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Academy Round-Up | July 26th–27th
- Sean McGuinness
- Jul 29
- 5 min read
It was a packed weekend of academy football as Dundalk FC’s underage teams lined out across five fixtures in league and cup action. From clinical finishes to resilient performances, there was plenty to be proud of across all squads.
Saturday, July 26th
MU20s: Dundalk 4–0 Longford Town
Dundalk’s MU20s delivered a really strong team performance from start to finish to continue their impressive run of form.
The breakthrough came on the half-hour mark when Conall Alfred was brought down in the box after doing brilliantly to win a penalty. TJ Molloy stepped up and calmly slotted home, making it two goals in two games for the in-form forward.
Soon after, Luke Mulligan made it 2–0 with a spectacular strike from 25–30 yards out, a goal that left the crowd stunned.
Dundalk kept their foot on the gas in the second half. Fionn McNamara added a third, capitalizing on excellent pressure to turn the ball over, before showing brilliant footwork on the end line to beat his man and finish high into the net.
Aaron Donnelly rounded off the scoring with a jinking solo run and a composed finish to the bottom corner.
It’s been difficult to single out individuals in recent weeks, with the group collectively performing at a very high level. The team’s consistency has seen them deservedly pick up results and now sit joint-top of the group, with games in hand over some of the chasing pack.
The MU20s now turn their focus to another big fixture as they prepare to take on Drogheda United.
WU17s: Sligo Rovers 0–2 Dundalk
A superb away performance saw Dundalk’s WU17s come away with a 2-0 win at The Showgrounds, moving them top of Tier 2.
Goalkeeper Grace McCabe, wore the armband for the first time and delivered an excellent performance, highlighted by a brilliant one-on-one save early in the first half. Shortly after, Dundalk took the lead through Ruby Hynes, who rifled a top-corner finish from 20 yards after a slick one-two with Lanah Sherlock.
Just after the break, a long-range effort from Naoise Byrne was parried by the Sligo keeper, and Liadh Tobin was quickest to react, tapping home to make it 2-0.
Some individual and team brilliant performances displayed throughout the game, but worthy of special mention are Naoise Byrne, Freya Kennedy and Lauryn Byrne who all excelled in the game
A really good team performance all round to take home the three points and put the team top of Tier 2.
WU17s Coach Roy Armstrong praised the side's strong start and defensive organization:
“We started fast like we have all season. Grace was brilliant in goal, making a key save early on. Naoise, Freya Kennedy, and Lauryn Byrne all stood out with their composure and drive. It was a great result after a long trip, credit to the whole squad.”
It was also a day to remember for Lynn Byrne, who made her first start. A full squad effort and another step forward in their impressive campaign.
MU15s: Dundalk 1–6 Shamrock Rovers
There was a sense of anticipation in the air on Saturday morning as our MU15s welcomed Shamrock Rovers to Oriel Park in the Quarter Final of the Michael Hayes Cup.
Shamrock Rovers boasting multiple Irish internationals playing in their squad with 11 of last Irish MU15 international squad coming from this Rovers team, so this promised to be a huge challenge.
A bright start saw a fantastic header from Ratson Dube plucked from the top corner by the Rovers stopper in what would have been the ideal start for the young Lilly Whites.
Despite a very positive first half it was Rovers who led by two goals at the break.
An inspired Dundalk side dusted themselves off at half time and within 10 minutes they halved the oppositions lead with midfield maestro Jamie Grace reacting fastest to convert a rebounded Luke Cullen free kick from close range. 👏
Unfortunately Rovers reinstalled their two goal lead on the hour mark and with tired legs and desperation kicking in the visitors pulled away with a detrimental 5 goal cushion, ultimately knocking Dundalk out of the cup.
The lads can be very proud of a promising performance against a top side littered with Ireland internationals.
MU14s: Kerry FC 3–4 Dundalk
Dundalk’s MU14s produced a thrilling comeback performance to secure a dramatic 4–3 away win over Kerry FC at Mounthawk Park on Saturday.
After a long journey south, the young Lilywhites found themselves behind early on, with the hosts opening the scoring in the first period via a long ball over the top.
However, Dundalk responded superbly in the second. Full-back Nathan Kelly turned over possession high up the pitch and teed up Aaron O’Brien to coolly slot home the equalizer. Kerry soon regained the lead, but O’Brien stepped up again, this time curling in a sublime free-kick from 25 yards to make it 2–2.
The newest addition of the squad Charlie Franzoni, proved pivotal. He made an instant impact, creating a golden chance for striker Massimo Ngene, who made no mistake in firing Dundalk ahead for the first time in the game.
Heading into the final period with a 3–2 advantage, Dundalk continued to play with confidence. Centre-half Jamie Morgan displayed outstanding composure at the back and initiated a sweeping move that saw brothers Luciano and Massimo Ngene combine brilliantly for a fourth goal.
Despite sustained late pressure from Kerry, Dundalk held firm to see out the game and secure a hard-fought 4–3 victory on the road, capping off an impressive team performance full of character, quality, and attacking flair.
Sunday, July 27th
MU17s: UCD 3–2 Dundalk
The MU17s came up just short in a tight away clash with UCD.
Trailing 3-1 late on, Dundalk kept pushing. P. Ibikunle pulled one back in the 66th minute, and S. Casey struck in the final seconds to make it 3-2, but time ran out before they could find an equalizer.
Despite the narrow loss, the effort and fight shown by the team was a major positive.
Summary
With two strong wins, a comeback thriller, and hard-fought battles against elite opposition, it was another memorable weekend for Dundalk FC’s academy.
From TJ Molloy’s consistency up front to Grace McCabe’s captaincy debut and standout saves, and from young debuts to brave displays against Ireland’s best, the Lilywhites continue to grow in strength, character, and quality across every age group.
