Historic night at Oriel Park as Dundalk secure top-flight return
Dundalk Football Club confirmed their return to the Premier Division for the 2026 season, marking a remarkable 180-degree turnaround from their precarious situation in September 2024. A 3-0 victory over Finn Harps at Oriel Park sealed the First Division title, ensuring the club will celebrate its 100th anniversary in the top flight in 2026.
The result, built on a sharp second-half display, was driven by Gbemi Arubi’s opener, a penalty converted by Daryl Horgan, and a late header from Vinnie Leonard. The brace of goals in quick succession after the break put Dundalk in control and set the tone for their celebrations long before Leonard added a final gloss with a stoppage-time header. It was a night that reflected not only on-field efficiency but also the resilience off it, as owner John Temple steered the club through a period of uncertainty to a promotion-winning season.
Head coach Ciarán Kilduff, a former Lilywhite striker, has overseen a squad that has led the table from day one. His gamble in appointing Kilduff appears vindicated as the team maintained their lead from the opening round and avoided a shoot-out for the title, thanks to a stumble by near-rivals Cork City. The early season showed Dundalk’s intent with strong possession and disciplined defending, but it was in the final half-hour that the hosts truly asserted themselves.
Key moments that defined the title clinch
Harps started with intent, but Dundalk’s defense held firm while the attackers clicked into gear. A pivotal moment came just after the hour when Arubi converted Conor O’Keeffe’s setup after a scramble in the Harps defense. Minutes later, Horgan’s spot-kick after a handball by Conor Tourish widened the gap and put Dundalk in command.
Horgan’s influence did not stop there; he almost added to his tally with a blistering strike that struck the crossbar, and a subsequent penalty save from the Harps ’keeper kept Dundalk on course for the win. The contest was finally wrapped up by Leonard, who headed in Andy Paraschiv’s cross late in stoppage time, capping a night of pride for the Oriel faithful.
The win also solidifies Dundalk’s place in Irish football history as they prepare to celebrate their 100th League of Ireland season in the Premier Division in 2026. The club’s revival under Temple’s leadership and Kilduff’s squad-building has restored a sense of optimism around Oriel Park, suggesting a bright future ahead for a club with a storied past.
What this means for the rest of the season
With Dundalk sealing the title, attention now turns to the remaining fixtures and potential play-off battles across the division. While Cobh Ramblers fell to Longford Town, their title hopes were effectively ended, and Treaty United’s victory over Bray Wanderers kept their play-off ambitions alive. Wexford FC and Kerry FC continue their chase, and the final week promises high drama as teams jostle for playoff spots and European qualification.
For Dundalk, the immediate focus will be on preparing for life back in the Premier Division, while also marking a historic milestone in a season that started with questions and ended with promotion and celebration. Fans can look forward to a party atmosphere at Oriel Park as the club basks in a rare moment of stability and success.
Squad and key contributors
Dundalk’s first-choice lineup featured Peter Cherrie in goal, a solid back four anchored by Mayowa Animasahun, Vinnie Leonard, JR Wilson and Conor O’Keeffe, with Erik Kilduff’s strategic midfield and attacking prospering under Daryl Horgan, Gbemi Arubi and Harry Groome. The Harps side, meanwhile, pressed hard but could not convert early chances, leaving Dundalk’s efficient counter-attacks to do the damage.
The celebration at full-time was a fitting tribute to a club that has weathered adversity and emerged stronger, ready to write the next chapter of its long-running saga in Irish football.
