More of last years squad learn their fate as Dundalk FC build towards 2023

David McMillan’s career at Dundalk FC has come to an end, with the veteran forward confirming his departure from Oriel Park in a social media post on Sunday afternoon. 

Across two spells, the first of which began in 2014, McMillan had spent six-and-a-half seasons with Dundalk, winning every major domestic honour on two or more occasions.

Notably, his braces against FH and BATE Borisov in Champions League qualification set the Lilywhites on their way to what was an unforgettable European run back in 2016.

A stint in the Scottish Premiership with St Johnstone followed, before he returned to Oriel in 2020, scoring a hat-trick in the Extra.ie FAI Cup final that same year, as Dundalk defeated Shamrock Rovers 4-2 after extra-time at the Aviva Stadium.

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However, the Templeogue man, who turns 34 next month, found opportunities scarce throughout the last campaign. He started just nine SSE Airtricity League fixtures, from which he netted against UCD and Bohemians, in what turned out to be his Oriel swansong.

McMillan, who departs the club having scored close to a century of goals, stated: “My time at Dundalk FC comes to an end. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the incredible journey. Seven seasons that brought a lifetime of unforgettable memories.”

Also out of contract for Dundalk is club captain Brian Gartland, Sam Bone, Robbie Benson, Joe Adams and John Mountney, but all could yet commit for the 2023 season.

One player that’s ended all speculation regarding his future is left-back Darragh Leahy, who the club confirmed on Friday morning has signed a fresh two-year contract at Oriel.

Leahy had earlier in the month appeared on the PFAI transfer list, and was on the radar of Bohs, but the 24-year-old Dubliner has now committed his future to The Lilywhites.

“I’m delighted that Darragh has chosen to stay and try and develop himself even more at Oriel Park,” head coach Stephen O’Donnell said.

“He missed the first part of the season after getting injured in the Jim Malone Cup, but when he came back into the side, he found his rhythm, gave us real balance and I thought he had a really good campaign.

“He gives us real variety and has the kind of profile we want in our squad, someone who’s at the stage of his career where he is ready to kick on and go up another level.”

Also retained by Dundalk is Keith Ward, who has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal that will extend his stay with the club up until at least the end of the 2023 season.

The 32-year-old Swords native, now in his third separate spell at the club, bagged six goals and four assists throughout 2022, despite starting just ten matches in the league. 

“Keith had a huge impact this season, whether he started games or came off the bench,” added O’Donnell. “He finished the year with six goals, including that great strike against Derry City on the last night, which was his highest ever, and we are hoping for the same again next year.

“As everyone knows, he is great around the place and his attitude in training is exemplary, so when you marry everything together, you have a really good, experienced player with lots of creativity and they are not easy to find.”

Off the field, the club have brokered a multi-year deal with Newry-based kit supplier Playr-Fit, with a new home and away jersey set to be launched in mid-December.

Along with several other League of Ireland clubs, as well as the Republic of Ireland international team, Dundalk’s kit had been supplied by British manufacturer Umbro.

However, it recently emerged that Umbro Ireland’s parent company, Jacc Sports Distributors Ltd, entered provisional liquidation, having accumulated a debt of €13m.

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Umbro have been succeeded by Playr-Fit, who are entering the League of Ireland market for the first time and aim to have both kits available for purchase in time for Christmas.

“We are delighted to become the first League of Ireland club to announce a partnership with Playr-Fit,” stated Dundalk co-owner Andy Connolly.

“In a highly competitive market, Playr-Fit has established itself as a top-quality, ambitious local brand, and we are looking forward to working with Kieran (Quinn) and his team over the coming years.

“In terms of revenue, Christmas is a key period for all League of Ireland clubs and we are looking forward to the launch of the new range, particularly our new home and away kits that, that in the current climate, are sensibly priced for all our supporters.”