McLaughlin signs for Derry City

Ben McLaughlin

Former Dundalk defender Ben McLaughlin has signed for Derry City.

The Point Road man, who was released by Everton earlier this year having left Dundalk for Goodison in August 2012.

He now joins up with a Candystripes side that has plenty of good memories for his family. His grandfather Jim is a legendary figure at the Brandywell having led the club to an historic treble in the late 80s, while his father Paul also lined out for the Ulstermen.

Meanwhile, another Dundalk youngster Conor McDonald has left Oriel Park to sign for Warrenpoint Town.

Penalty heartbreak for Dundalk in EA Sports Cup

Dundalk’s defence of the EA Sports Cup came to an end against Galway Utd yesterday evening after the Lilywhites lost out 4-2 on penalties following a stalemate over the previous 120 minutes.

Ronan Finn and David McMillan missed the opening two spot kicks for the visitors meaning subsequent goals from Daryl Horgan and John Mountney proved irrelevant.

Dundalk fielded a largely second string side for the game with youngsters Georgie Poynton, Paul Finnegan and Conor McDonald all starting.

Next up for Dundalk is the visit of Longford to Oriel Park in the league on Friday night.

Dundalk’s EA Sports Cup quarter-final clash confirmed for Tuesday May 27th

Dundalk’s EA Sports Cup quarter-final clash away to Derry City has been confirmed for Tuesday May 27^th.

The match at the Brandywell will kick-off at 7.45pm, with Stephen Kenny set to return to his former club, who recently installed club legend Peter Hutton as manager in place of Roddy Collins.

Dundalk booked their place in the last eight of the competition with a 3-0 win over Bray Wanderers earlier this month, courtesy of a David McMillan brace and a first senior goal for the club for Blackrock teenager Conor McDonald.

Dundalk advance in EA Sports Cup

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Dundalk booked their place in the EA Sports Cup quarter-final after seeing off the challenge of Bray Wanderers on a 3-0 scoreline at the Carlisle Grounds yesterday.

Manager Stephen Kenny rang the changes with Saturday’s Setanta Cup final against Sligo Rovers in mind. In came goalkeeper Gabriel Sava for his debut, with teenagers Conor McDonald, Ciaran O’Connor and Manuel Kaguako all starting alongside the likes of Mark Griffin, Simon Kelly and Keith Ward – who was making a long-awaited return from injury.

Having bossed the first-half without making a breakthrough, Dundalk hit the front on 51 minutes when David McMillan headed home from close range.

McDonald then added a second seven minutes later after rounding the goalkeeper before McMillan rifled home a third late on to clinch an impressive victory.

Mulvenna on the way to Glenavon as Dundalk eye Higgins deal

Tiarnan Mulvenna

Former Dundalk striker Tiarnan Mulvenna has put pen to paper with Glenavon FC in the Irish League.

Mulvenna, who hails from Muirhevnamor, was released by Dundalk at the end of last season but was thought to be in Stephen Kenny’s mind as a possible late addition to his squad for 2014.

The 24-year-old was always keen on first team football, however, and feels he can achieve that at the Lurgan-based club where he has signed a one-and-a-half year deal.

He will go straight into the squad for tomorrow night’s clash with Glentoran.

Speaking in a video interview with the Lurgan Mail, Mulvenna said: “Gary Hamilton really sold the club to me. There is a good feeling around the club and it is great to get playing on grass again instead of the astro surface at Dundalk. I hope to get on against Glentoran at any stage and maybe score a goal to get me off the mark early on.”

Dundalk started back pre-season training yesterday in the Oriel Active centre with strength and conditioning coach Graham Byrne putting the players through their paces with a series of fitness tests, including a bleep test which was won by Richie Towell.

Apart from those already signed for 2014, Simon Kelly, Keith Ward and Conor McDonald were also involved.

Meanwhile, Dundalk have been linked with the signing of experienced former Derry City midfielder Ruaidhrí Higgins.

The 29-year-old, who was let go by the Candystripes just before Christmas, previously played with Stephen Kenny during his time at the Brandywell.

According to reports north of the border, he has turned down offers from both Linfield and Glentoran in order to sign with the Lilywhites tomorrow.