| Select Year | ||
The second campaign almost brought disaster with City failing to win a single game at Flower Lodge and avoiding relegation only on goal difference from Shelbourne. Just three points were gleaned from home matches where Trevor Brooking’s fleeting appearances failed to inspire a change of fortune. City clung on to Premier Division status following some sterling away results.
The FAI Cup offered some respite with Bray Wanderers, Limerick City and Derry City being overcome as City advanced to the semi-finals. However, all-conquering Shamrock Rovers proved too powerful over two legs, winning 8:3 on aggregate. The return match at the Lodge was the last ever played at the famous old venue.
League of Ireland Premier Division 1985/1986
| Pos | Club | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shamrock Rovers (C) | 22 | 15 | 3 | 4 | 44 | 17 | 27 | 33 |
| 2 | Galway United | 22 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 42 | 19 | 23 | 31 |
| 3 | Dundalk | 22 | 12 | 6 | 4 | 36 | 16 | 20 | 30 |
| 4 | Bohemians | 22 | 8 | 11 | 3 | 27 | 22 | 5 | 27 |
| 5 | Waterford | 22 | 8 | 10 | 4 | 27 | 25 | 2 | 26 |
| 6 | St. Patrick's Athletic | 22 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 23 | 19 | 4 | 25 |
| 7 | Limerick | 22 | 10 | 4 | 8 | 45 | 28 | 17 | 24 |
| 8 | Athlone Town | 22 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 23 | 27 | -4 | 19 |
| 9 | Home Farm | 22 | 5 | 5 | 12 | 15 | 30 | -15 | 15 |
| 10 | Cork City | 22 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 23 | 44 | -21 | 13 |
| 11 | Shelbourne (R) | 22 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 15 | 40 | -25 | 13 |
| 12 | UCD (R) | 22 | 2 | 4 | 16 | 19 | 51 | -32 | 8 |
