Daryl Horgan Signs New 2-Year Deal

Dundalk FC is delighted to confirm that club captain Daryl Horgan has signed a new two-year contract with the club.

Horgan has been in excellent form for Dundalk this season and continues to play an important role both on and off the pitch. After remaining loyal to the club following relegation, he helped lead Dundalk back to the Premier Division and has been a standout player in the Premier Division so far.

As well as his impact in the senior squad, Horgan has also demonstrated his commitment to the club through his involvement in the Academy coaching setup with the U17s, helping to inspire and guide the next generation of players coming through at Oriel Park.

Dundalk FC Executive Director Chris Clinton said:

“Daryl has been outstanding for us this season and, in my view, has been one of the most impactful players in the league, taking his full contribution into consideration. His decision to stay with the club after relegation said everything about his character and his commitment to Dundalk FC. He played a huge role in leading the group back to the Premier Division as captain, and he continues to be a real inspiration and role model to the younger players at the club. On top of that, his involvement with our Academy coaching setup, particularly with the U17s, shows the depth of his commitment both on and off the pitch. Our model for player development is tightly aligned with Daryl's and we are delighted he has committed his future to the club.”

Dundalk manager Ciarán Kilduff added:

“Daryl has been a brilliant ambassador for this club for a long time. Even when I played with him, you could see the huge influence he had, and that has only continued. He has already cemented his place in the club’s history, so for him to commit his future to us as a group is something we are very proud of.

“We have spoken with Daryl in depth about the future and the direction of the club, and everybody is aligned. He is deeply connected to the town, his family is here, and he is fully integrated into the fabric of the club. He is a huge player for us going forward, and you can already see from the form he has shown this year exactly what he brings both on and off the pitch.

“I’m really proud that we have got to this point, and delighted that we have been able to retain his services. Having Daryl lead us into what we hope will be a really prosperous future is something we can all be very happy about.”

Horgan Delight

Speaking after signing his new deal, Horgan said he never had any doubts about extending his stay with the club. “I’m delighted. There was never really any doubt in my mind about staying. I said before that I wasn’t going anywhere — I wanted to be part of the rebuild and part of getting this club back up. Thankfully, that has started well for all of us, and when the conversations happened, everything moved very quickly. It was a simple negotiation really. It just felt right to go again, and I’m very excited to be part of the future here.

“I’m really enjoying being back in the Premier Division. I feel great physically, and I think a lot of that comes from the group itself. There’s a real energy around the place every day. Everyone is pushing each other, driving each other on, and that kind of environment is infectious. It gives you energy and keeps you going. There’s a brilliant tone around the club at the moment too, both inside the dressing room and among the supporters.

“I think the first thing any fans want from their team is hard work, honesty and total commitment, and I think this group has shown that in spades. From there, good things can happen, and so far they have. But there’s still plenty more for us to build on, and that’s exciting. It’s something I really want to be part of.

“Dundalk has been home for a long time now. I love the place. I’ve experienced some brilliant times here, and some tough times too, but that only deepens your connection to a club and a town. My family is very happy here, the kids are settled here, and we’ve built a great life here. At this stage, I probably am a Dundalk man in more ways than one, and I’m very proud of that.”