Dundalk add Harry Groome and Dean Ebbe to ranks after being awarded First Division license

Dean Ebbe

Dean Ebbe Credit: Thomas Flinkow (ETPhotos)

Dundalk have ramped up their preparations for the upcoming 2025 First Division season with the awarding of their license to compete in the League of Ireland.

And they have also swooped to snap up the services of Harry Groome and Dean Ebbe in their first foray into the transfer market.

The pair join Aodh Dervin and Dary Horgan in committing to the Dundalk cause ahead of their return to the second tier.

Though it was most important that the club secured a license after their high-profile off pitch issues that put the future of the club into question.

“It has been a tough ten weeks,” owner John Temple said. “It was a very, very difficult time. I’m happy to say that the club has now avoided SCARP, which means we won’t be facing the points deduction.

“I want to make it very clear, the reason it became so difficult for Dundalk Football Club was not because of recent turmoil, but because of legacy issues that were left outstanding.

“The FAI sought a lot of assurances. I’m going to say it clear, the club is paying for the sins of others in the past. We were left with a mess.”

And since the relief of avoiding a points deduction ahead of their First Division return, they have signed Groome and Ebbe from Bray Wanderers and Dundalk respectively.

Groome joins having played 120 times in the First Division and said: “I’m delighted to be here, I’m really looking forward to the year.

“Working with Ciarán (Kilduff) and Ken (Kiernan) is going to be very good. It seems like a good group we’re putting together.



“The move came around very quickly after the playoff final. It was the next day Ken got in touch with me and it was a quick turnaround. I met a few of the lads today and I know a few of them from playing in the league.

“I’ve been very impressed with the facilities, with the gym and media room. It’s a great setup here.”

Striker Ebbe is a coup having impressed with Athlone this year and he added: “Dundalk is a massive club. Talking to Ciarán and talking to a few ex-players, they were saying that I have to go here. I’m looking forward to it, hopefully it’s a good season.

“Ciarán got in touch with my agent. He was at Athlone last season and watched a lot of the games. I met up with him and he gave me a few ideas of what he wants to do for the coming year. I really liked it so I came on board.”

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