Dundalk granted Premier Division licence as fears over 2026 line-up eased

Minority shareholder Chris Clinton eventually brokered a deal to assume control from John Temple, immediately allaying fears by announcing the club’s supporter trust has committed ‘substantial’ monies towards the essential replacement of the artificial surface.

LICENCE SECURED: Dundalk’s receipt of a Premier Division licence by the FAI yesterday alleviates fears that sporting merit wouldn’t decide the composition of the 2026 top-flight. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Dundalk’s receipt of a Premier Division licence by the FAI yesterday alleviates fears that sporting merit wouldn’t decide the composition of the 2026 top-flight.

Financial concerns arose around the time the Lilywhites secured promotion at the first attempt in October, compounded by a boardroom battle that temporarily causing manager Ciarán Kilduff to quit.