Dervin commits future to Dundalk in boost for Kilduff’s plans

Aodh Dervin has committed his future to Dundalk FC, penning a new deal that will see the Longford native remain at Oriel Park until at least the close of the 2026 season.

The 26-year-old midfielder, who arrived from Galway United in July 2024, has quickly established himself as a standout presence in The Lilywhites’ engine room, delivering a string of commanding performances that have been instrumental in Dundalk’s charge at the summit of the SSE Airtricity League First Division.

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Manager Ciaran Kilduff, who entrusted Dervin with the vice-captaincy at the outset of the campaign, has expressed his delight at seeing the former Longford Town and Shelbourne man pledge his immediate future to Oriel.

“I’m delighted because Aodh has been a big part of this club since I’ve come here,” he said after Dundalk were held to a 3-3 draw by Kerry. “His drive, his energy—he’ll be frustrated as well tonight—but it’s still a good week for him committing his future here. I’m delighted to have him. He’s been a big player for us, and I’m sure he’ll have lots of good nights ahead.”

Dervin now joins Daryl Horgan among the players confirmed to remain at Dundalk next season, with Kilduff lavishing praise on his captain.

The veteran winger, who struck twice more against Kerry, has lifted his league tally to 10—marking the first time in his career he has reached double figures in a league campaign.

“We need him. He’s a big player for us; he’s our leader,” said Kilduff. “I said that last week because we could use all those superlatives about him. He is that guy, and tonight he had to be. Even his penalty—it’s a big moment—he takes and scores it.

“After half-time, he reacts, and you’re just looking for others to see that inspiration and deliver too, because there was a game to be won there with 10, 12 minutes to go. There was an opportunity to go and make it an amazing night here if you turned that around and won 4-3.

“We finished the game a little bit flatter than a team that was desperate for their lives to win it, and that’s another area that I’d be a little bit disappointed with.”

With Vinnie Leonard drawing fresh interest from both Celtic and Norwich City, and several squad members approaching the end of their contracts, Kilduff is eager to meet with his players in the coming weeks to map out plans for next season.

“One or two,” he replied when asked whether he had already spoken with any of the players nearing the end of their contracts. “The extended one was Aodh, who had a contract with the club just as I arrived, so there were some honest conversations had at the start of the year.

“I’m sure now, cutting to the end of the year with a lot of players in good form, we’ll just have to address it and make sure everyone’s in the best fettle. Hopefully, we can nail them down on contracts, but it’ll be performance-based.”