Kenny vows to keep Oriel hits coming

IN the statement released by Dundalk on Wednesday confirming Stephen Kenny had signed a new contract until 2020, the man in charge made a few observations.

He praised the work of all those behind the scenes but also pointed out that he was the only full-time member of staff ‘as such’ at Oriel Park.

While wealthy owners Paul Brown and Andy Connolly leave the day-to-day running of the Louth club to the latter’s brother, Martin, the general manager is also a resident DJ in one of the local bars.

Indeed, after the 3-0 home win over Limerick at the start of this month, Connolly didn’t hang around to celebrate as he was soon on the decks. Such stories and characters are part of the League of Ireland’s unique tapestry but Kenny’s ambition is to take Dundalk back to the sort of level where people really take notice.

‘In order to do that at Dundalk, we have got to aspire to get back into the group stages of European competition,’ he explained.

This year, the Lilywhites bowed out of the Champions League qualifiers at the first hurdle as Rosenborg proved too strong, and Kenny’s subsequent comments lamenting ‘bloody Oriel Park’ hinted at signs of frustration at the antiquated facilities.

Progress is being made, with a new gym fitted in March and Kenny has been busy planning for the structures that are to come. It is why he started contract talks in April, rather than as a reaction to European elimination.

Dundalk wanted to announce his new contract before the first leg against Rosenborg last month but the delay wasn’t terminal. Today’s Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup clash with Derry City is the first game since Kenny committed his future to the club – no better time, then, to put on a show.