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.

Towell targets title defence after committing to Dundalk

Richie Towell has committed to Dundalk FC for 2015

As expected, Richie Towell has committed his future to Dundalk FC for next season.

The club confirmed at lunchtime that the 23-year-old has signed on for a third season at the club after putting pen-to-paper on a new deal with the Lilywhites.

The midfielder lined out 49 times for the champions last season and struck 15 goals as the club clinched the EA Sports Cup and the SSE Airtricity League title in what was a phenomenal season.

Speaking to dundalkfc.com about re-signing for Dundalk, Towell couldn’t hide his happiness at the new deal.

“I’m really delighted to be staying. Last year was amazing what we done. Winning the league and the (EA Sports) cup as well was brilliant to be part of. It was a no-brainer for me. If I was to sign back for a club in the League of Ireland it was only going to be one.

“I’m delighted to stay at Dundalk and it’s great to be back.”

The former Celtic starlet is looking forward to the new season and aims to make history in the new campaign.

“I think you can see with the players that Stephen (Kenny) has brought in and the guys that he has re-signed, there’s some great players here, we are looking good. We’re a stronger team than we were last year.

“The aim is to try and retain our title. We are all looking forward to trying to defend it and it is a huge challenge but that’s our aim. We want to have a go in everything and we have Europe to look forward to as well so hopefully we can get a good run there too.”

The 1-1 draw with Warrenpoint Town signalled the start of the pre-season matches for the club and while Towell missed out due to a knock he is raring to go and is intent on making his 2015 bow in the upcoming friendlies.

“I can’t wait to get playing now. I have a little knock at the moment but I am doing work behind the scenes. Doing a lot of running with Graham (Byrne) to get myself right. I’m hoping to get started soon. I just can’t wait to get going.

“The place is amazing. The fans were great last year. As I said this was the only club that I was going to sign for if I stayed here. I really am pleased to sign back and just want to play now.”

 

Dundalk held by Warrenpoint in pre-season opener

Dundalk’s Premier Division title on display at Milltown last night

Dundalk FC began their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw away to Warrenpoint Town at Milltown last night.

The home side hit the front in the third minute when Darren Forsyth seized on an error to break through on goal and fire past debutant goalkeeper Gary Rogers.

Dundalk improved after that early setback with Jake Kelly having a shot blocked on the line before Warrenpoint goalkeeper Martin Marron denied another two Lilywhite new boys, Ronan Finn and Paddy Barrett.

That kept the Northern Irish side ahead at the break but the equaliser finally arrived on 67 minutes when Ciaran O’Connor – recently returned from a loan spell at Warrenpoint – turned in a delivery from Barrett.

O’Connor, whose brother Michael also featured on the night, was unlucky not to have a penalty late on as Finn and Brian Gartland also went close.

Dundalk: Rogers; Barrett, Gartland (Reilly), Boyle (Grimes), Massey; Mountney (M O’Connor), Finn, Shields, O’Donnell (Poynton), Kelly (C O’Connor); Byrne.