Dundalk’s Malone Cup match-winner Eoin Kenny has praised the club’s fans for their “immense” support in the Louth Derby and says it was important to give something back to them after last year.
The new-look Lilywhites put in an impressive performance under Ciarán Kilduff to beat FAI Cup holders Drogheda United 1-0 at Oriel Park on Friday night, with Kenny’s 53rd-minute close-range finish ending the Boynesiders’ three-year winning streak in the Malone Cup.
In a very difficult 2024 season, Dundalk won just four of their 18 home league games, but the supporters stuck with the team throughout the dark days, and Kenny hopes that Friday “might be a sign of different things to come” on the field.
The victory was a confidence booster for the 19-year-old striker and his teammates as they begin to turn full focus to their SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division campaign and what is hoped will be a promotion push and a short-lived stay in the lower tier.
31 January 2025; Eoin Kenny of Dundalk during the Jim Malone Cup match between Dundalk and Drogheda United at Oriel Park in Dundalk, Louth. Photo by Gerry Scully/Dundalk FC.
Kenny on the performance v Drogheda…
“I think it was a really good performance. I know it’s still pre-season, but it’s a game with edge. There are a lot of fans there, both teams I think are doing their best to win the game.
“The energy we showed from the very first minute to the last, from everyone who started, everyone who came on, there was loads of energy, will, I think the fans will see that. There was a real desire in our performance and we combined that with real quality at times to create chances, and defensive quality as well to prevent chances.”
31 January 2025; Eoin Kenny of Dundalk after scoring during the Jim Malone Cup match between Dundalk and Drogheda United at Oriel Park in Dundalk, Louth. Photo by Gerry Scully/Dundalk FC.
On his goal…
“Their ‘keeper, Luke (Dennison), he made a good save down to his right-hand side in the first half. But I just knew if I kept plugging away that a chance would fall and that I would get my goal. It was a good delivery by Seán (Keogh), in fairness to him.
“It sat up and I was happy with the finish. I took it on my left foot – I was happy with that. I’m always happy to score a goal and hopefully that kicks me into the season.”
On his confidence after two goals in pre-season…
“Goals always help confidence. That’s not all I’m trying to play for. There are other aspects of the game that I was working on tonight, but getting a goal is always great, especially when it helps you get a win for the team. It’s always really important.”
31 January 2025; Eoin Kenny of Dundalk after scoring during the Jim Malone Cup match between Dundalk and Drogheda United at Oriel Park in Dundalk, Louth. Photo by Gerry Scully/Dundalk FC.
On the first real night at Oriel this year…
“Well, the Leinster Senior Cup games had good crowds, but tonight obviously was different. It was special. The fans from minute one were electric, despite it not being a league game, and we’re only thankful for that.
“It was amazing and it really felt like a proper game. I think the new lads got a real taste of what Oriel is like and what the town itself is like, the people in the town. The support that they offered us was immense and it really inspired the new lads, and the old lads, to win.
“Last year, we were always standing in front of them, they were clapping us but we hadn’t won. I think to change that tonight and give something back to them was important.”
31 January 2025; Eoin Kenny and Andy Paraschiv of Dundalk after the Jim Malone Cup match between Dundalk and Drogheda United at Oriel Park in Dundalk, Louth. Photo by Gerry Scully/Dundalk FC.
On seeing out a lead in the Malone Cup this time having thrown it away last year…
“I think that might be a sign of different things to come. We didn’t go in our shell. I actually don’t think they had a shot on target. Enda (Minogue) was good around his box, but I don’t think he actually had a shot to save.
“We limited them, really, all night. I think that’s a testament to the coaching as well, who set us up to do that. To keep a clean-sheet was really important. We held onto a lead, which is something we weren’t able to do last year.
“Hopefully, I make it a trend scoring in this fixture every year!”
31 January 2025; Eoin Kenny of Dundalk shoots to score during the Jim Malone Cup match between Dundalk and Drogheda United at Oriel Park in Dundalk, Louth. Photo by Emma Gaughran.
On taking confidence from beating a Premier Division team and the FAI Cup holders…
“People keep saying there’s no Cork City in the division this year or whatever, but in my view, Dundalk is one of the biggest clubs in the country, easily, if you look at success and history. There are many clubs that would want to achieve what we’ve achieved.
“So, I think that’s unfair to say. Dundalk is a massive club to be in the First Division. We believe we can compete with any team in the Premier Division, and we’ve just shown that tonight, in an edgy game we’ve won it.
“I think it will give us good confidence going in playing in the First Division, which still has great teams in it. But, of course, we’ll believe we can beat anyone.”
On the focus turning to the opening league game against Athlone Town at Oriel on February 14th…
“We’ll get more minutes in the legs (v Shamrock Rovers in the Leinster Senior Cup on Friday), we’ll obviously look to win that game, but it’s really all focussed on Athlone, how we’re going to play against Athlone.
“That’s the main focus at the minute and that’s the game we’re all really looking forward to. It will be another special night at Oriel, we hope.”
