The 2015 SSE Airtricity Premier League gets underway tonight with matches in Dublin, Dundalk and Galway.
12 teams will battle for honours. Each contain young players with trophy-winning ambitions, as well as the hope they will be spotted by foreign scouts and earn a trip to the Premier League.
Our cut-off is 24 so genuine twentysomething talents such as Andy Boyle, Greg Bolger, Kurtis Byrne and Christy Fagan miss out.
Here are some of the top young talents that could well follow the likes of Seamus Coleman and Wes Hoolahan across the Irish Sea.
David O’Sullivan (Longford)
Nominated for First Division Player of the Year in 2014, O’Sullivan will be a vital target man, up front, for Tony Cousins’ side. In his coach (a former League of Ireland scoring legend), he has a fine mentor.
Ryan Connolly (Galway)
Another player that impressed in the First Division and faces a huge challenge after taking the promotional step-up. Fleet of foot with an eye for goal.
Daryl Horgan (Dundalk)
The 22-year-old winger previously impressed with Cork City and took that form to Dundalk [as evidenced in the clip above]. Vital to Town’s league win last year.
Sean Hoare (St Pat’s)
A defender tipped for a long, successful career in the game. The 20-year-old made 22 league appearances last season, scored twice and helped his team to the FAI Cup.
Barry McNamee (Derry City)
The Donegal native, and Conor O’Brien (Villagers) lookalike, made his City debut in October 2012 and has now established himself with the senior squad. McNamee, who turned 23 in February, has scored seven goals in 51 appearances over the past two seasons.
Luke Byrne (Shamrock Rovers)
The 21-year-old defender arrived in Tallaght via schoolboy spells at St Kevin’s Boys and Home Farm and senior football with Bohemians. Was called up to the Ireland Under-21 squad for their match against Montenegro.
Eoin Wearan (Sligo Rovers)
One of the first signings made by former Bohs boss Owen Heary when he arrived out west. The 22-year-old Dubliner is a fine passer of the ball, had stints in England with West Ham and Dagenham & Redbridge, and is a former Ireland Under-19 international.
Stephen Best (Bohemians)
A firm favourite of the JOE.ie side of the office. Played as a fullback for much of 2014 but could be drafted in to firm up the centre of the Bohs defence this year. If manager Keith Long wants a hassle-free player for his midfield, Best can do that too.
Chris Forrester (St Pat’s)
22-years-old but it seems as if he has been around forever. The attacking midfielder, occasional forward and scorer of spectacular goals, has found himself closely monitored by English and Scottish football scouts ever since 2011.
Gary Armstrong (Sligo Rovers)
The league’s answer to Danny Welbeck – a striker often stationed out on the wings due to his pace and neat first touch. Grandson of Bit O’Red’s all-time leading goalscorer Johnny Armstrong.
Roberto Lopes (Bohemians)
The Crumlin native had a breakthrough season with Bohs in 2012, having made his debut in 2010. Started last season as a centre-back before he was moved into midfield.
Sam Verdon (St Pat’s)
Only a year younger than Saints teammate Sean Hoare and with a lot less senior appearances, but those in the know believe 2015 will be his breakthrough season. The teenage forward has impressed in the inchicore club’s Under-19 set-up.
Dominic Mahon (Drogheda United)
Another 19-year-old with serious potential. The midfielder broke into the senior side last season and will hope to hold down a regular spot this year.
Patrick McEleney (Derry City)
The 22-year-old midfielder made his Candystripes debut way back in 2010, having arrived back from the Sunderland academy that same year. 27 appearances, and five goals, for City last season and cup final disappointment against St Pat’s.
Gareth McDonagh (Bray Wanderers)
Won RTE’s Football’s Next Star in 2012 and earned himself a ticket to the Celtic academy in Glasgow. The attacker turned 19 last month and will aim to light up the league this year.
