Overview: Dundalk secure promotion in a landmark season
Dundalk brought their 2025 campaign to a joyous conclusion at Oriel Park, sealing the First Division title with a 3-0 victory over Finn Harps. The win not only clinched promotion to the Premier Division for 2026 but also aligned perfectly with the club’s plan to celebrate a century of participation in the League of Ireland.
Goals from Gbemi Arubi, Daryl Horgan and Vinnie Leonard ensured a night of celebration for the Dundalk faithful, who watched their side finish top of the table from start to finish. The result also removes any lingering title suspense, as Cork City’s defeat to Longford Town means there will be no shoot-out for the crown when the sides meet in St Colman’s Park next week.
Turnaround that defied the odds
Dundalk’s promotion narrative is as compelling as any in Irish football this season. After nearly going out of existence in September 2024, the club was rescued by owner John Temple, whose bold decision to appoint former Lilywhites striker Ciarán Kilduff has paid dividends. Kilduff assembled a squad capable of leading the table from the opening whistle, and their consistent performances throughout the campaign culminated in a title that felt earned rather than given.
Indeed, the leadership gallery at Oriel Park has been purposeful all season, with Kilduff’s squad demonstrating resilience, quality on the ball and a clear plan in both attacking and defensive phases. The win over Harps was the happy culmination of months of patient work, not only for the players but for staff and supporters who backed the project through leaner times.
Key moments and match details
The match against Finn Harps had its share of chances early on, with last-gasp defending keeping the deadlock intact until the decisive breakthrough arrived on 54 minutes when Gbemi Arubi converted a cheeky finish after a sequence of errors in the Harps backline. Arubi’s tally for the season has been a cornerstone of Dundalk’s attacking threat.
Two minutes later, captain Daryl Horgan slotted home a penalty after Conor Tourish was adjudged to have handled in the area. Horgan’s influence didn’t end there, as he struck the crossbar with a rasping volley and later saw a spot-kick saved, moments that only added to the drama of a night that would eventually end with Arubi’s assist and Leonard’s late header sealing a memorable triumph.
Vinnie Leonard, who opened Dundalk’s scoring in the season earlier, headed home late in stoppage time to confirm the result and provide a fitting finale for a squad that has grown together through a challenging but ultimately triumphant campaign.
What this promotion means for Dundalk and the league
For Dundalk, promotion in their 100th year in the League of Ireland is a symbolic milestone, signaling a fresh chapter in the club’s long neighborhood with Louth supporters and the broader Irish football family. The Premier Division will welcome back a storied club with ambition, structure and a squad that has proven it can compete against the country’s best on the big stage.
Looking ahead, Dundalk will hope to translate this momentum into a strong top-flight campaign. The broader league landscape has already seen other title races tighten, but the regained top-flight status of Dundalk adds another layer of intrigue for the 2026 season as teams eye European qualification spots and domestic pride alike.
Final thoughts: a night of celebration and a new era
Oriel Park’s final whistle didn’t just signify a league win; it marked the beginning of a new era for Dundalk. The club’s survival story, the strategic vision under Kilduff, and the unified support from fans and staff alike have created a template for resurgence. As Dundalk prepare for life back in the Premier Division, the supporters can look forward to high-stakes football and the chance to add more silverware to a growing trophy cabinet.
