Dundalk insist players and staff have been paid

Dundalk FC have responded to rumours that its players are owed outstanding wages, while manager Jon Daly says he no longer wishes to discuss the issue of payments.

Less than 24 hours before the team travelled to Eamonn Deacy Park for their SSE Airtricity League Premier Division fixture versus Galway United last Friday night, a match that finished 1-1, the club issued a statement via its social media channels.

It read: “Dundalk Football Club hold a weekly meeting with players and staff. Over the past two weeks the club’s owners have met with several stakeholders both internal and external ensuring that the club remains at the heart of the local community.

“This was demonstrated today at the funeral of our dear friend Maxi Mark Kavanagh, where hundreds of fans came together at Oriel Park to celebrate his life and to say a final farewell.

“The contents of all such meetings remain confidential. The club is aware of several falsehoods, rumours and comments on social media. All players and staff were paid last week, and the owners have not indicated otherwise going forward.”

When pressed on the issue regarding wages following Dundalk’s 1-1 draw in Galway, Daly asserted: “I’m actually tired talking about all that type of stuff. I’ve been really honest with that type of stuff and it’s not something that I’m wanting to or willing to talk about just now.

“I want to talk about how proud I am of the players for showing up and making sure they haven’t been overpowered by a very strong Galway side. That’s what I want the conversations to be about tonight.”

Daly says neither he or the players have received any reassurances on what the future holds for Dundalk, who given that relegation on the pitch is now a near certainty, are more likely to enter into the Small Companies Administrative Rescue Process (SCARP).

“Not really, no,” replied Daly when asked if the players had received any clarity over their futures. “The club will need to assess and see where they want to go and what they want to do and how they want to go about depending on what happens over the next few weeks.

“That’s something that needs to be addressed in conversations in the next few weeks of where they want to go and what they want to do. Have I got any additional information?

“Not really. It’s just focusing on the here and now and try and get points on the board. We’ve managed to get one tonight and we’re disappointed not to come away with three.”

Meanwhile, The Democrat understands Colm Murphy – who returned to Dundalk as club secretary in November 2021 – has stepped away from the role and will be succeeded by club ambassador Padraig McGowan, who will fill the position at the end of October.