2012 League of Ireland Premier Division


The 2012 League of Ireland Premier Division was the 28th season of the League of Ireland Premier Division. The division featured 12 teams. Sligo Rovers were champions, winning their first top league title since 1976–77. Drogheda United finished as runners-up.

Teams

Stadia and locations

TeamLocationStadium
BohemiansPhibsboroughDalymount Park
Bray WanderersBrayCarlisle Grounds
Cork CityCorkTurners Cross
Derry CityDerryBrandywell Stadium
Drogheda UnitedDroghedaUnited Park
DundalkDundalkOriel Park
Monaghan UnitedMonaghanKingspan Century Park
Shamrock RoversTallaghtTallaght Stadium
ShelbourneDrumcondraTolka Park
Sligo RoversSligoThe Showgrounds
St. Patrick's AthleticInchicoreRichmond Park
UCDBelfieldUCD Bowl

Overview

There was a mid-season break coinciding with the Republic of Ireland national football team's UEFA Euro 2012 finals campaign. On 18 June 2012, Monaghan United announced their withdrawal from the league. Their record was subsequently expunged. The Premier Division title was won by Sligo Rovers, their first title in thirty five years.

Promotion/relegation play-off

Dundalk, the eleventh placed team from the Premier Division, played Waterford United, the winner of the 2012 [League of Ireland First Division|First Division] play-off. The winner of this play off would play in the 2013 Premier Division.
''Dundalk win 4–2 on aggregate and retained their place in the Premier Division. Waterford United appealed the result of the playoff, claiming Michael Rafter was ineligible as Dundalk had incorrectly registered him when they signed him earlier that season. However the appeal was unsuccessful.''