Latest news with #CiaránKilduff
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Shane Tracey has no regrets moving from Bohemians to Dundalk FC
It went somewhat under the radar that the midfielder from the Avenue Road had signed amateur terms with his hometown club when it was announced just 79 minutes prior to the Lilywhites' season opener against Athlone Town on February 14. Perhaps the reason that Tracey isn't as well-known as some of the other youngsters who have featured for Ciarán Kilduff's side this season is because the bulk of his footballing education up until this point has come in Dublin, having initially come through the underage ranks at Shelbourne before going on to join Bohemians, where he made three first-team appearances – all in the Leinster Senior Cup. Indeed, his last outing for the Gypsies came at Ferrycarrig Park on February 3 when he scored in a 6-3 victory against Wexford FC. Fast forward a little under four months and Tracey was again shining in the sunny south east recently when he came off the bench for his tenth senior appearance for Dundalk to help his side turn a 2-1 deficit at the time into a 3-2 victory. While there have been just three starts for Tracey so far, all at home, his cameo appearances and confidence on the ball have certainly caught the eye with the 19-year-old playing a big role in helping his side turn around the game against Stephen Elliott's men to ensure they maintained their six point lead at the top of the table heading into the mid-season break. Speaking to The Argus after that victory, Tracey said he was enjoying life at Oriel Park right now. 'I'm really enjoying it,' he beamed. 'I thought I did well when I came on. It was tough but we got the two goals in the end so it was good.' Having made a couple of Leinster Senior Cup appearances at Bohemians earlier this year, Tracey admitted to enjoying life at Dalymount Park. However, the persuasive powers of Dundalk assistant Ken Kiernan ensured he returned home on the eve of the season commencing – and he admits it is one of the best decisions he could have made. 'I was at Bohs and I decided to stay but then Ken was ringing me and I just decided to take the risk to come here. I'm happy that I took the risk now and it's starting to pay off. 'It's a young team but everyone is hungry. We're top of the league at the moment and enjoying the journey so hopefully now it can continue because we all want to go on and win this league.' While somewhat shy to speak to, Tracey has no problems expressing himself on the field, with his range of passing reminiscent of a young Keith Ward – a team-mate that he admits to learning so much from in their short spell together. 'I'm learning so much from him,' he said of the 34-year-old. 'He's so good in training technically and he's just so good around the group as well. He's always having a laugh. It's good to learn off someone like Wardy. 'You have to believe in yourself. You need confidence. It can be hard sometimes but you just have to believe in your ability and the gaffer definitely gives us all that.' Tracey's adjustment to life back in Dundalk has been helped by his old St Mary's College school pal, Eoin Kenny. 'Myself and Eoin went to school together and we were in the same friend group in school so we were close already and it was kind of easy coming in with him here. He was always here to help,' he said. While Tracey's arrival at Oriel Park may have been a little more low key than some of Dundalk's other signings this season and he might not be as well-known as some other locals at the club, he is quickly making a name for himself. His story has just begun though. 'Hopefully I can keep knocking on the door for a few more starts. That's all I can do, just try my best,' he said. 'I just want to kick on, keep doing well and hopefully start more games.'
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Dundalk boss Kilduff looking forward to much needed mid-season break
SSA Airtricity Men's First Division The Argus Dundalk FC manager Ciarán Kilduff admits his young side are 'massively' looking forward to the mid-season break which follows this Friday's trop to Ferrycarrig Park to face Wexford FC. While the Lilywhites won 2-0 against Kerry FC last weekend, to make it 16 games unbeaten and extend their lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity Men's First Division table to six points, it was - by their own admission - a sub-standard performance from the table toppers.
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Dundalk boss Kilduff looking forward to much needed mid-season break
SSA Airtricity Men's First Division Dundalk FC manager Ciarán Kilduff admits his young side are 'massively' looking forward to the mid-season break which follows this Friday's trop to Ferrycarrig Park to face Wexford FC. While the Lilywhites won 2-0 against Kerry FC last weekend, to make it 16 games unbeaten and extend their lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity Men's First Division table to six points, it was - by their own admission - a sub-standard performance from the table toppers.
