Dundalk’s final game of the 2023 season against UCD brought the curtain down on goalkeeper coach Dermot O’Neill’s League of Ireland career.
A brilliant keeper, who started out in the League of Ireland back in 1978, Dermot has decided to hang the gloves up domestically but is hoping to continue coaching with the Republic of Ireland’s MU19 team.
One of the game’s genuine good guys, he will be missed by everyone at Oriel Park.
“I’ve had an absolute blast,” Dermot wrote on his LinkedIn page. “To all the players I’ve played with and against, thank you all for the friendship and the rivalry.
“To all the managers and coaches I played for and against, thank you all, you made me the goalkeeper that I was. I’ve always said it’s a great league and it still is!
“To my family who supported me through good times and bad, thank you so much. They were there when I won and when I lost.
“I must add my brother Alan, who showed me the way, both as a person and as a goalkeeper. What an education you gave me, I’m forever in your debt.
“I left Shamrock Rovers in 1978 and joined Dundalk and I’ve done the full circle. I’ll finish my League of Ireland career with Dundalk and that makes me so proud.
“I’ve worked with Stephen O’Donnell and the rest of the staff for the last two seasons and I have to say it’s been so enjoyable. Stevie is a brilliant coach who, in my opinion, will go to greater heights with Dundalk.
“Forty-five years have flown by! I hope to continue my role with Ireland U19s but my time in the League of Ireland has come to an end. Thank you everybody who helped me along my journey.”
Dermot O’Neill
