The Men Who Saved Football

Ep 221 reflects on a poor 4 weeks for Dundalk FC, as the Lilywhites exit the FAI Cup, suffer a heavy home defeat to titled chasing St Pats, earn a point against in form Waterford, and lose in the final minute against struggling Shels. The fact that Dundalk established a lead in 3 of those games but were unable to build on it will not be lost on fans as the defensive fragility, that has been present all season, deteriorates to the point where the supporters are forced to switch from dreams of Europe to hopes of avoiding a relegation playoff.

Dundalk FC return to winning ways with a late Daryl Horgan free kick snatching all 3 points in a dramatic Louth Derby that all but secures The Lilywhites top flight status and sends Drogheda Utd spiraling into the relegation zone. Ep 220 discusses the emergence of Cian Dillion, our continuing search for defensive solutions and the upcoming FAI Cup tie with Derry City.

On the centenary of the club's first game in the League of Ireland, Dundalk FC's golden era nemesis John Caulfield returns to Oriel to spoil the party with his Galway Utd charges. Despite the Lilywhites dominating the possession, passing and shots statistics Galway take all 3 points due to the inability of Dundalk to convert their dominance into goal scoring chances and the defensive lapses that have dogges this season.

Ep 218 reflects on Dundalk FC's mixed fortunes in July and August, but 10 years after the Lilywhites Europa League heroics we discuss, with Irish clubs struggling in Europe and an uncompetitive league domestically, is the League of Ireland always destined to be overshadowed by the GAA and English Premier League

While #DundalkFC sail past non-league St Mochtas in the FAI Cup, 3 consecutive league defeats and the departure of strike force Eoin Kenny and Gbemi Arubi have created mid season problems which Ciaran Kilduff will have to dig deep to find solutions as Dundalk's defensive fragility continues and the team seek a replacements in the front line to their departing stars.

Dundalk race into a two goal lead against table propers Waterford but come undone as the Lilywhite's defensive frailities to set pieces manifests again. Ep 216 asks if the solution to our vulnerability to long balls into the box is a change in personnel or a tweak to defensive tactics.

After a sluggish start Dundalk FC fight back to record a statement win, as goals from Danny Mullen and a stunning strike from Eoin Kenny cancel out Cian Byrne's opener. As pressure grows on Alan Reynolds in the wake of another defeat, Dundalk fans can enjoy a season that continues to exceed expectations as Ciaran Kilduff's side show the character, worth ethic and goal scoring prowess to climb to third in the table.

Dundalk FC snatch a late late winner in an evenly matched, open game against Galway Utd with Tyreke Wilson once again proving the match winner. While struggling to convert chances for much of the match Ciaran Kilduff will be delighted that his side has once again taken all 3 points in a game that look very much like ending in a draw as the Lilywhites take another step towards top flight survival and perhaps more. We also discuss Damien Duff's arrival at Brentford and his legacy in the League of Ireland.

Ep 213 discusses a dour Drogheda derby, the surrendering of the Leinster Senior Cup crown in the semi-final to St Pats and Dundalk's stirring victory over struggling Derry City which ended a busy week on a high note.

Despite injuries and suspensions Dundalk FC dig deep to find a high energy performance with grit and determination that sees them deserevedly take all 3 points against Champions Shamrock Rovers in an entertaining televised game marked by Tyreke Wilson thunderous volley goal and a series of world class saves in the closing stages by keeper Enda Minogue.