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.

Premier League and League Cup trophy coming to Dundalk next week

Man City captain Vincent Kompany lifts the Premier League title last May

The Premier League and League Cup trophies will be in Dundalk on Sunday week, November 16^th.

The Dundalk branch of the Manchester City Supporters’ Club have arranged for the two trophies to be in the Crowne Plaza Hotel that day, with photo opportunities available from 3pm to 5pm.

Manuel Pelligrini’s side won the two cups last season and ex-City players including Joe Corrigan, Tommy Booth and Alex Williams will be in attendance on the day.

The event is free and all are welcome to attend regardless of who you support.

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.

The happiest man in Dundalk this morning

Gerry McShane reports that his former Dowdallshill GFC team-mate Vincent McKevitt – who captained the club to a Junior Championship title in recent years – is a proud Wigan fan.

There can’t be too many of them in the area so congratulations Vincent, savour this moment.

For those who are living under a rock, underdogs Wigan pulled off one of the greatest FA Cup final shocks of all time when Ben Watson’s 90th minute header earned them a 1-0 victory over Manchester City at Wembley yesterday, earning the minnows the first trophy of their 81 year history.

As well as for his exploits on the GAA field, Vincent gained some prominence in 2010 when he and fellow Dowdallshill man Stewart Agnew brought out the track ‘Wee County With The Big Heart’ prior to Louth’s Leinster final appearance against Meath.

Vincent McKevitt (back), with Stewart Agnew

Source: Gerry McShane (Twitter)