Dundalk FC are pleased to announce that Aodh Dervin has signed a deal that will see him stay at Oriel Park under Ciarán Kilduff in 2025.
Dervin, who was part of the Galway United team that romped the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division last year, was out of contract with Dundalk but penned a new deal on Friday morning, with the midfielder keen to personally thank CEO Peter Halpin for his help.
The 25-year-old Longford native made 13 appearances between the league and FAI Cup after arriving at Dundalk from the Tribesmen in the summer transfer window.
And despite the side suffering relegation from the top flight, Dervin praised the club for their professionalism behind the scenes and says he knew it was the place that he wanted to be next year.
“Obviously, last season didn’t go the way that we had planned, but I spoke to the manager, he’s very excited to be back, he’s ambitious and he’s intent,” Dervin told dundalkfc.com, “and that’s the way I am as well. It’s a great feeling to be back and I’m looking forward to getting Dundalk to where they belong again.”
26 July 2024; Aodh Dervin of Dundalk during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Bohemians and Dundalk at Dalymount Park in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile.
Asked if he had enjoyed his time here despite what has gone on, Aodh added: “Between all the madness and everything else, it was very professional. I was shocked at how professional it was.
“Look, all I can control are things on the pitch and try to have an impact on that. But it was very professional, there was a great group of lads, I really enjoyed it and I knew I wanted to stay a part of it.
“You need character to stay here now. The club isn’t where you want to be at the minute, but I want to be a part of getting it back up and I want to be part of winning things again. I knew this is where I wanted to be.”
9 August 2024; Ben Doherty of Derry City in action against Aodh Dervin of Dundalk during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Derry City and Dundalk at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile.
Dervin spoke to new first-team manager Kilduff after his unveiling on Wednesday afternoon and met him the following day, with the midfielder already impressed with the former Dundalk striker.
“I met him yesterday,” Aodh said. “It was a great conversation. He just told me what he expects from me, what his plans are for me and as a group as well, which is very important.
“We’re going to be working hard, nothing really changes. I know it’s evenings now but it’s still the same. It’s going to be from the players and what we bring to it. We have to bring that intensity, that work-rate and that belief within the players.”
30 August 2024; Aodh Dervin of Dundalk during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Dundalk and Shelbourne at Oriel Park in Dundalk, Louth. Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile.
Dervin previously played in the First Division with Longford Town and won the title with Galway in 2023.
“To be honest, I’m just focussed on us,” Aodh said, asked how he saw the division shaping up next season. “Obviously, with Horgs (Daryl Horgan) staying, that’s a big plus. Hopefully, we keep a good group of us, and whoever we bring in, we bring in.
“We’re out to win every game and that’s up to us at the end of the day. We just want to focus on the football.”
Happy to get the contract signed early, Dervin can now look forward to the new season, with the midfielder also having had a conversation with owner John Temple.
“I just wanted the deal done,” he said. “There was no point in dragging it out when I knew where I wanted to be. I made it very clear. I met the owner as well, he was very honest with me, we had a great conversation, so I just wanted to get it done. There was no doubt in my mind.”
