Kerry midfielder Ronan Teahan set for move to Dundalk

Dundalk are understood to have seen off competition from Galway and Sligo Rovers to sign the 21-year-old midfielder, nephew of former Kerry footballer Maurice Fitzgerald

Ronan Teahan made 35 appearances for Kerry in 2025, having nine goal contributions. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Kerry FC midfielder Ronan Teahan is expected to become one of Dundalk FC’s first signings of the off-season as the Co Louth club prepares for a return to the Premier Division in 2026.

The 21-year-old midfielder is understood to have signed a deal to move from Mounthawk Park to Oriel Park ahead of next season, with Lilywhites boss Ciarán Kilduff seeing off competition from both Galway Utd and Sligo Rovers for his signature.

Dundalk fans got a glimpse of what Teahan can do at first hand as he scored twice for his home club against his potential new employers when the sides drew 3-3 at Oriel Park at the end of August.

Named Fans’ Player of the Year at the Kerry FC awards last weekend, the nephew of Kerry GAA legend Maurice Fitzgerald made 35 appearances in all competitions in 2025, with nine goal contributions from the midfielder in his third year at League of Ireland level.

Teahan will link up with his fellow Tralee man Leo Gaxha at Oriel Park next season and is one of two deals that Kilduff is believed to have lined up with Bray Wanderers defender Harvey Warren also linked with a move to the border outfit.

At present only captain Daryl Horgan, vice-captain Aodh Dervin, Republic of Ireland U17 international Vinnie Leonard and the aforementioned Gaxha are officially committed to the First Division winners for next season.

Despite fears over their ability to secure a Premier Division licence for their return to the top flight, Dundalk are hopeful of securing it this week.

Work commenced on Monday on replacing the artificial pitch at Oriel Park which was one of the first acts by new majority shareholder Chris Clinton, who acquired the 65pc stake of former owner John Temple earlier this month.

The 68-year-old, who is based in Dublin, Ohio, was brought in as investor to Dundalk FC in March 2024 by former Kerry FC owner Brian Ainscough, whose 10-month spell at the club came to an abrupt end in September 2024 when he threatened to wind the 14-time league winners up due to the size of their debt, which is still being managed.