Ward returns to Dundalk FC

Dundalk FC have announced the signing of midfielder Keith Ward, who returns to Oriel Park for a fourth time having completed a transfer from NIFL Premiership club Glenavon.

The 34-year-old, who won the First Division title as a player alongside Ciarán Kilduff with UCD in 2009, first arrived at Dundalk in 2011 under Ian Foster and spent two further spells at the club having rejoined in 2013 under Stephen Kenny and 2022 under Stephen O’Donnell.

Ward, who has racked up 127 appearances for the Lilywhites across five seasons, now becomes the 18th confirmed member of Kilduff’s first-team squad ahead of the 2025 SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division season.

“I had a lovely phone call from the gaffer the other day, I was delighted,” Ward told DFCTV. “It was an easy decision. It’s great to be back with The Town.

“I was disappointed with what happened last year, because I had played previously with the club, and I knew a lot of lads that were here last season. I’ve been close with some of those lads. It was disappointing to see how it worked out.

“With the manager coming in, he has a connection with the club. Getting me back in can help, I hope. I’m delighted to get going.

“I know 'Killers' well, we played together at UCD, we won the First Division together. You can see the career he went on to have, a top player in the league.

“Having spoken to him the other day, it’s not like he has to sell the club, he was just filling me in on the players who are here, and how pre-season has gone.

“It was a quick, easy phone call, to be honest. I’m looking forward to getting in now and seeing the lads.

“It’s a young side, with a little bit of experience there. I’m sure that’s why the gaffer brought me in. I’m excited to see some of the lads.

“It’s a big chance for some of those young lads to go and make a name for themselves in this league and at this club, and start kicking on in their careers.

“The likes of 'Horgs' (Daryl Horgan), Peter Cherrie and a few of the lads in there, we can help them along the way.”
Ward is also excited to play in front of the Dundalk supporters once again.

“It has been a bit of a rollercoaster the last ten years here. If we’re going to have any success here, to try to win this league, the crowd are going to have a massive say in that,” he said, “making this place a fortress again.

“There are a few camel rides around the country, if we can get the supporters for away days as well, it’s going to be massive.”

“It’s going to be a team effort, with the players, the staff, the fans, everybody, one big effort. If we can get this place rocking on a Friday, we’ll have a massive chance.”
Kilduff On Wardy

“We know what he brings to the club, a great character but a great player as well,” Kilduff said on his latest signing.

“We won a First Division together at UCD. It’s very easy to work with Wardy. The quality he possesses could be huge for us this season. He’s the type of player that can change a game at the drop of a hat.

“We’re delighted to have him in the building. We’re trying to build a culture here, and a blend of characters in that as well. I think he’ll be great for the young lads around the club.

“I think he has accepted, like we all do, when you get to a certain stage of your career, you have more than just a role to look after yourself, you also have to be helping lads along with standards and making sure we have a happy, good environment and culture for the lads to be playing their football.

“He’s a great man, someone who I kept in touch with over the years. To get him into the club and he has so much to offer from playing ability as well, I’m delighted.”

Having played for UCD, where he won the First Division in 2009, Ward signed for Dundalk ahead of the 2011 season and was part of the memorable run to the Setanta Sports Cup final.

He spent the following year at Bohemians but returned to Oriel Park in 2013, spending two seasons under Kenny before departing for Sligo Rovers. He went on to play for Derry City and then spent five seasons back at Dalymount Park.

He signed for Dundalk for a third time in 2022, staying for another two seasons, before moving to Shelbourne, where he spent the first half of last year.

In August, he moved North to Glenavon, but has now taken the opportunity to make yet another comeback in Black & White.