Dundalk crowned Premier Division Champions 2014

Dundalk FC ended their 19 year wait for a league title in stunning fashion at Oriel Park on Friday evening, passing the stern test posed by Cork City with flying colours in a comprehensive 2-0 victory.

Oriel Park, that famous old stadium was packed to the rafters; with well over 1,000 people inside the ground more than an hour before kick-off. With folk heroes of yesteryear such as Richie Blackmore, Jimmy Dainty, Martin Lawlor and the man who scored the vital goal the last time Dundalk won the title in 1995, Tom McNulty in attendance, a carnival atmosphere enveloped the stadium and produced an evening (and night) which will be etched into the memories of every Dundalk fan for decades to come.

In a frantic opening to the match, Cork notched up some early chances through Gary Buckley and Billy Dennehy and, adding further fuel to the already combustible atmosphere, the same pair found themselves in referee Neil Doyle’s book inside the first five minutes of the game for some over-zealous tackling.

The home side suffered a blow inside the first 10 minutes when midfield powerhouse Chris Shields was forced to limp off with a leg injury and was replaced by Ruaidhri Higgins. Although it may have been viewed as a blow at the time, Higgins’ introduction actually helped Dundalk settle on the ball, with the Derry man controlling the pace and tempo of the game with some neat touches and silky passing.

The Leesiders had a superb chance to take the lead on 33 minutes when Colin Healy set up John O’Flynn whose pin-point cross found Mark O’Sullivan but the Cork striker failed to divert his effort goalward.

Cork had their best chance of the half six minutes later when, following a foul by Andy Boyle, Billy Dennehy cannoned his free kick off the butt of Peter Cherrie’s right hand post as the Oriel faithful breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Dundalk, for all of their possession, failed to create many clear cut chances in the first half, with O’Donnell and Towell carving out half chances but not really testing City ‘keeper Mark McNulty.

The game changing moment came within minutes of the start of the second half; Pat Hoban teed up Dundalk captain Stephen O’Donnell, who buried the ball into the bottom corner of the net to give his side a vital advantage. O’Donnell was making his first start in six months following a horrific knee injury and put in a man of the match performance on the night.

With the Lilywhites in the ascendency, John Caulfield went on the offensive, introducing Josh O’Shea, John Kavanagh and Rob Lehane within a ten minute period, but their introductions failed to have the desired effect with the home side putting the destination of the title beyond doubt on 82 minutes.

A goalmouth scramble ensued from a Dundalk free kick on the left flank and goal scoring centre-half supreme, Brian Gartland was on hand to poke the ball home and send the crowd into raptures.

Dundalk saw out the final few minutes and Neil Doyle’s whistle was greeted by a mass pitch invasion and the champagne celebrations, which promise to continue all weekend, began.

Stephen Kenny’s men are the champions of Ireland and the league trophy shall reside at Oriel Park for at least the next 12 months.

Dundalk FC: Peter Cherrie; Sean Gannon, Brian Gartland, Andy Boyle, Dane Massey; Chris Shields (Ruaidhri Higgins 9), Stephen O’Donnell; Darren Meenan (John Mountney 76), Richie Towell, Daryl Horgan; Patrick Hoban (Kurtis Byrne 89). 

Subs not used: Marc Griffin, Mark Rossiter, Gabriel Sava, Donal McDermott.

Booked: Ruaidhri Higgins, Peter Cherrie.

Cork City: Mark McNulty; Michael McSweeney, Dan Murray, Darren Dennehy, John Dunleavy; Gearoid Morrissey (John Kavanagh 63), Colin Healy, Garry Buckley (Rob Lehane 73); John O’Flynn (Josh O’Shea 63), Mark O’Sullivan, Billy Dennehy.

Subs not used: Liam Kearney, Gavin Kavanagh, Kevin O’Brien.

Booked: Gary Buckley, Billy Dennehy, Darren Dennehy, Mark McNulty.

Referee: Neil Doyle.