Dundalk reinforce key positions with Kearns and Mullen deals

Dundalk FC have ushered in the new year with a significant statement of intent, strengthening their squad with the additions of goalkeeper Conor Kearns and striker Danny Mullen ahead of the 2026 SSE Airtricity League Premier Division campaign.

The arrival of Kearns, 27, comes by way of a season-long loan from Shelbourne, where he was a cornerstone of their title-winning side in 2024, featuring in all 36 league fixtures.

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His recruitment addresses a long-standing priority for manager Ciaran Kilduff, who had been eager to bring in a goalkeeper capable of providing genuine competition for Enda Minogue for the number one jersey at Oriel Park.

In Kearns, Kilduff has secured exactly what he sought, with the Templeogue native bringing a wealth of top-flight experience and proven pedigree that will prove invaluable as The Lilywhites prepare for their return to the Premier Division.

While Walsall’s Sam Hornby had also been considered, Kilduff has remained consistent with his recruitment philosophy since taking the helm in November 2024—placing a premium on players with established domestic experience.

A former Republic of Ireland U21 international under Stephen Kenny, Kearns more than satisfies that criterion, having amassed over 200 League of Ireland appearances in a career that began at UCD and continued through spells with St Patrick’s Athletic, Galway United and Shelbourne.

During his time at Tolka Park, he registered 35 clean sheets in 94 league outings over three seasons, earned a place on the PFAI Team of the Year in 2023, and added a league winners’ medal to his collection in 2024.

Although he committed to a long-term contract with Shelbourne last February, running until 2027, Kearns remained their first-choice goalkeeper for much of the 2025 season before a hamstring injury curtailed his campaign at the outset of their European adventure in July.

Further strengthening their ranks, Dundalk have also secured the signature of Derry City striker Mullen, fending off competition from Irish Premiership highflyers Coleraine to land the sought-after Scotsman.

The 30-year-old forward arrives with a formidable goalscoring pedigree and is expected to provide strong competition for Gbemi Arubi, having plundered 76 goals in Scottish football with the likes of Livingston, St Mirren, Dundee and Partick Thistle before making the move to the League of Ireland midway through the 2023 season.

During his time on Foyleside, Mullen found the net 21 times in 86 competitive appearances, operating both as a central striker and, on numerous occasions, from the flanks.

Kilduff remains intent on further bolstering his squad with seasoned campaigners, as Dundalk continue to be linked with a potential loan move for out-of-favour Shamrock Rovers left-back Trevor Clarke, while former Bohemians defender Rob Cornwall has also emerged as a possible addition.

The club are likewise casting a wider net in North America, where a number of trialists are currently under assessment, including Trinidad & Tobago international right-back Jesse Williams and English midfielder Callum Watson.

In addition, Luke Mulligan and Norman Garbett have both formally committed their futures to Oriel for another season, taking Dundalk’s total number of contracted players for the 2026 campaign to 21.

2026 Dundalk FC Squad (as of January 4th): Enda Minogue, Conor Kearns; Conor O’Keeffe, Mayowa Animasahun, Luke Mulligan, Vinnie Leonard, JR Wilson, Harvey Warren, Bobby Burns; Aodh Dervin, Daryl Horgan, Harry Groome, Leo Gaxha, Norman Garbett, Shane Tracey, Declan McDaid, Ronan Teahan, Keith Buckley; Gbemi Arubi, TJ Molloy, Danny Mullen.

Confirmed Departures: Sammy Safaei (Harland & Wolff Welders – loan); Sean McHale (St Patrick’s Athletic – end of loan), Ethen Vaughan (released); Andy Paraschiv (released); Dean Ebbe (Ballymena United), Rohan Vaughan (Queens Park Rangers – end of loan).