Cornwall deal underlines Dundalk’s intent for Premier Division return

Experienced defender Rob Cornwall has become Dundalk FC’s seventh signing of the close season, completing a move to Oriel Park from SSE Airtricity League Premier Division rivals Bohemians.

The 31-year-old Drumcondra native links up with Harvey Warren, Keith Buckley, Ronan Teahan, Bobby Burns, Conor Kearns and Danny Mullen as part of manager Ciaran Kilduff’s 2026 squad, assembled ahead of the club’s eagerly anticipated return to the Premier Division next month.

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Dundalk’s interest in Cornwall had previously been highlighted by The Democrat, and while local speculation suggested Cliftonville defender Aidan Kelly was nearing a deal, Kilduff has instead secured the services of the seasoned campaigner.

Cornwall arrives with a wealth of top-flight experience, having made more than 200 Premier Division appearances during a career that began with Shelbourne in 2013.

He subsequently enjoyed a three-season spell with Shamrock Rovers, including a loan period at Derry City, before making the move to Bohemians ahead of the 2017 campaign.

He would go on to spend five seasons at Dalymount Park, followed by a two-year stint in the United States with Northern Colorado Hailstorm, before returning to Bohs in 2024.

“I’d played with Ciaran years ago, so we already knew each other, and he reached out,” Cornwall explained. “I also know Wardy and Bucko, and they were singing the praises of the set-up here. Between that and the enthusiasm around the place, it definitely intrigued me.

“I’m delighted with my time there — seven good years — but football moves on. Opinions change, and now it’s about coming in here and focusing on what’s ahead.

“It’s a good mix — experienced lads and younger players — but there’s real enthusiasm. The sessions are lively, good personalities, and a strong standard; that’s exactly what you want.

“It’s a different league to the First Division, and experience does matter, but last season showed how tight it can be at both ends of the table. Anything can happen.

“What Ciaran and Ken (Kiernan) have done here is impressive — coming up at the first time of asking and building again. There’s a real buzz. Wardy was playing here last year, so I kept an eye on things, and you could see it building.

“Just going into the gym, seeing the history, speaking to Horgs and hearing how much the club means to him — you can feel the standards straight away. It’s a massive club, and I’m proud to be here.

“There’s something new and exciting here — on and off the pitch. With the team we’re building, it should be a really exciting season.

“We have Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght, up to Derry, then the derby — big games straight away. These are great games to be a part of.”

Although Cornwall didn’t play in Dundalk’s 3–1 PTSB Leinster Senior Cup victory over Shelbourne at the Muirhevnamor Sports Centre — where an Eoin Kenny brace complemented Mullen’s opener — he did feature from the start in Friday night’s emphatic 5–1 friendly win against UCD in Belfield.

Dundalk briefly found themselves trailing after eight minutes as Mikey Raggett put the hosts ahead, but a second brace of the week from Kenny, fresh from signing a contract extension that had delighted supporters, along with further goals from Warren, Mullen and Gbemi Arubi, sealed a comprehensive win for The Lilywhites.

Kilduff’s side return to action on Tuesday morning with a behind-closed-doors friendly against Shelbourne, before bringing their Leinster Senior Cup Group A campaign to a close with a trip to Athlone Town this Saturday (kick-off, 1pm).

Meanwhile, as previously revealed by The Democrat, Dundalk’s opening Premier Division clash with Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on February 6th will be broadcast live on Virgin Media Television.

In addition, the Louth derby between Dundalk and Drogheda United at Oriel Park on February 20th will also be shown by Virgin, along with The Lilywhites’ visit to Dalymount Park to face Bohemians on March 20th.

2026 Dundalk FC Squad (as of January 18th): Enda Minogue, Peter Cherrie, Conor Kearns; Conor O’Keeffe, Mayowa Animasahun, Luke Mulligan, Vinnie Leonard, Sean Spaight, JR Wilson, Harvey Warren, Bobby Burns, Rob Cornwall; Aodh Dervin, Daryl Horgan, Harry Groome, Leo Gaxha, Norman Garbett, Shane Tracey, Declan McDaid, Ronan Teahan, Keith Buckley; Gbemi Arubi, Eoin Kenny, TJ Molloy, Danny Mullen