Minister for Sport visits Dundalk FC following First Division title win

Dundalk Football Club says it was honoured to welcome Minister for Sport, Charlie McConalogue TD, to Oriel Park this week following the club’s recent Men’s First Division title victory and the Government’s landmark budget announcement of increased funding for League of Ireland academies. 

The Minister was joined on the visit by former Minister Dermot Ahern, Erin McGreehan TD, Paula Butterly TD, and Senator Alison Comyn, as well as Cllr Shane McGuinness. The group toured the club’s facilities, met with the first-team players and coaching staff, and had the opportunity to lift the First Division trophy alongside club representatives. 

The visit coincided with Dundalk FC’s academy players arriving for evening training, offering a firsthand look at the club’s thriving youth setup and its role in developing future Irish football talent. 

Speaking at Oriel Park, Minister McConalogue congratulated the club on its success and praised Dundalk FC’s long-standing contribution to Irish football and the wider community: “It’s a huge achievement for Dundalk FC to secure promotion back to the Premier Division — congratulations to everyone involved.

"The recent Budget allocation for League of Ireland academies represents a major vote of confidence in Irish football and in the potential we see right across the country — from grassroots right up to the national level.” 

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Nita Whelan, Head of Operations at Dundalk FC, said the visit came at a fitting time for the club: “We were delighted to welcome Minister McConalogue and our local representatives to Oriel Park. It’s been a proud week for everyone connected to the club.

"The Minister’s visit, along with the Government’s continued investment in League of Ireland academies, is a huge boost for our long-term development and for the next generation of players coming through Dundalk FC’s system. 

"This season, several of our own academy players featured in the First Division squad, with a number also earning international call-ups — a real testament to the progress being made.”

Dundalk FC said the visit underscored the importance of strong community clubs in developing football from grassroots to elite level and highlighted the growing collaboration between the Government, the FAI, and League of Ireland clubs in building a sustainable future for Irish football.