Dundalk turmoil deepens as manager Ciarán Kilduff quits
By ArdeePost Reporter
Dundalk Crisis Deepens as Ciarán Kilduff Quits Weeks After Promotion
Dundalk FC has been thrown into further turmoil as manager Ciarán Kilduff stepped down just 19 days after guiding the club to the First Division title and promotion to the Premier Division.
The 37-year-old informed the club’s board and players of his decision on Thursday morning, bringing an abrupt end to what had been a remarkable first year in charge.
Kilduff’s resignation comes amid mounting tensions within the club’s ownership, with majority shareholder John Temple facing pressure from a group of US-based minority investors to relinquish control. The ongoing standoff has left Dundalk’s football operations effectively paralysed, with uncertainty over player signings, training schedules, and stadium upgrades.
Manager Left in Limbo Amid Boardroom Tensions
Sources close to Oriel Park say Kilduff was unable to make key planning decisions for the 2026 season — including whether to shift to daytime training sessions — due to unresolved management disputes.
Despite leading the Lilywhites back to the top flight in his debut season, the lack of clarity surrounding budgets and operations reportedly pushed the manager to breaking point.
“The situation had become untenable,” one insider said. “Ciarán wanted to build on promotion, but he didn’t even know what resources he’d have. It was impossible to plan.”
Waterford Move on the Horizon
Kilduff, who previously enjoyed great success as a player at Dundalk, is already being linked with a swift return to management. Waterford FC — who may yet face a relegation playoff — are understood to be keen on securing his services, having made an initial approach last week.
Dundalk Ownership Stalemate Continues
John Temple, who holds a 65% controlling stake, remains defiant despite calls from other directors and investors for change. In a recent update to fans, he said he was “confident” Dundalk would receive an FAI Premier Division licence, but admitted challenges remain regarding Oriel Park’s floodlights and pitch conditions.
Those issues could force the team to play home games at an alternative venue or at earlier kick-off times, neither of which are acceptable to fans or fellow board members.
The dispute with the club’s American investors — who have expressed frustration over governance and investment strategies — continues to escalate, leaving the club’s long-term future uncertain.
A Bitter Blow After Triumph
Kilduff’s departure is a crushing setback for Dundalk supporters, who just weeks ago celebrated the club’s return to Ireland’s top tier. The former striker had been seen as a symbol of renewal, guiding the team to the First Division title in his first managerial season.
His exit underscores the growing crisis at Oriel Park — one that now threatens to overshadow the club’s hard-won success on the pitch.