off top spot in second place to nine points off top down in sixth place, reality hit hard at the worst possible time. So far, the only consistency in Derry City's season has been inconsistency and therein lies the great frustration for supporters and no doubt for City boss Tiernan Lynch. Currently, Shamrock Rovers deservedly sit top of the table and worryingly for everyone else, manager Stephen Bradley and his squad don’t look like they will be moving out of pole position any time soon. They have been here and done it on multiple occasions, and it will take a huge effort from any of the pretenders to dislodge them now. Champions Shelbourne currently sit nine points behind the leaders, but so far they have not looked capable of mounting a real defence of their title. The surprise package this year so far has been Drogheda United, who sit in second place, six points behind Rovers; as Kevin Doherty’s side have used last season’s FAI Cup success as a springboard in 2025. Bohemians will be hoping to be the team to challenge Rovers, as they, too, are six points adrift of their nearest rivals, but crucially have played a game less. They take on Rovers at Dalymount Park in a few weeks’ time, in a game which the Gypsies will be confident of winning, as they have won their previous two encounters this season. Another team who has disappointed this term, has been Stephen Kenny’s St Patrick’s Athletic, predicted by many to canter to the league title at the start of the season. The Saints finished the 2024 campaign in amazing fashion winning their last nine league games in a row, but while striker’s Mason Melia and Aidan Keena have been amongst the goals, fellow attack-minded players Zach Elbouzedi and Jake Mulraney have disappointed, and defensively they are conceding too many goals and that will have to change if they have hopes of becoming a title contender. Galway United, who currently sit in

placeholder image — A week is a long time on football, as Derry City discovered just before the mid-season break. From two points off top spot in second place to nine points off top down in sixth place, reality hit hard at the worst possible time. So far, the only consistency in Derry City's season has been inconsistency and therein lies the great frustration for supporters and no doubt for City boss Tiernan Lynch. Currently, Shamrock Rovers deservedly sit top of the table and worryingly for everyone else, manager Stephen Bradley and his squad don’t look like they will be moving out of pole position any time soon. They have been here and done it on multiple occasions, and it will take a huge effort from any of the pretenders to dislodge them now. Champions Shelbourne currently sit nine points behind the leaders, but so far they have not looked capable of mounting a real defence of their title. The surprise package this year so far has been Drogheda United, who sit in second place, six points behind Rovers; as Kevin Doherty’s side have used last season’s FAI Cup success as a springboard in 2025. Bohemians will be hoping to be the team to challenge Rovers, as they, too, are six points adrift of their nearest rivals, but crucially have played a game less. They take on Rovers at Dalymount Park in a few weeks’ time, in a game which the Gypsies will be confident of winning, as they have won their previous two encounters this season. Another team who has disappointed this term, has been Stephen Kenny’s St Patrick’s Athletic, predicted by many to canter to the league title at the start of the season. The Saints finished the 2024 campaign in amazing fashion winning their last nine league games in a row, but while striker’s Mason Melia and Aidan Keena have been amongst the goals, fellow attack-minded players Zach Elbouzedi and Jake Mulraney have disappointed, and defensively they are conceding too many goals and that will have to change if they have hopes of becoming a title contender. Galway United, who currently sit in

Derry City mid-term report: Could do better

Published 12th Jun 2025, 19:33 GMT

The only consistency in Derry City's season has been inconsistency

1.

Brian Maher - One of only two players to feature in every game so far, Maher has managed just six clean sheets and has made mistakes along the way. Maher has not reached his usual high standards as yet, but is in little danger of losing his spot. (Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile)

2.

Mark Connolly - Connolly was named club captain at the start of the year and has missed just one game this season so far. He was withdrawn early at Shamrock Rovers but has basically been an ever-presence since, and while he might be short of pace, he makes up in determination and leadership. (Photo: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile)

3.

Kevin Holt - Holt struggled in his first few games in a new league, but his since been more sure-footed and even chipped in with the winning goal at Cork City. (Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile)

4.

Ronan Boyce - Boyce has had his season disrupted by injury but has still managed to put in 14 appearances. He was the first Derry City player to score in front of the new North Stand, but will surely face more competition from the summer on, with Tiernan Lynch almost certain to strengthen his defence. (Photo: Ben McShane/Sportsfile)

Derry City mid-term report: Could do better

The only consistency in Derry City's season has been inconsistency

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