Dundalk FC claim Malone Cup

Dundalk FC have claimed the 2025 Jim Malone Cup following a well-deserved 1-0 win over Drogheda United at Oriel Park.

A second-half goal from the superb Eoin Kenny was all that separated the teams in the annual fixture between the Louth rivals, with Lilywhites supporters encouraged by what they witnessed, as the SSE Airtricity League First Division season draws nearer.

Dundalk were well on top throughout a first half which yielded several chances – the first of which fell to Aodh Dervin, whose hit from the edge of the area fizzed just wide.

Moments later, Kenny, again operating in the ‘number 10’ role behind striker Dean Ebbe, found himself in space before firing from range, though his effort veered off target.

Daryl Horgan’s corner from the right was then headed over by Mayowa Animasahun – a player widely linked with a move to Drogheda prior to penning fresh terms at Oriel.

Tipped by manager Ciaran Kilduff to become more of an attacking threat in 2025, Dervin carried the ball a long way and, after being urged to shoot by the home crowd, unleashed a dipping effort from outside the area that sailed inches over Luke Dennison’s crossbar.

Drogheda goalkeeper Dennison seconds later pulled off a fine save from the impressive Kenny – while Conor Keeley’s headed attempt which trickled harmlessly into Enda Minogue’s hands was the only thing that even resembled a Drogheda first-half chance.

The Lilywhites took a deserved 1-0 lead eight minutes into the second half when Kenny finished from close range after Drogheda had failed to deal with a Sean Keogh set-piece.

Drogheda couldn’t force themselves back into the contest, with Josh Thomas’ effort, which flew over right before the hour-mark, their only meaningful attack of the night.

Dundalk FC: Enda Minogue; Conor O’Keeffe, Mayowa Animasahun, Vinnie Leonard, Sean Keogh; Aodh Dervin, Harry Groome (Ethen Vaughan 86); Leo Gaxha, Eoin Kenny (Keith Ward 86), Daryl Horgan (Andy Paraschiv HT); Dean Ebbe (Muhammad Haris 78)

Subs not used: Peter Cherrie (gk), TJ Molloy, Luke Mulligan, Aidan Russell-Vargas, Sean Spaight

Drogheda United: Luke Dennison (Jack Brady 84); Andrew Quinn, Conor Keeley, Aaron Harper-Bailey (George Cooper 69); Owen Lambe, Ryan Brennan (Luke Heeney 69), Shane Farrell, Conor Kane (Kieran Cruise 69); Darragh Markey; Josh Thomas (Bridel Bosakani 75), Thomas Oluwa (Zishim Bawa 56)

Subs not used: Paul Doyle, Conall Cronin, Sean McCarthy, Taylor Mooney

Referee: Declan Troy (Dublin)

Attendance: 2,197