Eoin Kenny’s 53rd-minute strike saw Dundalk bring the Jim Malone Cup back to Oriel Park for the first time in four years as they deservedly beat Drogheda United 1-0 on Friday night.
The new-look Lilywhites started brightly and in the opening quarter-hour saw strikes from vice-captain Aodh Dervin and young striker Kenny fly off target.
Later in the first half, Dervin tried his luck again before Kenny produced the best opportunity of the opening period when his shot looked to be arrowing into the bottom corner only for ‘keeper Luke Dennison to get a strong right hand to it to push it away.
The breakthrough eventually arrived eight minutes after the break when Seán Keogh’s left-footed free-kick into the box dropped for Kenny and he smashed the ball past Dennison for what proved to be the match-winning moment.
For the game, manager Ciarán Kilduff – experiencing the Louth Derby for the first time in the dugout but having had success in this fixture before after scoring both goals in the 2016 Malone Cup win at United Park – named a strong starting XI.
31 January 2025; Dundalk goalkeeper Enda Minogue, wearing a protective facemask, during the Jim Malone Cup match between Dundalk and Drogheda United at Oriel Park in Dundalk, Louth. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile.
‘Keeper Enda Minogue was able to appear in front of home supporters for the first time as he wore a protective mask. Seán McHale, Gbemi Arubi and long-term absentee Norman Garbett aside, Kilduff had a full deck to choose from, and his side were on top from early on.
On eight minutes, Dundalk moved the ball well in midfield, with Conor O’Keeffe’s cross from the by-line only cleared as far as Dervin on the edge of the box and, after steadying himself for a strike, the midfielder’s fierce effort flew the wrong side of the post.
Three minutes later, Dervin turned provider as he battled hard in midfield to retain possession and laid the ball off for Kenny who, from close to 30 yards, fired over. Centre-half Mayowa Animasahun then headed over.
On 34 minutes, Kenny did well in midfield and found Dervin who drove towards the area before unleashing a dipping shot that just cleared the bar. In their next attack, Dundalk almost had the lead, but Kenny saw his low strike brilliantly turned away by Dennison.
31 January 2025; Eoin Kenny of Dundalk celebrates scoring his side’s goal during the Jim Malone Cup match between Dundalk and Drogheda United at Oriel Park in Dundalk, Louth. Photo by Gerry Scully/Dundalk FC.
At the break, Dundalk were forced into a change as captain Daryl Horgan was suffering with sickness and was replaced by Andy Paraschiv.
The home side eventually made the breakthrough in the 53rd minute when Keogh floated a free-kick into the six-yard box for Kenny to attack with his head, and the ball then fell kindly for the 19-year-old to hammer it to the net.
On the hour mark, Drogheda almost responded when, after good work from Darragh Markey, the ball broke for Josh Thomas on the edge of the area where he turned smartly before lifting his shot just over the top corner.
Eight minutes from time, Shane Farrell saw a shot blocked as Drogheda looked for a late leveller. But it would not come, with Minogue untroubled in the remaining time as Dundalk ended Drogheda’s three-year winning streak in the Malone Cup.
DUNDALK FC: Enda Minogue, Conor O’Keeffe, Mayowa Animasahun, Vinnie Leonard, Seán Keogh, Aodh Dervin, Harry Groome (Keith Ward 86), Leo Gaxha, Eoin Kenny (Ethen Vaughan 86), Daryl Horgan (Andy Paraschiv HT), Dean Ebbe (Muhammad Haris 78). Subs not used: Peter Cherrie (GK), TJ Molloy, Luke Mulligan, Aidan Russell Vargas, Seán Spaight.
DROGHEDA UNITED: Luke Dennison (Jack Brady 84), Owen Lambe (Conall Cronin 86), Andrew Quinn, Conor Keeley, Aaron Harper-Bailey (George Cooper 70), Conor Kane (Luke Heeney 70), Darragh Markey, Ryan Brennan (Kieran Cruise 70), Josh Thomas (Bridel Bosakani 75), Shane Farrell, Thomas Oluwa (Zishim Bawa 57). Subs not used: Paul Doyle, Seán McCarthy, Taylor Mooney.
REFEREE: Declan Troy.
