Young Talent and Farewell Moments as Drogheda and Dundalk End Louth Derby Season in Scoreless Draw
Ardee News and Sport – In a fittingly poignant Louth derby finale, Drogheda United and Dundalk FC played out a 0-0 draw at Weavers Park, with two former Ardee Celtic players — one making history and the other bidding farewell — standing out on opposite teams. Dundalk’s 15-year-old TJ Molloy made his debut, becoming the youngest player ever for the club, while Drogheda’s Andrew Wogan celebrated his final league game before joining Stockport County in England.
For Dundalk, who had already faced relegation, the match held a different sort of significance, as they faced off against Drogheda for the last time this season. Both clubs brought energy and pride to the field, though neither could break the deadlock, much to the contentment of the 2,030 attendees, many of whom are now looking forward to next weekend’s FAI Cup final.
While both teams fought hard, the clash remained scoreless. Dundalk’s young Molloy joined the pitch late in the game, marking a significant milestone for the promising player. His inclusion represents a hopeful future for Dundalk, even as the club prepares for a challenging season ahead in the First Division. On the Drogheda side, Kevin Doherty, eyeing the FAI Cup final, kept his lineup close to its usual form, but gave Wogan a fitting send-off with a clean sheet in his last match for the club.
Dundalk showed slight dominance in the first half, with Jon Daly’s players nearly clinching the lead. Sean Keogh’s low drive just missed the mark, while Aodh Dervin’s header flew narrowly wide of the post. Douglas James-Taylor came closest for Drogheda, but his effort wasn’t enough to rattle Dundalk’s Ross Munro. Late in the game, Dundalk’s Eoin Kenny came tantalizingly close to a goal, hitting the crossbar in what was nearly a fitting winning moment for the visitors.
After the final whistle, it was clear that the night belonged as much to the individual stories as to the game itself. Wogan, warmly applauded by fans, wrapped up his time with Drogheda with a well-deserved clean sheet. Meanwhile, Molloy, with his historic debut, offered a glimpse of a promising future for Dundalk.
Teams:
• Drogheda United: Dennison (Wogan, 46); Quinn, Harper-Bailey, Bolger; Ahui, Brennan (Deegan, 66), Farrell, Heeney; Markey (Davis, 67); Pierrot (Foley, 46), James-Taylor (Kane, 77).
• Dundalk: Munro; Mountney, Animasahun, Cann, Keogh; Dervin (Keane, 73), Oostenbrink (Molloy, 83); Horgan, Hakiki (Mulligan, 73), Mahon (O’Kane, 66); Kenny.
Referee: Damien MacGraith