What Is 2007 FAI League of Ireland

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2007 FAI League of Ireland Premier Division was the 83rd season of the top-tier football league in Ireland, contested by 12 teams. Drogheda United won the title, finishing with 63 points, 3 points ahead of runners-up Cork City.

Key Facts

Drogheda United won the 2007 FAI League of Ireland Premier Division with 63 points
The league season ran from March 9 to November 2, 2007
Cork City finished second with 60 points, three behind the champions
12 teams competed, playing 33 matches each in a split-season format
Derry City won the 2007 FAI Cup, defeating St Patrick's Athletic 2–2 (4–2 on penalties) in the final

Overview

The 2007 FAI League of Ireland Premier Division marked the 83rd season of Ireland's top-flight football competition. Organized by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), the league featured a 12-team format with a split system after 33 matches to determine final standings.

The season began on March 9, 2007, and concluded on November 2, with Drogheda United clinching their first-ever league title. This historic win came after a tightly contested campaign, particularly against Cork City, who pushed them to the final matchday.

Drogheda United secured the title with 63 points, finishing just 3 points ahead of second-place Cork City after 33 matches.
The league operated under a split format, where teams played each other three times, totaling 33 games per team, introduced to maintain competitive balance.
Shamrock Rovers finished in fourth place with 54 points, narrowly missing European qualification despite a strong second half of the season.
Cork City scored 59 goals, the highest tally in the league, but defensive lapses cost them the title, conceding 38 goals.
UCD were relegated after finishing in last place with only 23 points, 11 points behind 11th-placed Dublin City.

League Structure and Format

The 2007 season followed a unique structure designed to extend the competitive phase and increase excitement in the final stretch. After all teams played 33 matches, the league split into a top six and bottom six for the final five rounds.

Split System: After 33 matches, the league divided into two groups—top six and bottom six—where teams carried forward points and played five additional games.
Three-Game Rotation: Each team faced every other side three times—twice at home and once away, or vice versa—ensuring a balanced fixture distribution.
Relegation: The bottom team was automatically relegated, while the second-from-bottom entered a playoff with the First Division runner-up for survival.
European Qualification: The top three teams qualified for UEFA competitions: Champions League (1st) and UEFA Cup (2nd and FAI Cup winner).
Top Scorer:Roddy Collins of Bohemians led the scoring charts with 17 goals, narrowly edging out Cork City's Declan O'Brien.
Managerial Changes: Four clubs changed managers mid-season, including Derry City, which saw Paul Hegarty replaced by Pat Fenlon in July.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the top five teams compared in key performance metrics during the 2007 season:

Team	Points	Goals For	Goals Against	Goal Difference
Drogheda United	63	54	31	+23
Cork City	60	59	38	+21
Bohemians	58	52	34	+18
Shamrock Rovers	54	50	42	+8
Derry City	53	48	39	+9

Drogheda’s consistency in defense—conceding only 31 goals—proved decisive compared to Cork City’s higher-scoring but leakier backline. The tight point gaps between second and fifth place highlighted the league’s competitiveness, with just 10 points separating second from fifth.

Why It Matters

The 2007 FAI League season was pivotal for Irish football, marking Drogheda United’s first league title and reshaping the competitive landscape. It also underscored the effectiveness of the split-season model in maintaining fan engagement until the final matchday.

Historic Achievement: Drogheda United’s title win was their first in club history, elevating their status in Irish football and securing European competition entry.
European Exposure: As champions, Drogheda entered the 2008 UEFA Champions League qualifiers, facing FK Ventspils in the first round.
Increased Rivalries: The close race between Drogheda and Cork intensified regional rivalries and boosted attendance, with average crowds rising by 12% over 2006.
Managerial Impact: Paul Doolin’s leadership at Drogheda was praised for tactical discipline, setting a benchmark for future title-winning managers.
Relegation Drama: UCD’s relegation sparked debate about amateur clubs competing in a semi-professional league, influencing future FAI policy discussions.
Legacy of the Format: The split system introduced in 2003 remained in place, with 2007 reinforcing its role in sustaining competitive tension late in the season.

The 2007 season remains a reference point for balanced competition and underdog success in Irish football history.