| Select Year | ||
Unbeaten in three out of four Intertoto Cup games, it was apparent that things had been tightened up on the pitch. The spirit had returned, colours were changed to red-and-white and the fans were growing in numbers. The missing ingredient was success and by season’s end, Barry would provide that. League improvement continued with a creditable third place finish.
The Munster Cup was retained but it was the FAI Cup that put Cork City back on the map after several lean and desperate years. Derek Coughlan’s goal against Shelbourne ensured City got their hands on the famous trophy for the very first time.
Note 1: Shelbourne F.C. qualified for the LFA President’s Cup after also finishing as runners up in the 1997–98 FAI Cup.
Note 2: Cork City qualified for the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and FAI Super Cup after winning the 1997–98 FAI Cup final.
League of Ireland Premier Division 1997-1998
| Pos | Club | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St. Patrick's Athletic (C) | 33 | 19 | 11 | 3 | 46 | 24 | 22 | 68 |
| 2 | Shelbourne | 33 | 20 | 7 | 6 | 58 | 32 | 26 | 67 |
| 3 | Cork City | 33 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 50 | 40 | 10 | 53 |
| 4 | Shamrock Rovers | 33 | 14 | 10 | 9 | 41 | 32 | 9 | 52 |
| 5 | Bohemians | 33 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 50 | 36 | 14 | 50 |
| 6 | Dundalk | 33 | 12 | 9 | 12 | 41 | 43 | -2 | 45 |
| 7 | Sligo Rovers | 33 | 10 | 14 | 9 | 46 | 49 | -3 | 44 |
| 8 | Finn Harps | 33 | 12 | 7 | 14 | 41 | 43 | -2 | 43 |
| 9 | Derry City | 33 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 30 | 31 | -1 | 40 |
| 10 | UCD | 33 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 36 | 38 | -2 | 39 |
| 11 | Kilkenny City (R) | 33 | 4 | 7 | 22 | 27 | 63 | -36 | 19 |
| 12 | Drogheda United (R) | 33 | 2 | 9 | 22 | 20 | 55 | -35 | 15 |
