Drogheda United face Galway United at Sullivan and Lambe Park on Friday evening in the third meeting between the sides this season

Thursday 3rd July 2025, 16:07 pm

The Boynesiders come into this game following a 3-0 defeat away to Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium last Friday.

Two quickfire goals in the 33rd and 36th minutes from Sam Todd and Ronan Boyce gave Derry a 2-0 lead at half-time.

Derry made it 3-0 with the final kick of the game as Danny Mullen bundled the ball over the line.

In team news, Josh Thomas, Paul Doyle, Elicha Ahui, James Bolger and George Cooper are all ruled out through injury while Warren Davis is doubtful after missing the game in Derry with an injury.

The previous game at Sullivan and Lambe Park this season ended in a 1-1 draw, with Ryan Brennan and Killian Brouder both on the scoresheet.

Galway won the return fixture at Eamonn Deacy Park in April with a Moses Dyer brace in the second after Darragh Markey had fired Drogheda in front.

Referee:Damien MacGraith

Assistants:Richard Storey, Chris Campbell

Fourth Official:Ryan Maher

2025 Squad – Top All Time Competitive Appearances in all Competitions:

Ryan Brennan - 234 apps (30 goals)

Conor Kane - 214 apps (2 goal)

Luke Heeney - 185 apps (3 goals)

Darragh Markey - 165 apps (12 goals)

Andrew Quinn - 92 apps (4 goals)

Drogheda United Last 5 Competitive Results:

League - 27/6/25 - Derry City 3-0 Drogheda United

League - 23/6/25 - Cork City 1-1 Drogheda United (Shane Farrell)

League - 20/6/25 - Drogheda United 1-0 Sligo Rovers (Douglas James-Taylor)

League - 16/6/25 - Drogheda United 1-2 Shamrock Rovers (George Cooper)

League - 13/6/25 - St. Patrick’s Athletic 0-0 Drogheda United

2025 Drogheda United Competitive Goalscorers – all comps - (Total - League - LSC)

Warren Davis (7 - 7 - 0)

Conor Keeley (5 - 5 - 0)

Thomas Oluwa (5 - 2 - 3)

Darragh Markey (3 - 3 - 0)

Josh Thomas (3 - 1 - 2)

Ryan Brennan (2 - 2 - 0)

Shane Farrell (2 - 2 - 0)

**Douglas James-Taylor (2 - 2 - 0)

Luke Heeney (1 - 1 - 0)

George Cooper (1 - 1 - 0)

Elicha Ahui (1 - 1 - 0)

Bridel Bosakani (1 - 0 - 1)

Own Goal (1 - 1 - 0)

**Player no longer at the club

Trim Celtic AFC Submits Application for FAI National League (Tier 3)

Wednesday 25th June 2025, 08:25 am

By Darren Donoghue

Trim Celtic AFC have submittd an application to join the FAI National League ( Tier 3). 

Trim Celtic AFC  released the following press release:

"Trim Celtic AFC, a historic club founded in 1967 and deeply rooted in Meath’s football
community, has officially applied to join the Football Association of Ireland’s (FAI) newly
proposed National League (Third Tier), set to launch in 2026 .

"A Bold Step for Grassroots Football.

"The FAI’s National League aims to bridge the gap between amateur and professional football in
Ireland, offering a structured pathway for clubs like Trim Celtic AFC to compete at a national
level.

"Why Trim Celtic AFC?
Proven Legacy: With a history dating back to 1967, the club has been a cornerstone of Meath
football, competing in the North East Football League, (formerly the MDL) Leinster Junior Cup,
Leinster Senior Cup, and the FAI Junior Cup, with victory in the 2023 Leinster Junior Cup
Community: Active in youth development (e.g., Nursery, pathways for both female and male
players, Summer Soccer Camps) and local groups and organisations.

Club Spokesperson
“This is a transformative opportunity for Trim Celtic AFC and Meath football. We believe our
community-focused ethos and on-field potential make us ideal candidates to contribute to the
FAI’s pyramid structure.”

Drogheda United travel to the Richmond Park on Friday to face St. Patrick’s Athletic in the first game after the mid-season break.

Thursday 12th June 2025, 14:06 pm

The Boynesiders played out a 2-2 draw away to Waterford in the last league game before the break.

Waterford took the lead after just 19 minutes through Tommy Lonergan before Warren Davis headed in a Shane Farrell corner five minutes later to equalise.

Padraig Amond looked to have won the game with eight minutes to play for Waterford as he turned Dean McMenamy’s effort past Dennison in goal.

However, Kevin Doherty’s side would find an equaliser, as Conor Keeley turned the ball in at the back post from substitute Kieran Cruise’s corner in the 94th minute.

Drogheda would finish the game with ten men after Elicha Ahui was sent off for a second yellow.

In team news, Josh Thomas and Paul Doyle are ruled out through injury and James Bolger is doubtful. Elicha Ahui is suspended following his red card in Waterford, while Ryan Brennan is available after serving a suspension against Waterford.

Drogheda and St. Patrick’s Athletic have played each other twice this season, with both games ending scoreless.

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan
Assistants: Eoin Harte, Conor Fitzgibbon
Fourth Official: Glen Geraghty

2025 Squad – Top All Time Competitive Appearances in all Competitions:
Ryan Brennan - 229 apps (30 goals)
Conor Kane - 209 apps (2 goal)
Luke Heeney - 180 apps (3 goals)
Darragh Markey - 160 apps (12 goals)
Andrew Quinn - 87 apps (4 goals)

Drogheda United Last 5 Competitive Results:
League - 30/5/25 - Waterford 2-2 Drogheda United (Warren Davis, Conor Keeley)
League - 23/5/25 - Drogheda United 1-0 Bohemians (Douglas James-Taylor)
League - 19/5/25 - Shelbourne 0-0 Drogheda United
League - 16/5/25 - Drogheda United 1-1 Derry City (Elicha Ahui)
League - 9/5/25 - Shamrock Rovers 3-0 Drogheda United

2025 Drogheda United Competitive Goalscorers – all comps - (Total - League - LSC)
Warren Davis (7 - 7 - 0)
Conor Keeley (5 - 5 - 0)
Thomas Oluwa (5 - 2 - 3)
Darragh Markey (3 - 3 - 0)
Josh Thomas (3 - 1 - 2)
Ryan Brennan (2 - 2 - 0)
Douglas James-Taylor (1 - 1 - 0)
Luke Heeney (1 - 1 - 0)
Shane Farrell (1 - 1 - 0)
Elicha Ahui (1 - 1 - 0)
Bridel Bosakani (1 - 0 - 1)
Own Goal (1 - 1 - 0)

Drogheda United travel to Tolka Park on Monday evening to face Shelbourne

Monday 19th May 2025, 11:59 am

The Boynesiders come into this game following a 1-1 draw at home to Derry City on Friday.

Drogheda took the lead after 41 minutes, as Elicha Ahui rose highest to head Owen Lambe’s corner past Brian Maher.

Drogheda twice went close to doubling the lead with two chances in quick succession. Ahui pressed, won the ball and broke into the box, setting up Oluwa but he saw his shot deflected wide. Two minutes later, Maher made a superb save to palm Oluwa's header over the bar.

Dennison denied Hoban from close range on 77 minutes before Derry found the equaliser in the 90th minute, as a strike from Dom Thomas took a big deflection, wrong footing Dennison in goal.

In team news, Josh Thomas and Paul Doyle are both ruled out through injury, Darragh Markey remains a doubt, while Shane Farrell returns from suspension.

These sides have already played three times this season. Shelbourne won 2-0 in the President’s Cup before Drogheda won the first league meeting 1-0 a month later, both in Tolka Park. The most recent meeting in April ended 2-2 at Sullivan and Lambe Park.

Referee: Rob Hennessy

Assistants: Robert Clarke, Emmett Dynan

Fourth Official: Ryan Maher

2025 Squad – Top All Time Competitive Appearances in all Competitions:

Ryan Brennan - 227 apps (30 goals)

Conor Kane - 206 apps (2 goal)

Luke Heeney - 177 apps (3 goals)

Darragh Markey - 157 apps (12 goals)

Andrew Quinn - 84 apps (4 goals)

Drogheda United Last 5 Competitive Results:

League - 16/5/25 - Drogheda United 1-1 Derry City (Elicha Ahui)

League - 9/5/25 - Shamrock Rovers 3-0 Drogheda United

League - 5/4/25 - Drogheda United 3-2 Cork City (Shane Farrell, Warren Davis, Ryan Brennan)

League - 2/5/25 - Sligo Rovers 2-2 Drogheda United (Conor Keeley, Thomas Oluwa)

League - 25/4/25 - Galway United 2-1 Drogheda United (Darragh Markey)

2025 Drogheda United Competitive Goalscorers – all comps - (Total - League - LSC)

Warren Davis (6 - 6 - 0)

Thomas Oluwa (5 - 2 - 3)

Conor Keeley (4 - 4 - 0)

Darragh Markey (3 - 3 - 0)

Josh Thomas (3 - 1 - 2)

Ryan Brennan (2 - 2 - 0)

Luke Heeney (1 - 1 - 0)

Shane Farrell (1 - 1 - 0)

Elicha Ahui (1 - 1 - 0)

Bridel Bosakani (1 - 0 - 1)

Own Goal (1 - 1 - 0)

Drogheda United face Waterford FC on Friday evening in Sullivan & Lambe Park

Thursday 3rd April 2025, 15:14 pm

The Boynesiders come into this game following a 1-1 draw away to Cork City last Friday, in the first game after the international break.

Warren Davis had a goal disallowed early on for encroachment into the box, after he had blocked Tein Troost’s kick, diverting the ball into the net.Cork took the lead after 33 minutes, with Ruairi Keating scoring from the penalty spot after Aaron Harper-Bailey had been adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.

Drogheda pushed for an equaliser in the second half, and found it just after the hour mark. Ryan Brennan won the ball back, Luke Heeney and Shane Farrell linked well in midfield before Heeney found Davis.Davis cut inside his man, and finished well into the bottom corner past Troost, to score his second goal of the season. Kevin Doherty’s side went closest to finding a winner, but Heeney saw his strike superbly saved by the feet of Troost.

The four meetings between the sides last season saw Waterford win the first two games 4-1 in Drogheda and 4-2 at the RSC. Goals from Frantz Pierrot and Adam Foley earned Drogheda the points in July before a scoreless draw at the RSC in October.

In team news, defender Elicha Ahui and forwards Josh Thomas and Douglas James-Taylor remain sidelined through injury. Defenders Andrew Quinn and George Cooper are doubtful after missing the trip to Cork with knocks, as is midfielder Darragh Markey, who was substituted at half time in Cork with an injury.

Midfielder Luke Heeney, who has appeared in all seven league games so far this season, as a substitute, and was named in the League of Ireland Team of the Week for his performance off the bench in Cork, looked ahead to the game against Waterford.

“This year I’ve been used as a sub so far but the boys who start have been excellent all year so I can have no complaints at all!

“Obviously every player would like to play every minute of every match but it doesn’t go like that, I just need to keep doing what I’m doing off the bench and training hard during the week.

“It’s a long year and as long as the team is getting results, then I’m happy whether that be starting or coming off the bench,” Heeney explained.

“Waterford are a very good side with a great mix of experience and youth in there.

“They were really unlucky last week not to beat St. Pat’s so they’ll be coming here fired up and looking to get back to winning ways so we will have to be ready for that. I can see it being a ding-donger of a game and we’re all looking forward to it,” Heeney said.

Referee:Neil Doyle

Assistants:Darren Corcoran, Shane O’Brien

Fourth Official:Robert Dowling

2025 Squad – Top All Time Competitive Appearances in all Competitions:

Ryan Brennan - 218 apps (29 goals)

Conor Kane - 197 apps (2 goal)

Luke Heeney - 168 apps (3 goals)

Darragh Markey - 151 apps (10 goals)

Andrew Quinn - 77 apps (4 goals)

Armstrong signs for AFL club St Kilda

Friday 22th November 2024, 10:15 am

By Darren Donoghue

Meath under-20 star and Delleek-Bellestown player Eamonn Armstrong Has signed for AFL club St Kilda.

The move is a major blow for Meath Gaa and for new Meath manager Robbie Brennan, as Armstrong was one of the main stars behind Meath's Leinster u20 triumph this year, scoringing 1-2 from in a man-of-the-match display against Louth in the final. Armstrong was named Leinster U20 player of the year.

St Kilda made the announcement this morning on their website. They said the following:

"St Kilda is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for success, signing young Gaelic prodigy Eamonn Armstrong as a Category B Rookie ahead of Season 2025.

Hailing from Ireland’s County Meath just outside of Dublin, Armstrong first caught the eyes of Saints recruiters in an impressive string of games for Meath’s U20 side this year".

"At just 17 years old, Armstrong played a pivotal role in securing the County’s first championship in 23 years, scoring the winning goal from half-back and later being crowned the Player of the Province.Having recently turned 18, Armstrong also holds the distinction of having represented Ireland in underage soccer levels".

“We’re very pleased to welcome Eamonn and his family to the club,” Executive General Manager of FootballDavidMissonsaid.As a club, we’re committed to exploring every avenue available when it comes to making ourselves better, whether that’s through talent pathways here or through scouting cross-code, international athletes.- EGM Football David MissonArmstrong is currently undertaking his final year of high school and is planning to make the move to Australia once he completes his education.“We’re really supportive of Eamonn’s decision to finish school and join us in a few months,” Misson said.“We clearly see great potential in him and wanted to make sure he had the comfort of knowing he’d secured a place on our list in the meantime to allow him to concentrate on his studies.“We look forward to making Eamonn welcome at RSEA Park next year.”Pick swaps galore as Saints add four more at 2024 Draft

Armstrong said he was excited to sign with St Kilda.

“I couldn’t be more excited to embrace this opportunity and all of the experiences it will bring,” Armstrong said.

“The club has been terrific in really making my family and I feel comfortable with this process.

“I know I have a lot to learn, but I can’t wait to get stuck in and really give it my all.”

"Armstrong is now the second Category B Irishman currently on the St Kilda list, joiningLiamO’Connellwho has just concluded his first year at Moorabbin".

If anyone wishes to support our business or wants to buy us a coffee here is the link. Every coffee bought helps with the running of the business and will help us cover even more, news and sports. Thanks

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KILDUFF CONFIRMS MANAGEMENT TEAM

Thursday 21st November 2024, 14:10 pm 

Dundalk FC first-team manager Ciarán Kilduff has confirmed his staff for the 2025 SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division, ahead of the start of pre-season training which commences on 16th December.

Kilduff, who earlier this month returned to Oriel Park where he has legendary status, has brought in his former Athlone Town Women’s assistant manager Ken Kiernan to once again be his number two.

A former League of Ireland Academy coach at Shelbourne, Kiernan worked with Kilduff when the pair led Athlone to FAI Cup glory last November. He was then given the opportunity to manage Bohemians Women, where he spent the past year.

Kiernan is a new name at Oriel, but the rest of Kilduff’s staff are familiar faces to Dundalk supporters.

Gerry Spain, who was a key member of Stephen Kenny’s backroom team between 2013 and 2016, returns to the club as first-team coach and analyst, while Liam Burns continues as first-team coach and Peter Cherrie as goalkeeping coach.

Kilduff on his staff…

“I couldn’t be happier. I got all my first choices. When I took the job, they were the people that I wanted to bring in and keep. Honestly, it couldn’t have gone any better.

“The targets of Ken and Gerry, who I’m bringing in alongside me, were key to me being able to do this job the way I want to do it. To keep Burnsy and Peter Cherrie in the building and the dressing-room with me was something I targeted early.

“They’re all bringing different values and different experiences. I think we’ve got a brilliant blend for the dressing-room now. I think it sends a statement to the players that are sticking with us and the players that are coming in, about the level of coaching, the level of professionalism and the honesty that they’ll get from the coaching staff.”

On Ken Kiernan’s arrival…

“Ken has a great CV. He worked underage with Shelbourne Boys, we worked together in Athlone and had success. He’s a brilliant coach, we work well together. We have an element of trust.

“He’s someone that I’ve always spoken to on a daily basis, in terms of football and helping each other out. It is great having someone of his quality, his honesty, his work endeavour, his discipline, his commitment.

“I think, a lot like me, he is relishing the opportunity. As coaches, we’re looking forward to getting on the training pitch now. We speak hourly about planning sessions. That’s why we work so well together – Ken is the type of character who’s always all in, a lot like myself and a lot like the lads we’re trying to bring to the club and that are here.

“Speaking with Daryl Horgan yesterday, he’s already in the gym working towards next season. Ken, myself and all the staff are already doing our jobs and working away with a goal for next season. I’m over the moon to get Ken.”

On convincing him to leave Bohemians…

“He had done a great job there and he was building something special. Ken himself knows, though, this is also a huge opportunity in terms of his own progression as a coach, an opportunity to work alongside me, the other staff and the quality players we’re going to have in the dressing-room.

“I can’t say it was an easy decision for him to walk away from what he’s done, but I also know how determined he is and how much he valued this opportunity that we’re going to have now in Dundalk, to hopefully be the men to try to restore Dundalk to its place in Irish football.

“He’s very much like that. He’s an honest man, he’s an honest coach, and he’s very proud of the work he did with Bohemians. Yes, it took some convincing, because like us all, everyone needs convincing before they do any job, but I knew from early days that this was something that really interested him.

“I knew the idea of us working together again, with the opportunity that Dundalk presents right now, was going to be a huge opportunity that he couldn’t refuse.”

On Gerry Spain’s return…

“Gerry is massive for us. He is someone that I worked under when I was at Dundalk during the Stephen Kenny era. Gerry has a completely different wealth of knowledge. He knows the northern leagues well, he knows the local area well, and he cares about the club deeply.

“We’ve constantly kept in contact over the years and as soon as I got a role like this, he was always going to be one of the first people that I was going to call. What a coup for me to have Gerry coming in and giving me his experience, his dedication and commitment.

“It’s getting people around the club that care about the club. That’s the biggest thing. We all have a drive now in the building of people who are trying to do an honest day’s work for the club, and that’s what the club needs right now.

“Gerry has a very different style to me in terms of how he does things, and that’s what I love about him. I think he’s a brilliant addition for me to have, he’s someone I can bounce off and someone who will guide me, and give me a different opinion on things. That’s what I need around the place.”

On Liam Burns and Peter Cherrie staying…

“They’re huge. Their value cannot be understated. When I walked into the building on the day I was being announced, the first person I spoke to was Burnsy and I asked him to come and meet me straight away.

“Peter is away but we’ve spoken numerous times on the phone about his role within this. Burnsy, in particular, is a heartbeat of the club. He’s someone who cares so much about the club and you need those people around right now.

“Burnsy was key for me in this. He’s a key figure in the club’s history and will be going forward as long as I’m here, as long as he wants to be. He’s an excellent coach, he has the respect already of the lads, the work he does, the knowledge he has, even of the Academy structure and players coming through, I’m delighted that our relationship is good.

“I don’t want this to be understated – I never spoke to anyone else other than this staff that is coming in. These were always my first options. I couldn’t be happier. It genuinely couldn’t have gone better.”

2025 First-Team Management
Manager: Ciarán Kilduff
Assistant Manager: Ken Kiernan
First-Team Coach: Liam Burns
First-Team Coach & Analyst: Gerry Spain
Goalkeeping Coach: Peter Cherrie

Can top Drogs great season give a badly needed new lease of life to domestic football in Louth and Meath?

Monday 18th November 2024, 13:25 pm

By Darren Donoghue

What a season and what a week it was for Drogheda United! After claiming their first FAI Cup in 19 years against a well fancied Derry City in the Aviva Staduim, matters turned to the all-important relegation/promotion game against Bray Wanderers in Tallaght Staduim.

Many felt the boynesiders might be a bit leggy after the cup celebrations, but this wasn’t the case as they brushed aside Bray Wanderers 3-1.

The win meant that premier division status was retained as they flirted with relegation all season, finishing above fellow Louth rivals Dundalk who finished bottom of the league, which meant automatic relegation from the premier division.

It was a brilliant season for Drogheda Untied, but the big question is can the success of Drogheda this rejuvenate domestic Football in Louth and Meath?

As we turn our attention to the domestic league, firstly a huge congratulations to Carrick Rovers who defeated Trim Celtic at Tully Park 2-1 to claim their first NEFL Premier Division title in 25 years.

Both teams were nip and tuck at the top of the league all season, while Trim Celtic slipped up against Parkvilla, Carrick knew a win yesterday would clinch the title and the win denied Trim completing the treble as they won the Killmessan Sheild and Challenge cup earlier in the year.

But its time to talk about the Elephant in the room, the decline of domestic Football in Louth and Meath.

While the league of Ireland is on the crest of a wave this season after this year’s competitive title run in and record attendance of crowds throughout the season. But same can’t be said for local football in Meath and Louth at this moment in time, domestic football  is a decline.

We start at the top league, The NEFL, the premier division. The top division is made up of the 10 best teams from Meath, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan. With the best teams in the top league, you would think clubs would have no bother finding players to field a team. But this is not the case as Drogheda team Chord Celtic pulled their first team out of the league halfway through the season. Unfortunately, this is the norm throughout the NEFL leagues as clubs struggle to find and keep players to maintain their status in the league.

There are plenty of factors that contribute to teams withdrawing from leagues, but one big factor is ease in which one player can transfer from one club to another. That’s a conversation for another day, but maybe the FAI could potentially look at their rivals The GAA in regard to player transfers. How many GAA clubs do you see not being able to field teams or how many GAA clubs have folded in a season? The answer is very few.

The switch to summer football has affected all clubs in different ways. There is no doubt that GAA is the biggest rival to local football clubs and when the switch happened many clubs lost many players due to the clash with the GAA season. At one point a football club might have fielded 3 adult teams, nowadays they might be lucky to able to field one team.

Kentstown Rovers F.C. and Albion Rovers had three adult teams in the 2024 NEFL season. Going back 10 years or so, many clubs could field three adult teams. Nowdays,  this itself is a great achievement and both clubs are seeing the positive effects of the switch to summer football.

But when you look at statistics since the switch to summer football in the northeast it doesn’t make great reading.

The 2017/18 season a year before the switch to the calendar season there were 53 clubs and a total of 96 teams. 2019 was the first year of the calendar season and there were 48 clubs and 69 teams entered into The Nefl. This upcoming 2024 season there are 42 clubs and 64 teams are entered into the league.

Within the above statistics, many clubs in Meath and Louth no longer have any adult teams. Some clubs are concentrating on the youth set up, while many clubs folded for one reason or another.

Newfoundwell, Boyne Harps, OMP, Slane, Woodview celtic were all big names within The Nefl at one point in time, but they no longer have an adult team in The Nefl.

But then again you could look at it as a half full kind of view meaning lesser teams would mean that more competitive games and competitive leagues.

So, will the success of Drogheda Untied this season help the domestic game?

Hopefully, it will. But only time will tell.

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Top Drogs take on misfiring Derry

Thursday 7 November 2024, 10:30 am

By Darren Donoghue

This Sunday 10th November Drogheda United Take on Derry City in the holy grail of Irish Football, The FAI Cup Final. Kick off in the Aviva stadium is at 3pm.

Both of these two these teams will be looking to finish season strong with some silverware, but Derry City have more to lose.

At the start of the season  you would have said that Derry City were the main rivals to Stephen Bradley Shamrock Rovers for the league of Ireland title.

Derry signed many big-name players such as Patrick Hoban and Daniel Kelly during the transfer window and going into the 2024 campaign there was much anticipation and expectation to Challenge rovers for the title.

Ruaidhrí Higgins men had a mediocre season to say the least, blowing hot and cold throughout the season. Some performances were excellent such as the 2-0 win over Shelbourne at home in the FAI cup quarterfinal were they played Shelbourne off the park.

But then Derry put in a woeful performance against Sligo Rovers at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium. Going into that game Derry knew that a win would put them at the top of the table and overtake Shelbourne. The candy stripes didn’t look like a team that were going for a league title and the game finished 1-1.

Derry City were in great position to win the league at one point. After the amount of games Shelbourne lost on the bounce, Derry should have capitalised on Shelbourne dip in form and push on, but they didn’t. They should have buried Shelbourne and should have never let Rovers back into contention for the title.

Don’t get me wrong, the potential is there for Derry City. Ruaidhrí Higgins has squad to compete with the best and they are capable of brilliant performances such as the FAI Cup quarterfinal.

So, a win on Sunday for Derry will be a boost going into the 2025 season. While a loss on Sunday will only add more misery to a disappointing season.

Drogheda Untied go into the The FAI Cup final full of confidence after an excellent second half of the season.

Many said that Drogheda and Dundalk “would struggle this year” and that statement was true. The two Louth teams were battling it out at the bottom of the table in the relegation dogfight throughout the season.

Dundalk finished bottom of the table and got automatic relegation. While Drogheda United finished second  from bottom, which now means they take on Bray wanderers in Tallaght stadium on November 16th.

As mentioned above the relegation dogfight was nip and tuck with Dundalk until the 3rd quarter of the season when Drogheda pulled away from Dundalk and this is the point when we start to hear about all Dundalk’s financial troubles .

But hats off to Kevin Doherty who had an excellent transfer window which made the difference between themselves and Dundalk.

Drogheda signed Shane Farrell from Shelbourne and goalkeeper Luke Dennison from Bohemians. The 27-year-old American-born goalkeeper was signing of the season and he put in some outstanding performances, most notably against Bohemians in Dalymount Park. Drogheda came away with all 3 points from that game and momentum started to build.

Kevin Dothery’s men turned Weavers Park into a fortress. Drogheda United 7-0 home win against Sligo Rovers was their biggest ever Premier Division home win, it also equals a club record victory in the top-flight.

Then who could forget the 3-2 home win against Wexford in the Semi-final. Drogheda didn’t show up in the first half but turned things around in the second half to book a place in 2024 FAI Cup Final. Weavers Park was rocking at the full-time whistle.

Whether Drogheda win or loss this Sunday, the fans are proud of the players and especially proud of Kevin Dothery.  The budget he had and add in the fact that Drogheda were the only part time club in top flight this season. Its quite amazing what the club, team and management have achieved this season on and off the pitch.

Going into the final, Drogheda have the better momentum behind them, they are underdogs which will suit them. But given Derry City Lack lustier season and Drogheda Untied Form, I feel Drogheda will nick it either in full time or on penalties which is a common occurrence in the FAI Cup Final.

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Drogheda United face Dundalk at Weavers Park on Friday in the final league game of the season

Thursday 31st October 2024, 13:51

This will be the sixth competitive Louth Derby between the sides this season. The first came in the Leinster Senior Cup Group Stage, with a brace off the bench from Warren Davis sealing a 2-1 win for Drogheda in Oriel Park.

The first league game saw the sides play out a scoreless draw in April, before ten man Drogheda beat Dundalk 2-1 in May, with Hayden Cann, now of Dundalk, scoring a 94th minute winner for the Boynesiders.

Dundalk won the most recent league game 4-2 at Oriel Park, before a week later, Drogheda beat the Lilywhites 2-1 in Weavers Park in the FAI Cup.

Drogheda head into their final league game of the season off the back of a 2-1 defeat away to Shelbourne last week.

Goals from Sean Boyd and Rayhaan Tulloch saw Shelbourne take a 2-0 lead before Drogs substitute Bridel Bosakani fired into the top corner from outside the box for a goal on his league debut.

In team news, Zishim Bawa is ruled out through injury, while Frantz Pierrot and Conor Kane remain doubtful.

Referee: Damien MacGraith

Assistants: Darren Carey, David Connolly

Fourth Official: Mark Houlihan

Drogheda United face Shamrock Rovers for the final time in 2024 when the sides meet at Weavers Park on Friday evening

Thursday 17th October 2024, 14:15 pm

Shamrock Rovers took all three points in the first two meetings between the sides this season, winning 4-0 in Tallaght in April, and 2-0 in Weavers Park in May.

Drogheda took a deserved point in the most recent game between the sides in Tallaght in August, as a fine finish from Douglas James-Taylor, setup by Conor Kane, earned Kevin Doherty’s side a draw.

The Boynesiders head into this game following a scoreless draw away to Waterford last Friday in the RSC.

Two efforts from outside the box, from Waterford’s Baggley, and Adam Foley for Drogheda, were the only chances of note in the first half, with both keepers making good saves.

The second half saw a similar pattern, with Dennison saving well from Flynn and McCormack. Conor Kane fired narrowly wide for Drogheda, with a Grant Horton block denying Markey late on.

In team news, Zishim Bawa and Matthew O’Brien are both ruled out through injury. Frantz Pierrot remains doubtful following an injury picked up against Wexford, while both Conor Kane and Ryan Brennan are doubts after picking up knocks away to Waterford.

Picture: Drogheda United

Drogheda United travel to the RSC to face Waterford on Friday in the penultimate away game of the season for Kevin Doherty’s side.

Thursday 10th October 2024, 12:50 pm

Waterford won the first two meetings between these sides this season, 4-1 at Weavers Park in February and 4-2 in the RSC in May, while Drogheda picked up a 2-0 win in the game at Weavers Park in July.

The Boynesiders head into this game following a dramatic 3-2 win in the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup Semi-Final on Sunday.

Wexford took the lead just before the break as Aaron Dobbs scored from a rebound after Luke Dennison had saved Mikie Rowe’s initial effort.

Drogheda found an equaliser on 65 minutes, as Adam Foley, who had replaced the injured Frantz Pierrot in the first half, finished into the top corner, redirecting Andrew Quinn’s strike past Conor Walsh.

A fine header from Douglas James-Taylor saw Drogheda take the lead on 77 minutes before Dobbs bundled home an equaliser two minutes later.

The game looked destined for extra-time until Foley netted his second of the game in injury time, firing past Walsh from James Bolger’s flick on.

In team news, Zishim Bawa and Matthew O’Brien are both ruled out through injury. Frantz Pierrot is doubtful following the injury picked up against Wexford, but Jack Keaney is again available after serving his suspension.

Referee:Gavin Colfer

Assistants:Eoin Harte, Chris Campbell

Fourth Official:Eoghan O’Shea

Picture : sportsfile

Drogheda United face Derry City at Weavers Park on Friday in what is the third game in a week for Kevin Doherty’s side.

Thursday 26th September 2024, 12:35 pm

The games so far this season have seen Derry win twice at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, while the game at Weavers Park in April ended in a 2-2 draw after a late equaliser by Frantz Pierrot.

The Boynesiders come into this game following a scoreless draw at home to Galway United on Monday, a result which followed up a 1-0 win over Bohemians last Friday.

In a game of few chances, the best opportunities for both sides came in the first half, as Galway’s Patrick Hickey hit the post with a header from a long throw-in, while Pierrot saw his header gathered by Brendan Clarke just before the break.

In team news, Zishim Bawa remains ruled out through injury while Matthew O’Brien is doubtful having missed the last two games with a knock.

Referee:Rob Hennessy

Assistants:Emmett Dynan, Darren Corcoran

Fourth Official:Jason Moore

Drogheda United to go green for Premier Division clash against Derry City FC to raise awareness of the importance of mental health

Wednesday 25th September 2024, 10:50am

As part of a community awareness campaign throughout September by the Policing and Drugs Subgroup of Drogheda Implementation Board, led by members of An Garda Siochana and HSE Mental Health Services, Drogheda United will go green for our Premier Division clash against Derry City FC on Friday September 27th.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the resources available to support those experiencing mental health difficulties and reduce the stigmas associated with this.

Having previously named our stadium ’Head In The Game Park’ for three Seasons in support of a movement set up by Irish football fans in an endeavour to raise awareness of the importance of mental health across the football community, this campaign aligns very strongly with The Drogs values.

This particular campaign though is fan-led with the supporters group ‘The Famous 45 Ultras’ leading from the front for the club on the initiative.

In her commendation of the young fans, Club Chairperson Joanna Byrne has outlined a series of events that will unfold before and during the upcoming fixture on Friday.

“Sadly, we are at a crisis point in our society where Suicide and battles with Mental Health has darkened all of our doors in some way. I couldn’t be prouder of our fans, and The F45U in particular for their work on this campaign. The build up of the match on Friday will see the lads promote the See Change Green Ribbon Campaign and distribute Green Ribbons, posters and information cards outlining resources and support available to those who need it, to everyone entering Weavers Park for the match.

“They have also liaised with the teams and I’m pleased to confirm both The Drogs and Derry will warm up in green t-shirts hailing the hashtag#EndTheStigma, and I want to pay particular thanks to Derry City FC for coming onboard and participating in this too. As kick-off approaches, the Ultras will then unveil a Tifo Display in line with the messaging of the campaign.

“This is not the first major community based project our Ultras have driven, and to have fans and young men that are so aware of the huge challenges our society is facing makes me very proud. It’s always been said that there is great potential for our club and the fans to collectively make a difference in our communities and endeavours like this do just that.

“Collaborative projects between the fans and the Gardai also go a long way in breaking down barriers between youngsters and the guards, which in itself is exceptionally worthwhile. The group led by Dean O’Reilly, Nathan O’Connor and Kieran Lyons have poured their hearts into ensuring Drogs had a place at the table on this campaign and the club has been happy to facilitate and back them in that.

“We’re asking all of our fans attending to wear something Green and I’ve no doubt the fans will rally behind the group on Friday with this and with their display and show everyone that Drogheda is United in our support of#EndTheStigmaSuicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness.”

Picture: Drogheda United

Drogheda United face Galway United in Weavers Park this evening in the final meeting between the sides this season.

Monday 23rd September 2024, 09:30 am

Galway have had the advantage in the games between the sides in 2024. The first meeting in March ended in a scoreless draw, with Galway winning 3-2 and 3-0 in the games in May and June.

The Boynesiders come into this game following a 1-0 win away to Bohemians on Friday, marking the first away league win in 360 days for Kevin Doherty’s side.

The only goal of the game came just before the half hour mark. Elicha Ahui delivered a ball back into the box after Bohemians had cleared a set piece. Andrew Quinn knocked the ball down to Frantz Pierrot who got in front of a defender to fire the ball past Chorazka.

Bohemians pushed for an equaliser in the second half, with goalkeeper Luke Dennison making a string of saves, most notably two from Dayle Rooney, as Drogheda held out for all three points.

In team news, Luke Heeney is again available after serving his one game suspension against Bohemians. Zishim Bawa remains ruled out for the remainder of the season while Matthew O’Brien is doubtful having missed the game against Bohemians through injury.

Referee:Gavin Colfer.

Assistants:Brian Fenlon, Ciaran O’Reilly.

Fourth Official:Marc Lynch

Picture: Dundalk fc

Preview: Sligo Rovers v Dundalk FC

After dancing with death at the beginning of the week, Dundalk will hope to remember the 21st night of September as they aim to arrest the slide against seventh heaven-chasing Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds on Saturday.

The Lilywhites’ financial situation remains a perilous one but new owner John Temple’s late intervention has ensured that Jon Daly and his players can still avoid being sent down, although they could be in deeper trouble by the time they kick off in the West.

Ninth-placed Drogheda United are a point clear of bottom-of-the-table Dundalk and have a game in hand, with the Boynesiders set to go in search of their first away league win of the season at the 16th attempt when they take on Bohemians at Dalymount Park on Friday night.

Twenty-four hours later, Dundalk look for their first victory in ten weeks. Daly’s side have won just once in their ten outings in all competitions since the midseason break – that coming at home to Drogheda on July 12th – with a current run of three straight one-goal defeats.

Last week, Jamie Gullan came off the bench in Waterford to give them late hope at the RSC where they ultimately lost 2-1 having conceded twice in the opening 16 minutes. That ended their mini two-match unbeaten run on the road, with still just one win away from Oriel Park all year.

There are holes in Sligo’s recent form that will give Dundalk hope of bagging a much-needed point or three, but their away performance must improve against a team with the second-best home record in the top flight behind Derry City.

The Lilywhites, second from bottom above only Drogheda in the away standings, have won just one of their 15 league games outside of Oriel this campaign and accumulated only seven points from the 45 on offer. Their sole success was in Richmond Park on the June Bank Holiday.

Sligo are looking for a seventh straight league win at The Showgrounds, with their incredible run of six beginning all the way back on that same June Monday. They have beaten Drogheda, Shamrock Rovers, Derry, Galway United, Shelbourne and Waterford, scoring twice in each match.

With Drogheda playing their game in hand at home to Galway on Monday, this is another critical few days in the battle to escape automatic relegation. Kevin Doherty’s side have seven games – four at Weavers Park – remaining, while Dundalk have six.

There are still trips to Galway and, on the final day, Drogheda to come, while Bohemians and title hopefuls Derry and Shamrock Rovers will visit the Carrick Road, in what is a difficult-looking run-in for a team that has earned just one point from the last 15 available.

FAI Cup semi-finalists Drogheda, meanwhile, also face Derry and Shamrock Rovers at home in their remaining fixtures, as well as travelling to Waterford and Shelbourne before that date with Dundalk on November 1st. It now appears a straight shootout at the bottom after Bohs’ recent form saw them skip clear in eighth.

Whatever the outcome in Phibsborough on Friday night, Dundalk will need to take something out of the West to give the club and its supporters a lift ahead of their return to Oriel next week, but their task will be difficult against fifth-placed Sligo.

The Bit O’Red have had mixed results lately, though. Following a stunning run of four straight wins after the break – before which they had lost 1-0 in Dundalk – they have won two and lost three of their last five league games, including a 7-0 annihilation in Drogheda. They also suffered a disappointing Cup exit at home to First Division UCD last month.

Sligo had bounced back from those two blows with a 2-0 win over Waterford in their last match at The Showgrounds at the end of August. But they returned from the international break with a 4-0 hammering by Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght, their third straight defeat on the road, last Friday.

One of Dundalk’s seven away points came in Sligo back in mid-April when Gullan’s early second-half penalty cancelled out the now-departed Fabrice Hartmann’s stunning early strike. More recently, they earned good draws at Bohs and Derry. Still, with time running out, wins are needed.

Back in early March, Sligo won 5-0 at Oriel but Dundalk subsequently went on a near four-month run of eight straight clean sheets at home, the last of which came in a narrow victory over John Russell’s side in June when Daryl Horgan’s cool 54th-minute finish settled the issue. That, indeed, is their last clean sheet anywhere.

While Dundalk are battling to protect the Premier Division status which they have held since their dramatic promotion in 2008, Sligo are dreaming of European football in 2025, with just two points separating them from third-placed Shamrock Rovers – who have a hand in game – ahead of the weekend fixtures.

In their remaining games, Sligo – who have picked up 28 points at home, 15 away and have a minus-eight goal difference – will entertain Bohemians and, on the final day, Saint Patrick’s Athletic while they face difficult trips to Shels, Derry and Galway.

Dundalk have not lost in Sligo since September 2021 when the hosts came from behind to win 2-1 thanks to goals from Andre Wright and Lewis Banks. In their five visits since, they have collected 11 points through three wins – the most recent last October when Horgan and Sam Durrant netted – and two draws.

Team News

Paul Doyle is back in the squad after missing the last seven games with a hamstring injury while Bobby Faulkner is also in contention after recovering from a similar ailment. Josh O'Connor misses out with an ankle knock.

Quotes - Jon Daly

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“It's great that John Temple has stepped in and taken the club on, and it gives us something to look forward to now going into the tight end of the season.

“Everybody has clarity now on where they stand and what's happening and it means we can just focus on football now and not worry about what's going on in the background.It's up to us now on the pitch to get the results that will keep Dundalk a Premier Division football club next year.

The Showgrounds is a tough venue to go to. I watched them against Waterford recently where they had a good win and they played really well, probably the best I've seen them play this season, so it's going to be a tough game.

“They've got some fantastic footballers, some really good players in the middle to the top end of the pitch that can hurt you, so we need to make sure we manage that and then our attacking players positively impact the game.”

Is it a case of "déjà vu" for Meath Gaa once again?

Friday 20^th September 2024, 11:10 am

At the end of August, Colm O'Rourke step down as Meath Football manager. Colm was in charge of the royals for two years; he opted not to seek a third year. He outlined some of his reasons to the Meath Chronicle for not seeking a third year. He said,

 "However, as I cannot fulfil the requirements as set out by the review committee, whose brief I considered was the manager only, I am withdrawing with regret from the process”.

Yesterday, Meath Gaa made the announcement that Robbie Brennan will  become the new Meath football manager. His name was put forward at a meeting of the county management committee on Wednesday night and the appointment will be rubber-stamped at the next county board meeting.

Brennan has added a strong backroom team which now includes Monaghan native Martin Corey and Tyrone's Joe McMahon. While Bernard Flynn is also likely to be added to the ticket soon.

But it does feel like déjà vu once again in terms of the type of manger the county board have went for once again.

Since Seamus McEnaney otherwise known as “Banty” left the Meath job in 2012,  Meath have appointed 3 Club managers with no previous Inter-county management experience.

Mick O’ Dowd, Andy McEntee and Colm O’Rourke have all had great club success with the clubs they managed, but that does not necessarily means you can cut it as an inter-county manager.

Back in 2018, Meath were in search of Football manager once again. Andy McEntee was appointed Meath Manager in May 2018, fresh off the back of leading Ballyboden St Enda’s to All Ireland club glory.

Andy McEntee completed six years as the manger of the Meath Football team. With a couple of Leinster final appearances, his time in charge was nothing spectacular , but you have to remind yourself that he was in Charge of Meath during the time that Dublin won so many back to back All-Irelands.

So being a great Gaa club manager does not necessarily mean you can cut it as an inter-county manager.

Getting back to the present day, Meath have yet again appointed another club manager with no inter-county management experience.

Don’t get me wrong, Club management wise, Brennan is the crème de la crème of Gaa club managers.

The Dunboyne-based Brennan, who won a Meath SFC title as a player with St Peter's in 2005, is currently pursuing a fourth successive Dublin and Leinster title with Kilmacud.

Brennan guided the Stillorgan side to the 2022-23 All-Ireland club title, famously beating Glen in a controversial final.

So, there is another All-Ireland winning club manager in charge of the Royal County once again.  It does feel like déjà vu once again.

But Brennan does have a couple of Aces in his deck of cards. Over the last number of years Meath have been lacking in  the tactical and coaching departments under previous managements. Brennan now has the arsenal to solve this problem once and for all with bringing in Martin Corey and Joe McMahon.

Corey spent the past two seasons working as coach under his brother Vinny in Monaghan - where they went all the way to the All-Ireland SFC semi-final in 2023 - while McMahon was part of the Tyrone backroom team that claimed All-Ireland SFC honours in 2021 under Brian Dooher and Feargal Logan.

Both Corey and McMahon will be key figures if Meath are going to rise once again. With many feeling that Corey being the essential “cog in the wheel”, due to his time and experience with Monaghan.

We will have to wait and see what Robbie Brennan will bring to table as Meath Football manger. But one thing is sure is that he now has the backroom team to improve Meath’s coaching and technical areas of the team.

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Pic: League of Ireland

Drogheda United face Bohemians in Dalymount Park on Friday in the fourth league meeting between the sides this season.

Thursday 19th September 2024, 15:22 pm

The three meetings between the sides this season have seen mixed results. Drogheda won the first game in March, 2-1 at Weavers Park before Bohemians won the return fixture in Dalymount in April, thanks to an early goal from James Akintunde.

The most recent game between the sides in August saw Shane Farrell score an early free kick before Dayle Rooney equalised from the spot for Bohemians. Both sides netted own goals through James Bolger and Cian Byrne as the game finished 2-2 in Weavers Park.

The Boynesiders come into this game off the back of a 4-1 win away to Athlone Town, which saw Kevin Doherty’s side book their place in the FAI Cup semi-finals.

Two goals from Douglas James-Taylor saw Drogheda lead 2-0 before Ryan Brennan added to the scoreline, with a superb free kick on his 200th appearance for the club.

Substitute Adam Foley added a fourth with ten minutes to play before Athlone pulled a goal back from the spot through Dean Ebbe after Jack Keaney was sent off.

In team news, Luke Heeney is suspended following his red card against St. Patrick’s Athletic recently. Zishim Bawa is out for the remainder of the season, while Shane Farrell remains doubtful as he continues his recovery from an injury sustained against Sligo in August.

Referee:Robert Harvey.

Assistants:Robert Clarke, Wayne McDonnell.

Fourth Official:Jason Moore.

Temple to lead consortium as Dundalk takeover is agreed

Tuesday 17th September 2024, 18:00pm

Dundalk Football Club is delighted to announce that a takeover of the club has been agreed upon between Brian Ainscough and Dundalk native John Temple.

John Temple, who hails from Avenue Road in Dundalk, will lead a consortium of investors who have agreed to underwrite the players’ current wages until the end of the season and will examine the viability of the club and its facilities going forward.

"Dundalk is a football town and the club is hugely important to all the staff, players and supporters," said John Temple.

"We appreciate the concerns raised by all of our supporters in recent weeks and it has underscored what the club means to every one of them."

Acknowledging the club's current position in the league table, Temple said: “We are fully supportive of Jon Daly and the team to get the results required on the pitch. I am more concerned right now about getting the off-field matters sorted.

"We are very grateful to Minister Thomas Byrne who has pledged the Government’s support for our Sports Capital Grant application, which is most welcome, and this is the silver lining for today’s takeover announcement.

"A new Board of Directors will be appointed in the coming weeks and a meeting will take place with staff and players in the next week when everything is finalised.

"Today is a proud day for all associated with Dundalk Football Club."

C’mon the Town!

Dundalk on the brink of collapse as discussions are “critical” for the future of the club

Monday 16th September 2024, 09:55 am

This time tomorrow, Dundalk Fc might not no longer be in the league of Ireland. The news comes as the search continues to secure new ownership for the County Louth Club.

 Talks are ongoing, according to the club, between the owner and interested parties both domestically and from oversees in a bid to secure the future of the club.

Dundalk Fc released a statement last night in response to rumours and false information being spread online. They said the following on Social Media:

“CLUB UPDATE // We are fully aware of the rumours and false information that is circulating on social media this evening. Our owner is in discussions with different groups, domestically and overseas. The next 24 hours is a critical time for the club and we hope that we can get a deal done that keeps us going forward. We will keep everyone updated with any developments”.

Stay tuned to our page for the latest news.

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Drogheda United face Athlone Town on Friday in the Quarter-Final of the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup.

Friday 13th September 2024, 08:57 am

The Boynesiders come into this game off the back of a 4-1 defeat away to St. Patrick’s Athletic in the last game before the international break.

Chris Forrester, Jake Mulraney (twice) and Mason Melia were all on the scoresheet for the Saints against a Drogheda side who played the majority of the game with ten men after Luke Heeney’s first half red card.

Drogheda progressed to the Quarter-Final stage of the FAI Cup thanks to home wins against Dundalk and Wilton United.

Kevin Doherty’s beat Dundalk 2-1 through goals from James Bolger and Warren Davis before recording a 9-0 win against Wilton United. Douglas James-Taylor and Bridel Bosakani both scored hat-tricks in that fixture, while Ryan Brennan, Frantz Pierrot and Andrew Quinn were also on the scoresheet.

In team news, Zishim Bawa is out for the remainder of the season, while Shane Farrell is doubtful as he continues his recovery from an injury sustained against Sligo Rovers in August.

Referee:Paul Norton.

Assistants:Chris Campbell, Darren Corcoran.

Fourth Official:Eoghan O’Shea.

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Preview: Waterford FC v Dundalk FC

Friday 13th September 2024, 08:48 am

Dundalk FC manager Jon Daly and his players will look to put a turbulent ten days to one side for 90 minutes when they take on Waterford FC in another important SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division clash at the RSC on tonight.

Following well-documented problems off the pitch since reports surfaced last Tuesday week about owner Brian Ainscough’s future at the club, Dundalk go in search of a first win in two months as they look to move off the bottom of the table.

The Lilywhites failed to take advantage of their game in hand on relegation rivals Drogheda United last Thursday as Eoin Kenny’s second-minute header was wiped out by second-half goals from Tom Grivosti and Mason Melia in a 2-1 win for Saint Patrick’s Athletic at Oriel Park.

That leaves Dundalk still a point behind their Co Louth neighbours with now seven games remaining for both sides. Drogheda head to Athlone this weekend for an FAI Cup quarter-final, meaning Daly’s men will sit in ninth place for at least a week if they win in the South East.

Dundalk’s form has fallen off at home since the midseason break, with four defeats in their last five outings at Oriel, a run which began with a 2-0 loss to Waterford in late June as the Blues became the first opposition side to score on the Carrick Road in almost four months.

Two weeks later, on July 12th, Daly’s players bounced back from that with an impressive 4-2 win over Drogheda, which at the time moved them five points clear of the Boynesiders. However, since then, they are winless in six games in all competitions, losing four of those, with just a single success in nine matches since returning from the break.

On a positive note, Dundalk make the long journey south on the back of what has been improved away form in the league since Daly’s appointment, with their most recent trips seeing them go two games unbeaten outside of Oriel for the first time this year.

Having recorded their sole victory on the road this campaign at Richmond Park in June, they suffered somewhat unlucky 1-0 losses at Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers before picking up good 1-1 draws at Bohemians and Derry City.

They showed good character to come from behind at Dalymount Park to eke out that point. On their last trip, to title-challenging Derry five weeks ago, they took a first-half lead through club captain John Mountney which was cancelled out by Danny Mullen’s 64th-minute strike.

With just three games remaining at Oriel – against Bohs, Derry and Shamrock Rovers – Dundalk know they will need to make the most of their four away games, with European-chasing Sligo and Galway United still to come after Waterford, before their final-day battle on the Boyne.

Waterford will be a tough nut to crack for Dundalk in their bid to leapfrog Drogheda, in what has been a draining months-long to-and-fro fight to avoid the automatic drop, but the Blues are on a poor run of their own and have fallen to fifth in the standings.

Keith Long’s side have lost five of their last six games, including a shock injury-time Cup defeat at home by Athlone last month, their only victory since mid-July coming in dramatic fashion at Dalymount Park on August 9th.

That exit to Athlone came in between narrow losses to Shamrock Rovers and Derry at the RSC, meaning they have lost three on the bounce there, with only Bohs and Dundalk having a worse home record in the Premier Division. Their last game, in Sligo a fortnight ago, saw them well beaten.

Still, despite their poor recent form, they are just three points behind the third-placed Bit O’Red and have had the upper hand on Dundalk this season, taking seven points from the three meetings so far in what is their first year back in the top flight since 2021.

Following a scoreless draw at Oriel in March, Dundalk had a disastrous start in Waterford in May, conceding inside two minutes as they were beaten 4-1, with the since-departed Maleace Asamoah bagging a hat-trick. Back in Louth in June, Connor Parsons and Dean McMenamy netted first-half goals in a convincing 2-0 win.

Daryl Horgan Interview:www.dundalkfc.com/horgan-hoping-to-end-a-chaotic-week-with-a-win/

Team News
Josh O'Connor will miss out after picking up an ankle injury in training on Thursday while Bobby Faulkner and Paul Doyle (hamstring) are also sidelined.

Match Officials
Referee: Rob Hennessy
Assistants: Eoin Harte and Fintan Butler
Fourth Official: Aaron O’Dowd

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Pic: Dundalk FC

Preview: Dundalk FC v St Patrick's Athletic

Thursday 5th September 2024, 09:32 am

Dundalk are targeting a first win in eight weeks against a Saint Patrick’s Athletic side without an away top-flight win in almost seven months when the two clash in a rearranged SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match at Oriel Park on Thursday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

This fixture was controversially called off 46 hours before it was due to take place last Sunday week, a call made by FAI bosses to aid Stephen Kenny’s Saints in their bid – which failed – to qualify for the league phase of the UEFA Conference League.

That left Dundalk without a game in three weeks but they returned to action with a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home by title chasers Shelbourne last Friday, where they gifted Aiden O’Brien a fourth-minute goal as the Reds returned to the top of the table.

Jon Daly’s men showed improvement in the second half against Shels and hit the post through substitute Ryan O’Kane, but the outcome means they have won just once – against relegation rivals Drogheda United on July 12th – in eight games in all competitions since returning from the midseason break in late June.

The Lilywhites had earlier this season set a new club record for consecutive clean sheets at Oriel Park, rattling off eight on the spin between March and the final game before the break. However, since that win over Sligo Rovers, they have lost three of their last four on the Carrick Road.

Goals continue to be a problem for Daly’s side, who failed to score in any of those three defeats, but they could be boosted by Jad Hakiki – who netted in that victory over Drogheda – as he is available for selection once again having missed the match with Shels due to the terms of his July transfer.

Dundalk have scored just 19 goals in their 28 league games this season and have only netted in four of their 14 games at Oriel Park. Despite that, they have collected 17 points at home from their total of 24 and they will need to make the most of their four remaining games in North Louth.

Dundalk trail Drogheda by one point, and two goals, at the bottom of the table but Thursday night is the Lilywhites’ game in hand on their local rivals and a chance to regain ninth spot. Indeed, Dundalk will play twice before Drogheda are next in league action due to the Boynesiders’ FAI Cup progress.

Seventh-placed St Pat’s, meanwhile, still have outside hopes of qualifying for Europe next season, which may well require a top-three finish. But they have not won away in the league since the opening day of the season on February 16th when Jamie Lennon’s third-minute goal earned them a 1-0 victory in Galway under Daly.

In their 12 games on the road since then, they have drawn six and lost six, although four of those draws have come in their last five trips, losing only narrowly to Waterford in that period. The Saints’ form at Richmond Park has just about kept them in the race for Europe, with 26 of their 35 points coming at home.

Dundalk, though, recorded their sole away win of the season in Inchicore back on the June Bank Holiday when an early blitz was enough to see them over the line 3-2, a success which will give them confidence going into this week. Subsequently, Kenny’s side have lost just one in seven in the Premier Division.

St Pat’s did Dundalk a huge favour on Sunday with a 4-1 win over Drogheda in the capital, where a 29th-minute red card for Luke Heeney – who was also sent off at Oriel this year – proved costly, with Chris Forrester’s resulting penalty added to by a double from Jake Mulraney and a fine injury-time strike from youngster Mason Melia.

That eased any fears for Kenny – who will on Thursday return to Dundalk as a manager for the first time since departing in late 2018 after a trophy-laden spell – that his team may be dragged into a battle at the bottom, with their eyes instead focusing in on Shamrock Rovers four points above them in sixth.

Along with Bohemians’ win over Rovers on Sunday, it now looks like a straight shootout between the two Louth clubs to avoid the automatic relegation spot, with the pair hoping to put themselves in a strong position to do just that before the final day of the season when they do battle on the Boyne.

Quotes - Jon Daly
"We had a week’s prep on St Pat’s before the game was postponed so we have just added to that.

“We’ll probably face a stronger Pat’s than we would have done last week but we’ll have the belief of getting something out of it.

“We know their strengths and weaknesses. They’re a good group and we saw in Europe how good they can be.

“I still believe that we can win eight games. We haven’t won two games back to back all season but I still think we can when I look at the league and our team but they have to take it by the scruff of the neck and they have to realise that it’s not just going to happen for them, they need to actually step up and make things happen.

"We need to deliver that for 95 minutes plus.”

Quotes – Andy Boyle
“Last week was a devastating result for us. The way we started killed us in the game. That made it difficult for us and I think, overall, in the first half we weren’t good enough.

“I thought we showed a bit of fight in the second half, but ultimately it wasn’t enough. We had prepared well all week and the goal is very self-explanatory if you see it.

“We’re saying this most weeks now, but we’ve got to go on, we’ve got to dust ourselves down. We’ve got eight games left and it has got to start now. It’s a big game for us on Thursday night.

“There’s big belief that we can get out of the position we’re in, but we’ve got to put in a 90-minute performance to get a positive result. We’re aiming for three points. We can’t be playing in fits and starts. It’s a 90-minute game and that is what is going to get us points on the board.”

Match Officials
Referee: Damien MacGraith
Assistants: Wayne McDonnell and Conor Harkin
Fourth Official: Oliver Moran

A weekend to forget for Louth clubs in the League of Ireland and Trim Celtic claim Shield for the first time

It was Friday night lights in Oriel Park as Shelbourne defeated Dundalk 1-0. The result leaves John Dalys men rooted to the bottom of the table, one point behind Drogheda having a game in hand.

Dundalk take on St. Patricks Athletic on Thursday night in Oriel Park. A win on Thursday night will take Dundalk ahead of Drogheda in the relegation dogfight.

Drogheda Untied rich vein of form came to an end last night in Richmond Park as Stephen Kennys St. Patrick Athletic won out on a score line of 4-1. James-Taylor scoring from the penalty spot for Drogheda.

Meanwhile in the Nefl, Trim Celtic claimed the Kilmessan Shield for the first time in the club’s history with a 1-0 win over Parkvilla at the MDL grounds on Saturday.  Sam Murray scored the winning goal for Trim, while Robbie Horgan men had to play most of the second half with just 10 men as Conor Walsh was sent of on 53 minutes for picking up two yellow cards.

 It was their first silverware of the season for Trim, they are still on course for completing the treble as they sit on top of the Nefl Premier League, and they are still in the challenge cup as well.

In Division 1 Albion Rovers remain on top of the league after winning 2-0 against Square United. Albion Rovers are three points ahead of Duleek with both teams having the same amount of games played.

A shock result in Division 2 as BJD Celtic FC trounced Navan Town Cosmos 5-1. The Navan men were favourites going into the game, but they were no match for the Cavan side on Friday night. Navan Town Cosmos remain on top of Division 2 three points ahead of Robinstown FC, but Robinstown have played a game less.

Pic: Trim Celtic AFC

Drogheda United face St. Patrick’s Athletic  in the fourth league meeting between the sides this season.

Both games at Weavers Park have ended in scoreless draws while St. Patrick’s Athletic took all three points from the game in Richmond Park in May, thanks to a first half Ruairi Keating strike.

Drogheda head into this game off the back of a 7-0 win against Sligo Rovers last week, which followed up a 9-0 win against Wilton United in the FAI Cup the previous week.

Kevin Doherty’s side led 3-0 at the break against Sligo, through goals from Douglas James-Taylor, Andrew Quinn and Frantz Pierrot.

Drogheda added a further four goals in the second half, with Pierrot, Conor Kane, Elicha Ahui and Adam Foley all on the scoresheet, equalling the biggest league win recorded by the club since joining the League of Ireland.

In team news, Zishim Bawa is ruled out for the remainder of the season after ankle surgery. Shane Farrell is doubtful after being forced off through injury in the first half of the win against Sligo Rovers.

Referee:Rob Hennessy.

Assistants:Dermot Broughton, Emmett Dynan.

Fourth Official:Aaron O’Dowd.

Dundalk FC v Shelbourne

Dundalk need to beat title challengers Shelbourne to lift themselves off the bottom of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division table at Oriel Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm), as battles intensify heading into the final two months of the season.

Jon Daly’s men have not been in competitive action in three weeks after last Sunday’s scheduled clash with seventh-placed Saint Patrick’s Athletic was postponed due to their trip to Turkey on Wednesday, where Stephen Kenny failed in his bid to reach group-stage football again.

That fixture has been re-fixed for next Thursday, September 5th, with Dundalk hoping that they can rediscover their good home form over the next week having lost two of their three games on the Carrick Road since the midseason break.

Dundalk fell back to the foot of the standings last Friday after Drogheda United annihilated the league’s in-form team Sligo Rovers 7-0 at Weavers Park, a scoreline which saw the Boynesiders turn their goal difference around, now four clear of their County Louth rivals in that column.

That means that Dundalk must win against Shels if they are to regain ninth place ahead of Drogheda’s trip to Richmond Park on Sunday evening. Sunday morning, meanwhile, sees eighth-placed Bohemians tackle Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount Park, in what is another important weekend in the battle to avoid the drop.

Dundalk went into this break with a 1-1 draw in Derry, where they led through John Mountney’s first-half header before Danny Mullen’s strike past the hour mark earned the Candystripes a point. That made it two games unbeaten on the road for Dundalk for the first time this year.

It followed what was a disappointing performance at home to Galway United at the beginning of August, which was a second 2-0 defeat in their last three outings at Oriel Park, having also lost to Waterford in late June. In between, they comfortably beat Drogheda 4-2 and they will hope for that type of display here with now just five home games remaining.

Over the past four league games, Dundalk have bagged five points, while Shels have taken just three through three draws. Damien Duff’s side also lost in Sligo, and having dropped nine points since early July, they were knocked off the top of the table for the first time since March when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Bohs at Tolka Park last weekend.

Shels had to come from behind in that televised fixture, with Ali Coote quickly responding to Danny Grant’s opener, but the Reds’ wait for a win continues, having not managed one in the league since June 28th. Over the next week, they face trips to Dundalk and Bohs, the latter being their game in hand on leaders Derry, who they trail only by goal difference.

Prior to their last victory, Shels had enjoyed a good run on the road, winning three on the bounce at St Pat’s, Shamrock Rovers and Waterford. Will Jarvis, who was hugely influential in two of those successes, has since returned to Hull City, and Dundalk can take encouragement from the manner of Sligo’s win over the Dubliners in their last away game earlier this month.

This is the final meeting of the season between the sides, with Dundalk still searching for their first win in the fixture. The Lilywhites were beaten by one goal on both of their trips to the capital, 2-1 in March and 1-0 in June, while the clash at Oriel Park in early May ended scoreless.

Team News
Bobby Faulkner, Paul Doyle (both hamstring) and Dara Keane (groin) are injured while Jad Hakiki will also miss out due to the terms of his transfer from Shelbourne in July.

Jon Daly Interview:https://www.dundalkfc.com/lilywhites-itching-to-get-back-at-it/
Dan Pike Interview:https://youtu.be/ykrUAGzn7yM?si=IstNjpoz54Yu6Aru

Match Officials

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea
Assistants: Chris Campbell and Darren Carey
Fourth Official: Robert Dowling

Dunshaughlin leave it late to defeat Champions and still all to play for in round 3

A late Matthew Costello proved vital as Dunshaughlin Defeated the reigning Champions Summerhil in Pairc Tailteann yesterday.  The win now sees Richie Kealy men advance to the knockout stages of the Meath Senior Football Championship.

The Meath Senior Football Championship is renowned for being so open and unpredictable as a number of teams are capable of winning the Keegan Cup, that being said Dunboyne, Simonstown Gaels and St Colmcilles made it 2 wins out of 2.

While in the Intermediate Championship Castletown stunned a well fancied Duleek-Bellewstown side by winning by 2 points in Seneschaltown on Saturday evening. Declan Cribbin coming up with the match winning goal for Castletown.

Kildride brushed aside Walterstown to maintain their 100% record in the intermediate championship. Walterstown came into the game full of confidence following an excellent result against Navan O’ Mahonys, but Kilbride had to much fire power for Walterstown. Kilbride could be the dark horse in the race for the intermediate championsip.

Syddan left it late to break Slane hearts in the junior grade as they scored a goal deep into injury to take all 2 points leaving Slane reeling as they thought they had done enough to get the win. Ryan Summersby came up with the all-important goal for Syddan and they are still in the hunt for the junior Chapionship.

In the junior B Championship St. Marys produced a stellar performance against Cortown. The Donore men were losing by 4 points  at half time. They turned things around in the second half and recorded a memorable win.

O’ Rourke Departure confirmed and the search for another new Meath Gaa manager begins once again.

It has been confirmed this morning that Colm O’ Rouke will not be seeking a third term as Meath Gaa manager.

Coiste na Mí CLG released a statement this morning confirming O’ Rourkes departure. In the statement they said: “Colm O’Rourke has advised Coiste na Mí CLG that he is not seeking re-appointment as Senior Football Manager.

 Everyone in Meath GAA express their heartfelt thanks to Colm and his management team for their hard work over the past two years. During that time, there has been a major change over in the panel with a large number of players getting their first taste of senior inter-county football. This group will, undoubtedly, form the basis of Meath teams for many years.

Colm and his team managed this transition and along the way managed to win the Tailteann Cup in 2023. The players will have benefitted enormously by learning from Meath legends like Colm and his selectors: Stephen Bray, Barry Callaghan and Trevor Giles; as well as from the vastly experienced, Shane Supple.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh agus guímid gach rath oraibh amach anseo”.

The search now begins for a new Meath Gaa manager once again with Robbie Brennan and Cathal O’Bric being the early frontrunners.

Seventh Heaven for Drogheda, Whilst Trim remain solid as a rock

It was seventh heaven for Drogheda Untied on Friday night in Weavers Park as they put seven goals past Sligo Rovers to the delight of the packed home crowd. The win on Friday night means that Drogheda now overtake Dundalk who now sit at the bottom of the table on 24 points just one point behind Drogheda, but Dundalk have a game in hand as their match against St. Patricks Athletic was called off 46 hours before it was due to get underway.

In the Nefl, Trim Celtic left it late in balckrock as they came from 1-0 down to win 2-1 with Sam Murray getting the winner in injury time. It was a good weekend for Robbie Horgans men as their nearest challengers for the Premier Division Carrick Rovers dropped points at home against Quay Celtic with Quay scoring late into injury time and it finished 1-1 in Monaghan. Trim top the table with Carrick in 2^nd place 5 points behind but have a game in hand.

In Division 1, Duleek inflected a heavy defeat on Kells Celtic putting 13 goals by the kells men. Duleek now sit top of Division 1 level on points with Albion Rovers, but Albion have a game in hand.

In Division 2 it was the battle of the towns Drogheda v Navan. Blackbull Fc and Navan Town Cosmos played out a very entertaining game with the game ending level 2-2. The result now leaves Navan Town Cosmos in poll position in Division 2, 3 points ahead of Robinstown.

Pic: The Irish Sun, Trim Celtic and Navan Town Cosmos

Meath Football Championship Fixtures Sunday August 25th

Premier Football Championship Division 4 - Group B Round 2

Ballinabrackey v Dunderry 11.00

Venue: Ballinabrackey  Referee: Declan Leech

Premier Football Championship Division 3 - Group B Round 2

Ratoath v Na Fianna 11.00

Venue: Ratoath Referee:Stephen Cregan

Premier Football Championship Division 3 - Group A Round 2

Gaeil Colmcille v Rathkenny 11.00

Venue: Grangegodden Referee: Seamus O Connor

Premier Football Championship Division 2 - Group B Round 2

Seneschalstown v St Patrick's 11.00

Venue: Duleek (Tony Callaghan Park) Referee: Stephen Murphy

Premier Football Championship Division 2 - Group A Round 2

Navan O'Mahonys v Trim 11.00

Venue: Bective Referee:TBC

Premier Football Championship Division 1 - Group B Round 2

St. Colmcille's v Skryne 11.00

Venue: Slane Referee: Paul Mooney

Premier Football Championship Division 3 - Group A Round 2

Oldcastle v Ballinlough 11.00

Venue: Millbrook Referee: Raymond Tynan

Junior Football Championship - Group B Round 2

St Brigid's v St Vincent's 12.00

Venue: Páirc Tailteann Referee: Padraic Coyle

Premier Football Championship Division 1 - Group A Round 2

Dunshaughlin v Summerhill 13.30

Venue: Paddy O'Brien Park Referee: Ian Dowdall

Senior Football Championship - Group B Round 2

Bhulf Tón Clg vSt Peter's, Dunboyne 14.00

Venue: Páirc Tailteann Referee: Ciarán Flynn

Intermediate Football Championship - Group B Round 2

Longwood v Ballivor 14.00

Venue: St. Finians Park Referee:Liam Reddy

Junior Football Championship - Group A Round 2

Moylagh v St Ultan's 14.00

Venue: Carnaross Referee: Pat Clarke

Intermediate Football Championship - Group A Round 2

Meath Hill v Nobber 16.00

Venue: Kilmainhamwood Referee: Joseph Curran

Junior 'B' Football Championship - Group A Round 2

Naomh Muire v Cortown 16.00

Venue: Paddy O'Brien Park Referee: Gus Martyn

Junior 'B' Football Championship - Group B Round 2

Drumconrath v Eastern Gaels 16.00

Venue: Rathkenny Referee: Andrew Lenehan

Senior Football Championship - Group A Round 2

Summerhill v 16.00 Dunshaughlin GAA

Venue: Páirc Tailteann Referee:Keith Sheerin

Junior Football Championship - Group A Round 2

Syddan v Slane 17.00

Venue: Páirc Baile Ghib Referee: Patrick Clarke

Drogheda United face Sligo Rovers on Friday in the fourth league meeting between the sides this season.

Sligo have won both games at The Showgrounds this season (3-1, 2-1) while Drogheda came out on top in the game at Weavers Park in April, winning 3-1 thanks to goals from Darragh Markey, Frantz Pierrot and Aaron McNally after Will Fitzgerald had put Sligo ahead after six minutes.

Drogheda head into this game following a record breaking 9-0 win against Wilton United in the Third Round of the FAI Cup last week.

Douglas James-Taylor and Bridel Bosakani both scored hattricks, while Ryan Brennan, Frantz Pierrot and Andrew Quinn were also on the scoresheet as Kevin Doherty's side progressed to the Quarter-Finals of the competition.

In team news, Zishim Bawa is ruled out for the remainder of the season after ankle surgery. Aaron McNally may return to the matchday squad, after returning from injury to feature for the U20 side against UCD last weekend.

Referee: Robert Harvey.

Assistants: Darragh Keegan, Sean Stephens.

Fourth Official: Daniel Murphy

The Meath Football Championship Second Round

The Meath Football Championship takes centre stage once again with the second round of matches taking place this week.In the first round of championship games, we didn’t do so well with only get one out of three predictions right, so we here are some of the games that we picked for the second round.

Seneschalstown v Simonstown

 Friday 23 August 2024, Walterstown, 7pm

Both these clubs have won the Keegan Cup throughout the years and a win on Friday night in Walterstown for either side will go a long way in progressing to the knockout round of the The Meath Senior Football Championship.

Senechalstown had an excellent league campaign, they reached the Div 2 league final were they were comfortably beaten by a strong Dunshaughlin. The Yellow Furze men had a good first half against St. Colmcille's in the opening round of the championship but faded out in the second half and lost out to a strong and experienced St. Colmcille's side.

Simonstown could be the dark horses in this year’s Senior Football Championship as they know what it takes to win the Keegan Cup. They had a hard-Fought win against Na Fianna winning by 3 points. Simonstown could be too strong for Seneschalstown and a win on Friday night will bring them up to 4 points in the group table.

Prediction: Simonstown

Blackhall Gaels v Bective

Saturday 4^th August 2024, Dunshaughlin 4pm

Blackhall Gaels will be looking to make it 2 wins out of 2 when they take on Bective in Dunshaughlin on Saturday. The Gaels had an impressive win against Nobber in the First round and another 2 points on Saturday will go a long way in their quest to return to the top grade.

Bective were unlucky as they lost out to well fancied Meath Hill team in the first round,  they will be up against and inform Blackhall side.

Prediction : Blackhall Gaels

Dunsany v Clann na nGael

Friday 23rd Aug 2024, Bordsmill, 7.00pm

Dunsany opened up their championship campaign with a hard-fought win against Kilmainham, While Clann na nGael had a bye in the first round. These should be tightly fought contest with not much between the two teams.

Predictions: Draw

Pic: Simsonstown Gaels, Blackhall Gaels, Dunderry

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