Dundalk seal remarkable Premier Division return
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Dundalk secured a return to the top-tier of Irish football on Saturday night with a 6-1 victory over Kildare County at Station Road on a night of incredible drama in the First Division.
Shelbourne looked to be heading for a return to the Premier Division when Anthony Flood fired them ahead against Limerick 37 at Tolka Park midway through the second half. However an injury time strike from Limerick’s Colin Scanlon denied Shels the victory, meaning that Dundalk took the title by a solitary point. Robbie Farrell was the hero of the night for Dundalk, grabbing four goals, with further strikes from David Cassidy and Derek Doyle. A Paul Shiels own goal gave Kildare a consolation late-on.
Shelbourne held a one point lead going into the game and needed to win to secure a remarkable return to the Premier Division after just two seasons in the First Division. But, it is John Gill’s men who will be back in the big time next season, having been relegated to the first division at the end of the 2002 campaign.
