Kilduff eager for first derby win as Dundalk momentum builds
The Lilywhites will carry a renewed sense of belief into Friday night’s Louth derby
Dundalk FC will carry a renewed sense of belief into Friday night’s Louth derby against Drogheda United at Sullivan & Lambe Park (kick-off, 8pm) after their dramatic victory over Shamrock Rovers.
Tyreke Wilson’s late winner and Enda Minogue’s heroic saves secured a statement 1-0 success over the league leaders at Oriel Park, extending the remarkable resurgence overseen by Ciaran Kilduff in the club’s first season back in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.
The derby meeting also marks the midpoint of Dundalk’s campaign and underlines the scale of their progress.
Kilduff’s side sit in the top four with 25 points already accumulated — just one fewer than they managed across the entirety of the 2024 season’s relegation campaign.
Kilduff admitted afterwards that the significance of the Rovers victory had not yet allowed him to consider the wider picture.
“I haven’t even seen the table. I didn’t see any of the other results. I’m just emotionally delighted with those three points we’ve had there tonight.
“I don’t think I’ve ever said I’d take a point. Never will. I wanted to win tonight.
“We felt that was the way to win, but everything priced in, the quality of the opposition they are, the players that they have, that’s massive.”
Attention now quickly turns to Drogheda and the return of one of Irish football’s most storied rivalries, with Kilduff acknowledging the rarity — and significance — of the fixture after a season spent apart in different divisions.
“This is what we wanted this time last year. We’re after getting a massive three points against Shamrock Rovers, and now you’re going for a Louth derby that’s a long time overdue.
“They are special occasions. I think I said last time that it’s the best fixture in the league.
“What’s rare is wonderful. This is the second one in the last two years, so they don’t come around that often.
“Nowadays, hopefully, they do continue to. But what a game, what an opportunity. We need to dust off now because what a fixture to look forward to.”
The atmosphere generated by Dundalk’s support against Rovers only heightened anticipation ahead of another packed occasion in Drogheda.
Kilduff described Friday night at Oriel as one of the standout occasions of his managerial career and is eager to build on it by securing a first derby victory since taking charge.
“That was exceptional, exceptional emotion there tonight. The place was electric. They never stopped singing, both sides.
“It was a special night in Oriel, long overdue as well, probably for a big win like that for us under the lights here.
“I went nearly a year and a quarter without losing a home game here, then I lost two in a row, and football’s funny.
“It just turns with probably the biggest win I’ve ever had here, a win against Shamrock Rovers.
“I’m having the full Dundalk manager’s experience now, from a huge unbeaten run at home, to two losses, to the biggest win of the lot.
“As the Dundalk manager, you’d be looking to go and win the Louth derby. It’s something I haven’t done yet. It’s something I’d love to do. They’ll be thinking the same, of course.
“It’s a proper game, but we’re obviously going in now with our tails up, hopefully, and we have to get a good week of training and bring the emotion down as quickly as we can because what a game ahead.”
Dundalk will, however, head into the contest with some selection concerns.
JR Wilson is suspended following his late red card against Rovers, although Rob Cornwall is available again after serving his own ban and is expected to slot straight back into the side.
Harvey Warren’s withdrawal against Rovers was attributed to cramp, while Ronan Teahan appears unlikely to recover in time after suffering a quad issue in training.
Mayowa Animasahun also remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, though Danny Mullen continues to edge closer to a full return.
“Rob Cornwall will be back, so like for like. Danny Mullen is ticking along nicely. Ronan broke down yesterday in training.
“We gave him a late fitness test, just a quad injury. I can’t see him being available next week. He has got a scan tomorrow morning.
“Not that we’re dropping like flies, but there’s no one issue. There’s a combination of different things.”