Former Dundalk winger McDermott signs for Salford City

Paul Scholes and Philip Neville in the dug out for Salford City last weekend

Donal McDermott might have left Oriel Park without much fanfare at the end of last season but don’t be surprised to see his name popping up in the near future.

The winger, who joined the club last summer and featured sparingly from the bench as Dundalk won the title, was not retained by Stephen Kenny at the end of last season and was not a part of the club’s victory parade.

However, the former Manchester City youth – who hails from Co Meath – has now opted to try his luck across the water again with the Manchester-based, Salford City FC.

While the Evo-Stik First Division North outfit are hardly a household name, they could well be in years to come because of their new owners.

Manchester Utd’s famous Class of 92 took over the club last year with Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville taking over at the start of the current English league season.

Last September a 50% stake in the club was also sold to Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim with the club aiming to be in the Championship within 15 years.

While that’s a lofty target, the club have been making headlines of late with both Scholes and Phil Neville pictured in the dug out as recently as last Saturday for Salford’s 2-1 victory over Kendal Town.

While their appearance in the dug out was only temporary following the decision to sack the management team of Phil Power and Dave Chadwick, it won’t be a surprise to see them at more matches in the future.

Amongst the players that McDermott will be linking up with include former Manchester Utd youth Danny Webber.

Dundalk advance to last eight of FAI Cup with victory over Galway

Dundalk had to survive a late scare before booking finally seeing off Galway FC 2-1 at Oriel Park last night to book their place in the FAI Ford Cup quarter-finals.

Having bossed the game from the very start, Stephen Kenny’s side took the lead on 28 minutes when Donal McDermott slammed home his first goal for the club from eight yards.

Despite being frustrated for long periods, the Lilywhites looked to have sealed the win when John Mountney rifled home a 25 yard screamer to the top right corner in the 72^ndminute.

However, after goalkeeper Gabriel Sava was caught in possession nine minutes from time, Galway substitute Padraic Cunningham was on hand to punish him to make it 2-1 but the Louth men were able to see the game out despite late pressure from the Tribesmen.

Dundalk: Sava; Gannon, Gartland (Massey 79), Rossiter, Shields; McDermott (Ward 69), Higgins, Towell, Horgan (Griffin 76); Mountney; McMillan. Subs not used: Boyle, Hoban, Meenan, Cherrie.

Galway: Hanley; Horgan, Byrne, Walsh, Ludden; Shanahan, Sinnott, Connolly (Robbie Egan 76), Molloy; Keegan (Cunningham 76), Faherty (Curran 76). Subs not used: Richard Egan, Manning, Rafferty, Gleeson.

Referee: P Tuite (Dublin).

Dundalk FC announce capture of Donal McDermott

Donal McDermott

Dundalk FC have added Donal McDermott to their ranks.

The Ashbourne native joins Stephen Kenny’s side having been released by Bournemouth at the end of last season.

Aged 24, McDermott – who can play on either wing or up front – is a product of Cherry Orchard FC. He left Ireland to play with Manchester City in 2008 and was part of the club’s FA Youth Cup winning side that season, playing alongside the likes of Slovakian international Vladimir Weiss and Dedryk Boyata.

McDermott joins the Lilywhites as a free agent after a two spells playing for AFC Bournemouth, in which he made a total of 35 appearances for the club.  McDermott also played for Football League Championship side, Huddersfield Town, making 14 appearances and scoring 1 goal.

The 24 year old spent the previous six years playing his football in England. McDermott went on numerous loan moves whilst under contract at City, these clubs include MK Dons, Chesterfield, Scunthorpe United and AFC Bournemouth before moving on a free transfer to Huddersfield Town, and finally signing on a permanent deal with AFC Bournemouth, before making his move to Oriel Park.

He will be unavailable for selection for Thursday’s Europa League first qualifying round second leg tie against AS Jeunesse Esch but should come into contention for the clash with Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght on Sunday July 13th.