New Signing: Cian Dillon

Dundalk FC are delighted to announce the signing of highly-rated striker Cian Dillon from Queens Park Rangers on a multi-year contract.

The 20-year-old forward arrives at Oriel Park after an impressive spell in England with QPR, where he gained valuable experience across the club's academy and senior setup, as well as loan spells with Torquay United and Enfield Town. Cian also represented the Republic of Ireland at U19 and U21 level and was part of the QPR U21 side that enjoyed cup success during his time in West London.

A native of Tallaght, Dillon came through the ranks at Shamrock Rovers before making the move to Queens Park Rangers in January 2025. During his time in England, he won two cups at academy level and made his first-team debut for QPR in the Carabao Cup. Speaking after completing the move to Dundalk, Dillon admitted the decision to join the Lilywhites was an easy one.

"It all came around pretty quickly, but once I came up and got speaking to the Gaffer, it was a no-brainer for me to come here. It was a straightforward decision."

The versatile forward is eager to make an immediate impact as Dundalk push on during the second half of the campaign.

"My hopes for the remainder of the season are to win as many games as possible, climb up the table and help the team in every way I can. Hopefully we can go on a good cup run too, and it would be great to win the cup. That's the aim."

Dillon believes his all-round game can add another dimension to Dundalk's attack.

"I've played up front since I was very young, so it's natural to me. I think I'm quite versatile. If the game is stretched and I need to run in behind, I can do that, but if it needs more link-up play and shorter combinations, I can do that too.

"I work really, really hard and I think I can bring goals to Dundalk as well. That's the plan."

Reflecting on his time in England, Dillon described it as an important period in his development.

"I was only over there for a year and a half, but I really enjoyed it. I won two cups with QPR, made my first-team debut in the Carabao Cup and had two loan spells as well. It was a really good experience and one that helped me a lot."

Manager Ciarán Kilduff welcomed the addition of one of Ireland's brightest young attacking talents.

"We're delighted to have Cian at the club. He's a young striker with huge potential who has already caught the eye at underage level in this country and has also made an impact across the water.

"We're bringing in a player of real calibre and someone we're excited to work with. Hopefully he can hit the ground running and give us a boost for the remainder of the season." Dundalk Football Club would like to thank Peter at Halpin Sports Partnership for his role in assisting with this transfer.