| Select Year | ||
Pat Dolan was unveiled as the new City boss as the club ushered in a new era of professionalism. On the pitch performances were mixed as new players were drafted and old hands released or retired. The biggest disappointment was probably an opening round FAI Cup defeat at home to Shelbourne and once again the Munster Senior Cup was the only trophy collected. Still, an Intertoto Cup spot was secured –a definite sign of improved standing compared to recent campaigns.
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Shelbourne (C) | 36 | 19 | 12 | 5 | 52 | 28 | 24 | 69 |
| 2 |  Bohemians | 36 | 18 | 10 | 8 | 58 | 37 | 21 | 64 |
| 3 |  Cork City | 36 | 13 | 14 | 9 | 43 | 33 | 10 | 53 |
| 4 |  Longford Town | 36 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 46 | 44 | 2 | 48 |
| 5 |  St. Patrick's Athletic | 36 | 10 | 16 | 10 | 48 | 48 | 0 | 46 |
| 6 |  Waterford | 36 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 44 | 58 | -14 | 45 |
| 7 |  Shamrock Rovers | 36 | 10 | 14 | 12 | 45 | 46 | -1 | 44 |
| 8 |  Drogheda United | 36 | 9 | 10 | 17 | 38 | 50 | -12 | 37 |
| 9 |  Derry City | 36 | 7 | 15 | 14 | 33 | 51 | -18 | 36 |
| 10 |  UCD (R) | 36 | 7 | 13 | 16 | 27 | 39 | -12 | 34 |
