Watch Cobh Ramblers v Longford Town on LOI TV: Alan O'Brien and Ivan Bevan on Commentary

Football fans in the UK eager for action from the Irish First Division can tune into LOI TV this Friday, 17 April 2026, at 19:45 UK time for Cobh Ramblers v Longford Town. While major British channels like ITV, BBC, Sky Sports or TNT Sports aren't broadcasting this fixture, LOI TV provides a subscription-based stream with geo-restrictions, perfect for dedicated followers of League of Ireland action[1][2]. The service requires a paid access, making it the go-to platform for live coverage of this mid-table clash at St. Colman's Park.

Alan O'Brien, the main commentator, brings a wealth of experience to the microphone. A former professional footballer who played as a winger for clubs including Cork City and represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level, O'Brien transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting. His career highlights include stints with RTÉ and various League of Ireland outlets, where his insightful analysis and passionate delivery have earned him a loyal following among Irish football enthusiasts. Joining him as co-commentator is Ivan Bevan, a respected figure in Irish football punditry. Bevan's background as a former midfielder, with appearances for teams like Athlone Town, gives him deep tactical knowledge, complemented by years providing expert co-commentary on LOI TV and other platforms[1]. Their partnership promises engaging coverage, blending O'Brien's play-by-play expertise with Bevan's on-pitch perspective.

This encounter pits two evenly matched sides against each other in the Irish First Division, with predictions leaning towards a Cobh Ramblers home win or draw. Currently sitting 5th with 15 points, Cobh Ramblers boast a strong home record, scoring an average of 2.4 goals against Longford Town historically, and winning the first half in 42% of their matches[7][8]. Longford Town, in 8th with 10 points, struggle away, with just 17% first-half wins, making them underdogs at odds of 4.10[4][5]. Analysts forecast a 2-0 Ramblers victory or a 39% draw probability, highlighting the hosts' 36.4% win chance at 1.80 odds[4][6]. Head-to-head stats show competitive bouts, with recent form favouring Cobh's attacking prowess[1][9].

Cobh Ramblers, based in County Cork, have been a staple of the First Division, aiming for promotion back to the Premier Division after past stints there. Their current form positions them as playoffs contenders, relying on key forwards to exploit Longford's defensive frailties. Longford Town, from County Longford, are rebuilding after relegation, with a squad blending youth and experience but inconsistent results on the road[3][9]. This match could be pivotal; a Ramblers win strengthens their top-four push, while Longford need points to climb from mid-table obscurity.

LOI TV's coverage extends beyond the 90 minutes, offering pre-match build-up, lineups, and post-game analysis. For UK viewers, check VPN options if geo-blocks apply, though the service is optimised for Irish and international audiences. Betting tips favour Cobh or draw (1X), with under 2.5 goals a cautious pick given both teams' recent low-scoring games[4][6]. Fans can follow live scores and stats on platforms like FotMob for real-time updates[2].

Learn more about the League of Ireland and its competitive structure. Whether you're a die-hard Ramblers supporter or tracking Longford's resurgence, Alan O'Brien and Ivan Bevan will guide you through every moment. Don't miss this First Division gem—subscribe to LOI TV and settle in for what promises to be a tense Cork-Longford showdown[1][3].

Article generated: 17 April 2026, 19:47 GMT