David McMillan says he has been bowled over by the goodwill shown to him by Dundalk supporters after his departure from the club was confirmed on Sunday.
The 33-year-old won nine domestic honours with the Lilywhites during two spells at the club between 2014-2017 and 2020-2022 and speaking in a farewell interview on Tuesday afternoon, Dundalk’s record FAI Cup and European goalscorer said he was moved by the tributes paid to him on social media.
“It was amazing, to be honest, and it wasn’t something I expected,” he said. “To see such a positive reaction was touching. It’s been a massive seven years of my career at Dundalk. To leave is sad in many ways but I leave with unbelievable memories.”
Reflecting on his time at Oriel Park, McMillan said that the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round win over BATE Borisov at Tallaght Stadium in 2016 was the pinnacle of his Lilywhites career.
“It was a monster game and to play such a big part in it, scoring two goals, was incredible. That game always brings a smile to my face. I enjoyed scoring my own goals but watching Robbie Benson’s one back brings me the most joy because it was the one that sealed the deal and got us over the line. It was a combination of everything that team was about. It was a special night at a packed-out Tallaght with family and friends there. It tops everything.”
You can watch the full interview with David below.
David McMillan on…
Picking up nine winners’ medals at Oriel Park…
“It’s amazing really. I probably would have been happy to have won one league title so to win so many trophies and be part of such an unbelievable team was just beyond my expectations. As a player, you want to settle at a club and make an impact and it was unbelievable to have done that at Dundalk.”
Scoring a hat-trick in the 2020 FAI Cup final against Shamrock Rovers…
“People say to me it was an empty stadium but I really couldn’t care less! It will stick with me no matter what. It’s all the more memorable because when you watch it back you realise it was during COVID, a mad time. To score a hatrack in a cup final, you couldn’t dream of anything better.
Playing and scoring in Europe…
“I think I thrived in those games. I really enjoyed them. You work so hard to get to that point. Every League of Ireland player wants to be involved in them. They’re amazing times. Everybody is watching, you’re playing on the big stage and I always loved playing in them.
His time at Dundalk Football Club…
“I’ve worked with unbelievable managers and players who are, generally speaking, even better people. That’s a big part of the club. I know I’ll be warmly welcomed when I’m up there watching games and visiting people.”
