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Rob Cornwall: “There’s a real buzz around the place"
- Colm Murphy
- Jan 16
- 2 min read
Dundalk FC’s newest signing Rob Cornwall says the energy around the club and the positive direction it is heading made signing for the club an easy decision, as he looks forward to hitting the ground running at Oriel Park.
Cornwall revealed that conversations with familiar faces played a key role in bringing him to Oriel Park, having previously played alongside Ciaran Kilduff during his time at Shamrock Rovers.
“I’d played with Ciarán years ago so we already knew each other, and he reached out,” Cornwall explained. “I also know Wardy and Bucko, and they were singing the praises of the set-up here. Between that and the enthusiasm around the place, it definitely intrigued me.”
Having spent seven years at Bohemian FC, Cornwall says he looks back on that time positively but feels ready for the next challenge.
“I’m delighted with my time there – seven good years – but football moves on. Opinions change, and now it’s about coming in here and focusing on what’s ahead.”
That focus has already begun, with Cornwall getting his first proper taste of the Dundalk squad in training.
“It’s a good mix – experienced lads and younger players – but there’s real enthusiasm. The sessions are lively, good personalities, and a strong standard, that’s exactly what you want.”
With over 200 League of Ireland appearances to his name, Cornwall believes experience will be crucial as Dundalk prepare for life back in the Premier Division.
“It’s a different league to the First Division, and experience does matter, but last season showed how tight it can be at both ends of the table. Anything can happen.”
He admits the project underway at the club was a major attraction – from last season’s promotion to the wider ambitions now taking shape.
“What Kieran and Ken have done here is impressive – coming up at the first time of asking and building again. There’s a real buzz. Wardy was playing here last year, so I kept an eye on things, and you could see it building. Just going into the gym, seeing the history, speaking to Horgs and hearing how much the club means to him – you can feel the standards straight away. It’s a massive club and I’m proud to be here.”
“There’s something new and exciting here – on and off the pitch. With the team we’re building, it should be a really exciting season.”
That buzz will be tested early, with tough opening fixtures on the horizon. “We have Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght, up to Derry, then the derby – big games straight away. These are great games to be a part of.
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