Dundalk look to ‘different strengths’ for title tilt

With their remarkable run in Europe coming on top of a third league title in succession, Dundalk would always have been going into the new season with the spotlight firmly upon them.

But having since lost key players in Daryl Horgan, Andy Boyle, and Ronan Finn, the glare of public scrutiny is bound to be even more intense when they host Shamrock Rovers (and old boy Finn) at Oriel Park on February 24, as the champions begin the defence of their title with some new personnel on board and, for the first time in a couple of seasons, doubts being raised about their capacity to retain their supremacy in Irish football.

“When you lose players like that, questions will be asked of us,” says full-back Sean Gannon.