The history books were rewritten at Gannon Park on Sunday when Luke Mulligan entered the field on the hour mark to become the youngest player to wear a Dundalk shirt in a competitive fixture.

At the age of 16 years, two months and eight days, Luke broke the record set by Conor ‘Chippy’ McDonald – 16 years, three months and nine days – when he was introduced as a substitute in a league game against St Patrick’s Athletic at Oriel Park in September 2011.

Chippy’s feat broke a record that stretched back 61 years earlier to when Peter McParland made his debut for the Lilywhites by scoring a brace at the tender age of 16 years, four months and 26 days in a Leinster Senior Cup tie against September 1950.

Luke, who signed a professional contract with the club in December, received a warm round of applause from his teammates when Stephen O’Donnell made them aware of his achievement after the game and he said it was a day he would look back on with immense pride.

“My face went a wee bit red when the gaffer told the rest of the lads! I don’t really like the attention but it’s a great achievement and I’m really proud of it.

“The aim when I signed the professional contract was to try and get a few minutes and the players and management have welcomed me with open arms and made me feel comfortable.

“I’ve worked hard and hopefully this is only the start for me and I can get more experience and games under my belt.”

“To be the youngest player in the history of Dundalk Football Club is an unbelievable achievement,” said Stephen O’Donnell.

He has a really good mentality. You can give out to him and it’s water off a duck’s back. He’ll come back looking for more advice and nothing fazes him.

“He seems to be really enjoying it and he has a lot of talent to work with so we’ll continue developing him in the right way.”

Dundalk FC – Youngest players in a competitive game

  • Luke Mulligan
    16 years, two months and eight days
    Malahide United 1-2 Dundalk FC
    Leinster Senior Cup – January 21st, 2024
  • Conor McDonald
    16 years, three months and nine days
    Dundalk 0-2 St Patrick’s Athletic
    League of Ireland – September 23rd, 2011
  • Peter McParland
    16 years, four months and 26 days
    Dundalk 5-2 Bohemians
    Leinster Senior Cup – September 20th, 1950
  • Colin Finan
    16 years, six months and nine days
    Monaghan United 1-7 Dundalk
    FAI Cup – June 12th, 2005
  • Nathan Murphy
    16 years, ten months and three days
    Derry City 3-0 Dundalk FC
    League of Ireland – September 4th, 2009