After one of the most exciting League of Ireland title races in ages, Gareth Maher measures the movements of each club and the matters for the close season.
1. Bohemians
Yet again Bohemians were the team to beat and for the second year running they proved to be a class above. With some clever signings they strengthened an already excellent squad and that added quality made all the difference. There were a few stumbles along the way, including a surprise defeat in the FAI Cup and a cruel exit from the Champions League, but success in the league and the EA Sports Cup ensured it was another double-winning season for the Gypsies.
Talking point: The big test for Pat Fenlon is to keep hold of his star players as several clubs have been sniffing around. But he does have some talented youngsters breaking through.
Financial standing: Fair
Player of the season: Paul Keegan
2. Shamrock Rovers
Despite not ending up with any silverware, 2009 will be a year that lives long in the memory of Shamrock Rovers fans as they finally moved into the Tallaght Stadium and once again emerged as a competitive force. Michael O'Neill quickly adapted to the league and got his team playing an attractive brand of football, which helped them to push city rivals Bohemians all the way for the title.
Talking point: The only way is up for the South Dublin club. If O'Neill can continue shaping his squad with the same calibre of player then they will do well on both the domestic and European scene.
Financial standing: Fair
Player of the season: Gary Twigg
3. Cork City
Securing a Europa League place capped off a fine debut season in charge for Paul Doolin, but finishing in the top three cannot hide the fact that it has been another troublesome year for the Leesiders off the pitch. On the pitch, they performed well with the players having to cope with the fact that they didn't know if they would be paid or not. Or even travel.
Talking point: With mounting on chairman Tom Coughlan to step down, Cork could find themselves under new ownership when the new season kicks off. A supporters group, FORAS, have indicated that they are eager to take control.
Financial standing: Poor
Player of the season: Dan Murray
4. Derry City
A season put into new context after last night's news that they've have been removed from the Premier Division for breaching regulations. They could have contested for the Premier Division title this year, instead they'll probably have to settle for challenging for the First Division crown next.
Talking point: An FAI delegation will meet with the club this week to consider how they may participate in senior football in the league, at some level other than in the Premier Division. A possible return to the Irish League has been ruled out.
Financial standing: Poor
Player of the season: Gareth McGlynn
5. Dundalk
After winning promotion back to the top flight, Dundalk took the bizarre decision to replace manager John Gill with Seán Connor, who in turn decided to offload the entire squad bar two players. Making it difficult for themselves was a theme that continued throughout their season. Some signings worked, but many failed to make an impact. A mid-table finish was quite appropriate.
Talking point: Only hours after the season ended Connor stepped down from his role, so the search for a new manager has already begun for the Lilywhites.
Financial standing: Poor
Player of the season: Chris Turner
6. Sligo Rovers
A lot was expected of Sligo after they did so well last term. However, their year started badly when manager Paul Cook quit. He did return, yet there was little he could do to inspire an injury-hit roster. They did show after the mid-season break what they were capable of as they began to climb away from the foot of the table.
Talking point: They are into the final of the FAI Ford Cup and if they win that showpiece event then better players should arrive at The Showgrounds next year.
Financial standing: Fair
Player of the season: Raffaele Cretaro
7. St Patrick's Athletic
Going from runners-up to relegation strugglers was never in the blueprint for the Inchicore outfit. The fans never warmed to Jeff Kenna, but luck was not on his side as injuries haunted him right up to the time when he was asked to step aside for Pete Mahon to take over.
Talking point: Another strong run in the Europa League was overshadowed by the team's poor league form. Perhaps it is time to gut the squad.
Financial standing: Fair
Player of the season: Ryan Guy
8. Galway United
Following Jeff Kenna's U-turn on his decision to stay, the club turned to his assistant Ian Foster. Nobody expected him to do that well, so it was quite surprising when his team were unbeaten after five games. With an inexperienced squad and the forced sale of captain Jay O'Shea to Birmingham, they had to rely on hard graft. And ultimately some fortune as they escape the relegation play-offs due to Derry's travails.
Talking point: The Tribesmen took a gamble on Foster and even though his contract stretches to the end of next season they face a fight to keep him as he has already been linked to other clubs.
Financial standing: Poor
Player of the season: Garry Breen
9. Drogheda United
When Alan Mathews agreed to take charge of Drogheda he had just two weeks to build an entire squad. For the club to have been in with a chance of surviving right up to the final week says a lot about his managerial skills. Despite their first win taking a long time to come, they improved in the second half of the season – but it was too late to avoid the relegation play-offs.
Talking point: The Boynesiders recently agreed to shift control to a supporter group, who are aiming get the club back to a solid footing.
Financial standing: Poor
Player of the season: Conor Kenna
10. Bray Wanderers
They at least have something of a reprieve as they enter the relegation play-off rather than First Division directly. Tasked with operating on the smallest budget in the league, the Seagulls were always destined to struggle. Sadly, they were forced to rely too heavily on young players.
Talking point: The club are already looking towards the long-term with Pat Devlin coming back on board as Director of Football. Whether their young squad will stay together remains to be seen.
Financial standing: Fair
Player of the season: Gary McCabe