🗞️ Match Preview | Dundalk FC vs Finn Harps

Dundalk FC
Oct 9
4 min read

📅 Date: Friday, October 10, 2025

⏰ Kick-off: 7.45PM

📍 Venue: Oriel Park

Dundalk return to Oriel Park tomorrow night for their final home league game of the season knowing that victory could see them crowned First Division champions. The Lilywhites were held to a 1-1 draw away to Athlone Town last Friday, while Cobh Ramblers closed the gap at the top to four points with a 3-1 home win over Bray Wanderers. Dundalk remain top of the table on 73 points, with Cobh second on 69, and the scenario is clear: a Dundalk win would seal the title and automatic promotion back to the Premier Division. Should Dundalk drop points and Cobh win, the race will go down to a final-day showdown at St Colman’s Park.

Dundalk head into the game on mixed form, with two wins, two draws and a defeat in their last five outings. However, the chance to wrap up the league title in front of the home supporters provides the perfect stage to take a decisive step in what has been a remarkable campaign.

📉 Finn Harps’ Form

Finn Harps make the trip to Louth on a poor run of form, having lost four and drawn one of their last five games. Their most recent outing ended in a 4-1 defeat away to Cobh Ramblers on September 26th. Harps currently sit eighth in the table, seven points behind Treaty United in the final play-off position with just three games to play. Their chances of reaching the top five appear slim, but Kevin McHugh’s side will still be determined to cause an upset and spoil Dundalk’s title celebrations.

⚔️ Previous Meetings

This is the fourth and final meeting between the sides this season. Dundalk edged the opening game back in March when Sean Keogh’s second-minute free kick secured a 1-0 win in Ballybofey. The reverse fixture at Oriel Park in April finished 1-1, with Vinnie Leonard’s 80th-minute strike cancelled out by Aaron McLoughlin in the final minute. Harps claimed victory in the most recent clash at the end of June, when Gradi Lomboto’s penalty midway through the second half handed Dundalk their first defeat of the season.

🗣️ Kilduff’s Thoughts

Kilduff took a moment to offer his respects to the Donegal club following the loss of a long-standing figure.

“It would be remiss of me to not pay my condolences on behalf of our club to Finn Harps and the family of Ollie Horgan on his passing back in August. A man whose love for football and unique character will be sorely missed by all associated with our league.”

As the season reaches its climax, he reminded players and supporters of the bigger picture.

“As our season is coming to an end I feel it’s time to put some perspective on it. The remaining games are not an opportunity to lose, but actually an opportunity to win. An opportunity we’ve earned and one we will give our all to achieve. These players have sacrificed and committed everything to this club. Teachers, students, parents and teenagers are what make up our matchday squads. We train in the evenings after the bulk of our players and staff have finished either work, college or school.”

Kilduff went on to underline his pride in the group and their efforts since relegation last year.

“Perspective is needed here. Every player either decided to stay with or join up with a relegated club that struggled to get a license back in November. I’m so proud to be a part of this group and club during this decisive run in. The pressure we feel to perform is a privilege and the opportunity in front of us is an exciting one.”

Finally, he called on the home crowd to make their presence felt.

“If we win, it will mean everyone else in our league will have had to lose, so we will need noise and support from the stands. We will need an appreciation of what’s happening and what this group are trying to achieve. Ninety plus minutes of effort, togetherness and commitment is what we will deliver tonight on the pitch and I’ve no doubt that our supporters will bring the same, like they always have. Enjoy the game, C’mon The Town.”

📋 Team News

Eoin Kenny is away on international duty with Northern Ireland under-21s, while Sean Spaight and TJ Molloy are also away on underage international duty with the Republic of Ireland under-17s. Daryl Horgan and Mayowa will both undergo late fitness tests, but otherwise Dundalk have close to a full squad available. Long-term absentees Sean McHale and Leo Gaxha remain sidelined.