Dundalk Crowned Champions as Promotion Party Begins
By ArdeePost Reporter
Dundalk dispatch Finn Harps to seal Premier Division return
Dundalk FC will return to the SSE Airtricity Premier Division for their centenary year in 2026, after a commanding 3–0 victory over Finn Harps at Oriel Park sealed the First Division title and automatic promotion.
It marks a stunning turnaround for the Co Louth club, who just over a year ago were on the brink of collapse before being saved by local businessman John Temple. His bold appointment of Ciarán Kilduff as manager proved inspired — the former striker rebuilding a team that led the table from start to finish.
The Lilywhites were made to work hard for their triumph, struggling to break down Kevin McHugh’s resilient Harps side in the first half. But once Gbemi Arubi tapped home the opener on 54 minutes, the floodgates opened.
Moments later, captain Daryl Horgan coolly slotted home from the penalty spot after a handball in the area. Horgan, the former Republic of Ireland international, almost added a spectacular second when his curling volley clipped the crossbar before seeing another penalty saved.
As chants of “We’re going up!” rang around the ground, the 3,358 fans in attendance were treated to one final moment of joy when Vinnie Leonard — who scored Dundalk’s first goal of the season — nodded in a stoppage-time header to complete a dream night at Oriel Park.
The celebrations began in earnest as fans, players and staff embraced on the pitch, marking the club’s immediate return to top-flight football.
“This is for the supporters who never gave up,” said Kilduff. “We rebuilt from the ground up, and now we’re back where we belong.”
With promotion secured, Dundalk will enter 2026 — their 100th year in League of Ireland football — back among Ireland’s elite.
Dundalk: Peter Cherrie; Conor O’Keeffe, Mayowa Animasahun (Andy Paraschiv 78), Vinnie Leonard, JR Wilson; Aodh Dervin, Shane Tracey (Luke Mulligan 85); Declan McDaid (Norman Garbett 78), Harry Groome (Keith Ward 78); Daryl Horgan (Dean Ebbe 85); Gbemi Arubi.
Finn Harps: Lorenzo Piaia Barbobsa; Mikey Place, Oran Brogan, Conor Tourish, Joel Bradley-Walsh, Idir Zerrouk; Gavin Gilmore (Adam McDaid 71), Tony McNamee (Conor McGranahan 84), Gradi Lomboto (Darragh Coyle 72); Ibra Bangoura (McLaughlin 72); Hans Mpongo (Shaunie Bradley 80).
Referee: Declan Toland.
