🗞️ Match Preview – Dundalk FC vs Sligo Rovers

Sean McGuinness
Jul 17
2 min read

📅 Date: Friday, July 18th

⏰ Kick-off: 19:45

📍 Venue: Oriel Park

Dundalk FC welcome Premier Division opposition to Oriel Park this Friday as Sligo Rovers arrive for an eagerly anticipated FAI Cup Second Round tie under the lights.

The Lilywhites are 12-time FAI Cup champions and have a proud tradition in this competition. Ciarán Kilduff’s side will be looking to bounce back from last week’s 2-0 defeat away to Bray Wanderers and use the magic of the cup to rediscover momentum in front of the home crowd.

🏆 A Storied Cup Rivalry

The last time these two sides met in the FAI Cup was in 2019, a memorable semi-final at the Showgrounds where Michael Duffy’s stunning 89th-minute volley sealed Dundalk’s place in the final.

Friday’s meeting brings together two sides from opposite ends of the League of Ireland ladder, with Dundalk sitting top of the First Division and Sligo Rovers fighting for survival in the Premier Division.

🔴 Sligo on the Rise

Despite sitting 9th in the top flight, Sligo Rovers have shown a clear upturn in form in recent weeks. They’ve gone unbeaten in their last four league matches, starting with a 2-1 win at home to Galway United, followed by a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Bohemians. That was backed up by a gritty two all draw against league leaders Shamrock Rovers, before most recently beating third-placed Derry City 2-0 at the Showgrounds.

Owen Elding has led the line impressively, scoring 8 and assisting 3 so far this season, while former Dundalk man Jad Hakiki has chipped in with four goals and an assist of his own. Their recent transfer activity has added steel and flair, including defender Patrick McClean, midfielder James McManus (loan from Bohemians), and winger Ryan O’Kane, a Dundalk native, on loan from Shelbourne.

🗣️ Kilduff’s Thoughts

Speaking ahead of Friday’s clash, head coach Ciarán Kilduff said:

“We’re all really looking forward to the game. The lads are motivated and excited for the opportunity to test ourselves against a Premier Division side.

The Dundalk boss believes the cup tie offers a perfect stage for his players to rise to the occasion.

We know it’s going to be a big challenge, but it’s also a big occasion at Oriel and we want to rise to that. Everyone's focused and ready to put on a good performance for the supporters.”

🩺 Team News

Dundalk may be without Mayowa, who remains a doubt with a hamstring issue, while Conor O’Keeffe could return to the matchday squad depending on late fitness tests. Norman Garbett is still about a week away from returning to action, but there is a boost as Ethen Vaughan has returned to full fitness and is available for selection. Aside from that, Kilduff has a full squad to choose from, with several players pushing hard for starting spots.