Shamrock Rovers, Cork City and St Patrick's Athletic learn Europa League fate

Premier Division sides Shamrock Rovers, Cork City and St Patrick’s Athletic have all learned where their respective Europa League adventures will begin.

Shamrock Rovers will play Norwegian side SK Brann in their opening round tie.

The Hoops will make the trip to Norway first before hosting their Norwegian counterparts at Tallaght Stadium.

Brann are a former opponent of Shelbourne in the European Cup Winner's Cup, beating the Reds 6-2 on aggregate in 1996.   

Brann have previous history with the Hoops when they also faced eachother in February 2015. Rovers came out on top in a 3-2 friendly win at Tallaght Stadium. 

Cork City will also face the challenge of Progres Niederkorn or Cardiff MUFC in their respective tie.

Progres were formerly opponents of Shamrock Rovers while Cardiff MUFC follow in the footsteps of UCD who were the first third-level side were to enter the Europa League in 2015. 

St Patrick’s Athletic, who qualified in place of Waterford FC, have been drawn against IFK Norrkoping of Sweden.

Norrkoping are a former opponent of Shamrock Rovers in the Atlantic Cup pre-season competition.

In addition, Northern Irish side Crusaders will face B36 Torshavn in their opening round tie.



The Crues will be looking to make amends for their poor showing in European competition last term having lost both ties to Ludogorets and Olimpija Ljubjlana 

Cliftonville, should they see of the challenge of Barry Town in their preliminary round, will face FK Haugesund.

And finally, Ballymena United will also face the dauting challenge of Malmö should they manage to see off the challenge of Faroese side NSÍ in their respective preliminary round tie.  

The ties are scheduled to be played on July 11th and 18th. Dates are however, subject to change.