Kilduff embraces Dundalk challenge with no regrets

Ahead of his first League of Ireland game as Dundalk FC manager, Ciaran Kilduff has reflected openly on his decision to take charge at Oriel Park last November, driven by a deep emotional connection to the club he played for between 2015 and 2017, as well as a firm belief in his ability to guide it through a pivotal period of transformation.

Despite the hurdles encountered along the way – including concerns over licensing and sweeping structural changes – Kilduff remained resolute in his conviction that Dundalk was on the path to recovery, emerging from a turbulent 2024 that had brought the club perilously close to liquidation, shortly before relegation on the pitch was confirmed.

In an interview with The Democrat, he said: “I’ve had no regrets from the day I took it, genuinely. Even when the licensing was looking like it was going to be tight or whatever, I still backed the lads in the background to deliver. They’ve done their job, it’s over to us now as a playing staff and as a group to repay a lot of that.”

Kilduff acknowledged the extensive rebuild that Dundalk has undergone in recent months, with a near-complete squad overhaul and significant changes at boardroom level, but remains optimistic about the team’s prospects ahead of the 2025 season.

“We are a work in progress. There’s been so much turmoil – new management, staff, 19 players left, new owners, new people behind the scenes. We’re rebuilding, but I think we’re in a good place.

“The fans are still behind us. We’ve got a team on the pitch that are more than capable of being competitive, and we’re working hard. I know it’s a simplistic approach, but it’s what we’re trying to do.”

Kilduff expressed his admiration for owner John Temple, crediting him for providing stability and leadership during what has been a challenging period for the club.

“John’s been great for me. When we met up, he told me what has been done and has to be done. We’re not there yet either – there’s constant fights going on for our survival, but we take strength in that as a playing staff and a group,” Kilduff said.

The Dundalk manager praised Temple, who took over last September, for shielding the team from external pressures, allowing them to focus solely on their footballing duties.

“We are well protected. He insulated us well. I don’t even think he has the time to think about us, to be honest, he’s got so much on – but that’s the job and we were all aware of that.

“I have a great working relationship with everyone in the club now, from the people above me to the people in the dressing room with me. It’s a great place to work, I really mean that.

“Lose a few games or win a few games, those things change, but I think there’s a great appreciation from everyone within the club at the minute of where we are, what we’ve done for each other and the supporters seem to be on side as well.

“There is an appreciation around the place right now to go, ‘We’re delighted where we’re at right now. Let’s tackle this season ahead as one.’ It’s a great feeling, it really is. I think the players have picked up on that too.”

Kilduff is confident in his leadership and the journey Dundalk are on ahead of their SSE Airtricity League First Division opener at home to Athlone Town this Friday night.

“We’re all in it together right now and I’m delighted to be managing it because I’m ready for it. I do believe I’m the man for it because I was willing to put my neck on the line. I wanted the opportunity, I did my due diligence, I spoke to the club, I recruited the players, I brought in my staff.

“Every week is a big game. It’s a cup final every week for us as a club and I’m delighted to be part of it and we all have a role to play.”

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Peter Halpin has departed from his role as CEO.