Declan McDaid Joins the Lilywhites!

Video By Chris Clarke

Dundalk FC is delighted to announce the signing of winger Declan McDaid, who joins the club ahead of the July transfer window.

A versatile and creative attacker, McDaid arrives at Oriel Park with top-flight experience from both sides of the Irish Sea, having played with clubs such as Bohemians, Ayr United and Dundee. The 29-year old becomes the second mid-season addition to Ciarán Kilduff’s squad after JR Wilson, as the Lilywhites look to strengthen for the promotion run in.

Speaking after signing his deal at Oriel Park, McDaid said the ambition of the club, and the makeup of the squad, made the move an easy one.

“It looks like a young group and they’re obviously flying at the top of the league,” he said. “I wanted to come in and be part of that project. I’ve won things before, and you don’t win something every year, so this felt like an exciting opportunity, to play games and help get Dundalk back to where they belong.”

The move also reunites McDaid with former teammate, and now teammate again, JR Wilson, whose presence helped sway the decision.

“He was like my agent!” McDaid joked. “We’ve played together and against each other for years. I actually got him sent off once, I’ll put that on record! But seriously, we’ve got a good connection on the pitch and it’s great to link back up again.”

Photo By Gerry Scully

Head coach Ciarán Kilduff said the opportunity to bring in McDaid mid-season was one the club couldn’t pass up.

“Declan’s career speaks for itself,” he said. “He’s achieved things in Scotland and played Premier Division football with Bohs. He’s got that attacking flair and I think he’s someone the fans here will really take to, he’s a player that gets you off your seat.”

“We’re at the stage now where experience matters,” Kilduff added. “Declan and JR bring that with them. They know what they’re coming into, and with 15 games left, they’ve both got big roles to play in helping us push on.”

McDaid was in attendance at Oriel Park last Friday as a spectator and said he was impressed by what he saw from his new teammates.

“It was a great performance,” he said. “Such a young group, but really talented players. Hopefully I can come in and offer some advice and experience, just add to what’s already there.”

Welcome to Dundalk, Declan!