DUNDALK ARE IRISH champions yet again: tonight’s 3-2 win at home to Shamrock Rovers confirmed a fifth title in six seasons for the Lilywhites, this one secured with four games to spare.
Although they lost Stephen Kenny before the start of this season, Dundalk have maintained continuity on the field to retain their status as Irish football’s pre-eminent power.
True to that reality, last year’s Player of the Season sealed this year’s title. With his side leading 2-1, Michael Duffy put Dundalk beyond Rovers’ reach with a stunning long-range strike.
GOAL Dundalk
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) September 23, 2019
DUN 3-1 SHA
59mins Michael Duffy smashes the ball home from distance.#RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/3S4ctNyQEM
Aaron McEneff pulled a goal back six minutes later, but Rovers were ultimately unable to force an equaliser.
Vinny Perth’s side may yet complete a domestic treble this season – with the league now added to the EA Sports Cup, they face Sligo Rovers in the FAI Cup semi-finals on Sunday.
Been tough to get a look in with the guys he has ahead of him!
One of the most hard done by players in Irish rugby after John Cooney. Some players face clearly doesn’t fit, while others get chance after chance playing average!
@Darren Mullins: or…..there are just better players in his position. Which one of the current Lions centres who play 12 for Ireland have had “chance after chance” keeping McC out of the team?
@Darren Mullins: Dunno, got done by Scannel last time they played. Don’t think he has it for top flight, and what was Cooney doing for the previous 7 years when no one knew his name? Certainly a heap of other Ulster players with great potential in front of them.
@Ricky Wright: aki and henshaw both play 12 for club and country. They are both just better than McCloskey. He done something to piss Joe S off and with farrell as assistant whatever it was had an effect on him also.