BRIAN GARTLAND HAS handed Dundalk a timely boost ahead of their Champions League qualifying tie against Riga FC, with the club captain putting pen-to-paper on a new contract at Oriel Park.
Gartland has agreed terms on a deal which will see him remain with the League of Ireland champions until the end of the 2020 season.
The 32-year-old defender joined the Lilywhites from Portadown in July 2013 and has become an integral member of the Dundalk side, playing a key part in their four title-winning campaigns since.
Gartland, appointed skipper this season, has also won two FAI Cups and two EA Sports Cups during his time at Dundalk.
News of his contract renewal comes ahead of Wednesday evening’s first qualifying round first leg against Riga at Oriel Park.
“I’m delighted to get the deal done,” he said. “I’ve been at Dundalk for six great years already and it’s the only place I want to be, so to come to an agreement that secures my future and that both myself and the club are happy with is terrific.
“There’s nowhere else in the country that you’d want to be playing football. The ambition of the club and the plans going forward are really exciting. It’s great to be a part of and I hope that I can play my part and help drive it forward to continued success.”
Head coach Vinny Perth added: “Having Brian signed on for next year is really positive for us as a team. Brian is our captain and leader and, while he continues to lead on the pitch, I cannot understate the value he also gives us off it.
“With the changes to our club in January, Brian has also been a rock for me personally. The club, board and owners recognised this and we are more than happy to extend his contract. The management team are excited to have Brian on board and look forward to working with him again next season.”
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How on earth was Gearoid Hegarty overlooked for a nomination? He was one of Limerick’s best players this year ffs!
Agreed Hegarty was a colossus
Diarmuid Cody really?????
HOW on earth did he get a nomination?
He was dropped for the Carlow game and they got hammered by Wexford.
And taken off at half time against Dublin
Not a Cork man in sight. Further proof as if any were needed of how low the standard has fallen in Rebel land. Frank take another bow!
Very true but Limerick will get 11-12 players on the team with McDonald the only cert outside of them of a place.
Foley for Wexford is a cert too, Liam ryan also deserves a spot. De burca of Waterford too.
Bobby Duggan will definitely be on that team as well.
Duggan was roasted in the Munster final. Can’t see him getting selected. He was brilliant against Waterford though.
It mad to say but you can be sure a few the Kilkenny players who didn’t get nominated will end up with a pocket of All Ireland senior medals anyway…
Ha is Galway’s Paul Killeen not nominated? Gave probably the best full-back display of the summer in the semi against Limerick.
What nonsense
Galway come closer than any team all year and get a couple of token nominations. Open draw please
Why isn’t Cathal Mannion named?? Surely he should walk onto that team given he’s 1 of the front runners for young hurler of the year!!!
To be fair Mannion had a quiet game in the semi final and the nominations are taken purely from the U-21 games and not the senior ones.