INTERVIEW | Ciarán Kilduff Reflects on a Promising First Half of the Season

Video By Chris Clarke

Mid-Season Progress: Kilduff Proud of Dundalk’s Journey So Far

As the League of Ireland First Division reaches its halfway mark, Dundalk FC head coach Ciarán Kilduff has reflected on what he calls an “amazing” start to the 2025 campaign, while urging everyone involved at the club to keep driving forward with the same hunger and humility that has brought them this far.

The Lilywhites remain unbeaten after 17 matches, a feat few could have predicted back in February, when uncertainty loomed large over the club’s very participation in the league. Licensing issues and off-the-pitch challenges dominated pre-season discussions, but Kilduff credits the tireless efforts of staff, volunteers, and players for stabilizing the club and turning adversity into momentum.

“We were fighting to be here at all at one point,” Kilduff said. “To reach the mid-season break undefeated is an incredible achievement and a credit to this young group.”

Resilience and Realism

Despite an outstanding run, Kilduff remains grounded. He points to a couple of drawn matches, such as those against Bray and Kerry, where performances merited more and the team’s own high standards made even dropped points feel like defeats.

A late win away at Wexford, sealed by Luke Mulligan, ensured the team went into the break on a high. That result, Kilduff said, showed the “grit and character” of a squad that continues to punch above its weight.

A Young Core with a Veteran Spirit

One of the standout aspects of this season has been the rise of the club’s young talent. Players like Vinnie Leonard, Sean Spaight, and Mulligan have all stepped into senior roles with maturity well beyond their years.

With many still juggling school commitments, including the Leaving Cert, the club has leaned into its identity as a youth-driven, community-rooted team.

“We’ve lads not training some nights because they’re preparing for exams. That’s where we’re at, and I’m proud of it,” Kilduff noted. “Some of these players wouldn’t even be getting chances at other clubs.”

While the youth project has flourished, Kilduff acknowledges there’s a gap in the middle, experience. Veterans like Peter Cherrie have stepped up when called upon, but he’s hopeful the summer window might allow for one or two seasoned additions to bring balance to the squad.

Managing Momentum and Expectations

With back-to-back home games after the restart, against UCD and Treaty United, Kilduff sees an opportunity to keep the momentum going but warns against complacency.

“Momentum can go as fast as it comes. We need to be razor sharp,” he said. “These next two games are massive.”

He also feels the weight of growing expectation from the fanbase, something he welcomes, but wants to keep in check.

“We’re not ‘back’ yet. People remember the great nights, but we’re building. There’s no shortcut. We’ve got players who don’t get paid, who do this because they love it and believe in it.”

The Role of the Supporters

Kilduff was full of praise for the home and travelling supporters, calling them the “best around” and a key reason young players choose to commit to the project.

“When I’m trying to bring in players, I don’t have a cheque book. What I have is Oriel Park and that crowd,” he said. “That’s our selling point, the chance to make your mark in front of them.”

With just 10 home league games remaining, Kilduff made a rallying call to the town and its fans to get behind this group for the rest of the journey.

“We’ve got something special here. We need the community to keep pushing with us. We’re not perfect, but we’re proud of what we’ve built so far, and we’re only getting started.”