Dundalk FC raise €300 for #KickitforFarren campaign

Dundalk FC today helped raised €300 for the #KickitforFarren campaign.

The campaign was launched for former Derry City striker Mark Farren, who needs urgent treatment in his battle with cancer.

Organised by the PFAI, each club have been asked to take a penalty kick after training. For each player who participates the PFAI will donate €10 to the fund with the player donating €20 to the fund if a kick is saved.

In total 18 members of the Dundalk squad, including fitness coach Graham Byrne, took part in the challenge with goalkeeper Gabriel Sava saving five and also being denied from his own spot kick by David McMillan.

Check out the challenge above.

Kearney and Kenny complete ice bucket challenges

Following on from his brother Rob’s ice bucket challenge last week, Dave Kearney stepped up to the plate over the weekend with his own comical version of the latest craze to sweep the internet.

In the clip, the Leinster and Ireland winger pretends to chicken out of the challenge before getting absolutely drenched by a digger.

Meanwhile, Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny also got in on the act yesterday after being drenched by first team players John Mountney, Simon Kelly, Brian Gartland, Pat Hoban and coach Graham Byrne – who he nominated. Check out the clip here.

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.