Some Breaking News from Oriel Park this morning, that Ciaran Kilduff has stepped down as manager of First Division champions Dundalk.

The news was first broken by John Fallon at the Irish Examiner with Kilduff  informing the Dundalk ownership of his decision to resign as the first team manager.

“I do have to have some discussion’s at home but I plan to”

Speaking to media after clinching the First Division title back in October, Kilduff had outlined his intentions of remaining on as manager as Dundalk plan to make the return to the Premier Division in 2026.

“That would be the plan yeah but look it, I do have to have some discussions at home, there is stuff that I need to sort out and I plan to, I think we are onto the start of something here.”

Kilduff also said that “These are tough jobs, very hard, even geographically for me as well, so I’ve a few things just to consider when the season comes to an end and take stock of what has been a brilliant season.”

Where To Next For Dundalk and Kilduff?

For Kilduff it looks like his next destination for 2026 is Waterford according to the Irish Examiner. It is believed that he is the front runner for the job following the departure of John Coleman in the last number of weeks.  Waterford currently sit in 9th place, the relegation playoff spot where they will take on either Treaty United or Bray Wanderers at a neutral venue next Friday night.

For Dundalk, The rumour mill is going to continue and Kilduffs departure will not help it. With discontent from supporter groups with the ownership to fears of not securing a licence for the Premier Division in 2026 it is a worrying next couple of weeks for the future of Dundalk Football Club.

Chairman, John Temple did an interview with Dundalk fan podcast “The Town End Podcast” seeking to clarify the situation and looking for “patience” from the Dundalk fanbase.