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📰 Match Report | Dundalk FC 3–0 Finn Harps
- Dundalk FC
- Oct 13
- 3 min read
Champions! Dundalk Clinch First Division Title and Premier Division Return
Dundalk FC are back where they belong.
In front of a packed Oriel Park, the Lilywhites produced a commanding second-half display to defeat Finn Harps 3–0 and secure the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division title, sealing promotion back to the Premier Division at the first attempt.
Goals from Gbemi Arubi, Daryl Horgan, and Vinnie Leonard ensured a memorable night of celebration, as Ciarán Kilduff’s side capped off a remarkable turnaround in front of 3,358 jubilant supporters.
First Half: Frustration in Front of Goal
Backed by a packed Oriel Park crowd, Dundalk began brightly, pinning Finn Harps deep in their own half.
Aodh Dervin fired over early on before Harry Groome came agonizingly close to opening the scoring on 14 minutes, his powerful header crashing off the crossbar after a deflection from Joel Bradley-Walsh.
The Lilywhites kept the pressure on through efforts from Declan McDaid, Shane Tracey, and Vinnie Leonard, but found no way past visiting goalkeeper Lorenzo Barbosa.
At the other end, veteran stopper Peter Cherrie made a key save to deny Ibrahima Bangoura late in the half, ensuring the sides went in level at the break.
Second Half: Arubi, Horgan, and Leonard Seal It
With news filtering through that Cobh Ramblers were trailing at Longford, the atmosphere inside Oriel turned electric, and Dundalk responded in perfect fashion.
On 54 minutes, Conor O’Keeffe forced an error in the Harps defense and squared for Gbemi Arubi, who coolly tapped home his 11th goal of the season to put the Lilywhites ahead.
Just four minutes later, Daryl Horgan doubled the lead from the penalty spot after Conor Tourish was penalised for handball, sparking wild celebrations among the home faithful.
The captain almost made it 3–0 with a stunning 25-yard volley that skimmed the crossbar, before seeing a second penalty saved by Barbosa shortly after the hour mark.
Dundalk’s dominance never wavered, with Aodh Dervin and Harry Groome both going close as Oriel Park began to bounce in anticipation of the final whistle.
In stoppage time, the champions added a fitting final flourish. Substitute Andy Paraschiv whipped in a perfect cross from the right, met by a diving Vinnie Leonard header to seal a famous 3–0 victory, and the title.
A Night to Remember
As the referee blew for full-time, Oriel Park erupted. Supporters poured onto the pitch to celebrate with the players, staff, and management, united in a sea of black and white joy.
Moments later, captain Daryl Horgan lifted the First Division trophy high into the Dundalk night sky, a symbol of the club’s resilience, ambition, and belief.
For Ciarán Kilduff, it was the perfect first season in men's management, guiding Dundalk to the title, promotion, and a place back among Ireland’s elite in 2026, the club’s centenary year in the League of Ireland.
Highlights
Match Details
Dundalk FC: Peter Cherrie; Conor O’Keeffe, Mayowa Animasahun (Andy Paraschiv 78), Vinnie Leonard, JR Wilson; Aodh Dervin, Shane Tracey (Luke Mulligan 85); Declan McDaid (Norman Garbett 78), Harry Groome (Keith Ward 78); Daryl Horgan (Dean Ebbe 85); Gbemi Arubi.
Subs not used: Enda Minogue, Samuel Safaei, Ethen Vaughan, Rohan Vaughan.
Finn Harps: Lorenzo Piaia Barbosa; Mikey Place, Conor Tourish, Joel Bradley-Walsh, Idir Zerrouk; Gavin Gilmore (Adam McDaid 71), Tony McNamee (Conor McGranaghan 84), Gradi Lomboto (Darragh Coyle 72); Ibrahima Bangoura (Aaron McLaughlin 72), Hans Mpongo (Shaunie Bradley 80).
Subs not used: Ryan McConnell, Max Johnston, Kieran Cooney, Daniel Cunningham.
Referee: Declan Toland
Attendance: 3,358
Up Next
⚽ Cobh Ramblers (A) – Friday, October 17th
With the title secured, Dundalk travel to St Colman’s Park to round off a brilliant campaign, and celebrate their return to the Premier Division in style.
