The Men Who Saved Football - Ep 205 Shanrock Rovers 1 - 1 Dundalk and St Patrick's Ath 4 - 0 Dundalk Reaction

Ep 205 discusses the highs and lows of an eventful week as a 10 man #DundalkFC snatch a point in Tallaght in a battling display but are heavily beaten on their return to the capital against Stephen Kenny's St Patrick's Athletic in a game where much of the damage was self inflicted. We also discuss the furor over last week's vandalism at Oriel park and the ensuing moral panic that occupied the the media and political classes this week.

The refrubished Oriel Park gets its new season curtain raisers with a large crowd for the Louth Derby. While Dundalk dominate the stats, a recurrance of last week's late concession sees an otherwise toothless Drogheda Utd leave with an equal share of the spoils. Thoughts now focus on the clash with traditional rivals Shamrock Rovers on Monday night

Dundalk are left frustrated as an injury time penalty denies them all 3 points in a game in which they looked comfortable on the return to the premier division. While Ciaran Killduff expressed frustration at the lost of two points, fans may be encouraged by the competitiveness of the new look Lilywhites ahead of the Louth Derby

Ep 202 reflects on DundalkFC's off field drama during the closed season in which a boardroom battle saw the departure of John Temple and emergence of Chris Clinton as the club's new figure head. We also discuss Ciaran Killduff transfer window and how the recruitment of premier division experience will be blend with the young talent of last years first divison winning side. We also look forward to Friday's opener against the club's fiercest rivals.

Dundalk FC end the season with a domestic cup final victory, giving the Lilywhites a technical double winning campaign, albeit in the much undervalued Leinster Senior Cup who despite being the country's oldest trophy took place in almost secretive conditions. Ep 201 reflects on the currently undervalued heritage of this provincial silverware and reflects on a thrilling night of football for those who made the journey to Richmond Park

With the title and automatic promotion secured Dundalk go to Cobh in celebratory mood with a large travelling contingent of fans. Two much changed and youthful sides deliver an entertaining game where the Lilywhites emerge the winners thanks to a late Ethan Vaughan strike. Ep 200 also celebrates the achievements on an off the pitch as the club returns from the brink, but also asks what strategy should Dundalk FC now pursue to ensure a sustainable future and return to former glories?

After inconsistent recent form Dundalk rally at home in front of a full house to beat Finn Harps and secure the first division Championship and priceless prize of automatic promotion. With Cobh losing in Longford the Lilywhites now go into the final day with an unassailable 7 point league and the small matter of a Leinster cup final against Stephen Kenny's St Patrick's Athletic. Ep 199 reflects on the penultimate act of a momentous campaign.

Despite a dominant display in the first half Dundalk fail to add to their initial goal and have to settle for a draw when Athlone's converted free kick draws them level and the Lilywhites squander a host of late chances to take all 3 points. With Cobh's win over Bray bringing them within 4 points of the Lilywhites with 6 to play for all thoughts turn to Friday's home game against Finn Harps, where a win will secure promotion and the title regardless of Cobh's performance in Longford, while anything else could see the title go down to the final day.

After last weeks nightmare in Longford, Dundalk FC bounce back with a home win over UCD to gain a crucial 3 points in the title race. The Lilywhites enjoy a slice of good luck being awarded 2 spot kicks and survive a late UCD rally in a game where the Students dominated possession and passing but nonetheless have to watch a Horgan inspired Dundalk take all 3 points in the second half.

Episode 196 looks back in Dundalk's inconsistent September, which saw a 0 - 0 draw away to Wexford, a comprehensive home win over Bray and dismal display in a shock defeat to Longford Town which saw the Lilywhites squander an opportunity to all but secure the title after Cobh's defeat in Wexford the previous night.