THE WINNERS OF the League of Ireland Premier Division this year are to take on their counterparts from north of the border.

A two-legged tie between the top team in the SSE Airtricity League in 2019 and the 2018-19 Danske Bank Premiership champions will be played after the forthcoming League of Ireland campaign, which is due to conclude in October.

The announcement was made by FAI Competitions Director Fran Gavin this afternoon at the launch of the 2019 SSE Airtricity League season.

Adding that further details of the tie are to follow, Gavin stated that the second leg will be televised live by RTÉ. 

Dundalk, the reigning League of Ireland kingpins, are favourites to retain their title this year. The Lilywhites will begin their bid to do so at home to Sligo Rovers on Friday night.

Linfield lead the way in the current Danske Bank Premiership season, which is due to run until May. 

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