Dundalk Young Irelands last Senior Championship Win was in 1979, defeating Cooley Kickhams 0-11 to 1-05 at Dowdallshill, Dundalk. Here we profile the panel of players and trainer who won the Junior Championship in 1977 , the Cardinal O'Donnell Cup (Senior League) in 1978 and finally the silver lining of the Louth Senior Football Championship in 1979 . This was the clubs first SFC win since 1950 . Following the SFC win of 1979, Young Irelands accounted for Tinryland (Carlow) in the 1 st round of the Leinster Club Championship. Walsh Island (Offaly) defeated Young Irelands in the Semi-Final. Walsh Island included the famous Connor brothers who went on to win All-Ireland Senior medals with Offaly in 1982.

1. Kevin Morgan

One of the clubs longest serving players at the time, the goalkeeper was the holder of Junior and COD medals. While remembered as the '79 goalie, Kevin actually played outfield for most of his career prior to JFC 1977. Lives locally.

2. George Clare

Corner back who joined the club from Lannleire. Great dead ball kicker and resolute defender. George earned his place on the starting line-up due to dedication and commitment. Having served as Club Chairman in the late 1980's, George returned to live in Dunleer but still keeps in contact with the club. Also played rugby for Dundalk RFC for many years.

3. Seamus Haughey

Full Back and Captain who came through the juvenile ranks. Member of the Louth U-21 Leinster Championship winning team in 1978, Seamus also went on to play Senior with Louth for many years. Selector on 1996 Intermediate Championship winning team, Seamus is working and living locally.

4. Ken Gaughran R.I.P.

Another who came up through the underage ranks in the mid 70's, Ken developed into one of the most dependable corner-backs in the County. Ken joined St. Josephs shortly after the SFC win before, sadly, following illness, his life was cut short at a young age.

5. Seamus Byrne

Defender small in stature but big in heart. Having come up through the juvenile ranks, Seamus was the Captain of the Cardinal O'Donnell winning team in 1978. Went on to play for a number of years. Lives locally.

6. Jim Hande

Brother of current Secretary Tony, Jim came up through the juvenile ranks and represented Louth at Minor and U-21. Renowned for his fitness and speed, Jim was a dedicated player and clubman for many years. Jim retired after the 1991 Intermediate Final and continued as a Selector until 1995. Now working in Dublin, Jim lives locally.

7. Michael Byron

Defender also from juvenile ranks. One of the true leaders on any team, Michael was the holder of JFC and COD medals. Represented Louth at Senior level. Now living and working in Dublin but keeps in regular contact with the club.

8. Michael Mc Cabe

Louth U-21 Leinster Championship winner in 1978, Michael came up through the juvenile ranks winning JFC and COD. A great high fielder – went on to represent Louth seniors and Young Irelands for many years. Scored 0-2 in the SFC win over Cooley. Having retired after the 1993 Intermediate Final, Michael continues to live and work locally.

9. Michael Friel

A native of Co. Donegal. His versatility proved to be a great asset to the club. Noted for his high skill levels, Mick served the club well during his time in Dundalk. Now lives in Co. Cork.

10. Pat Mc Geary

Tricky forward who arrived to the club from Tyrone via O'Connells. Played Minor and U-21 with Tyrone. Great pace and skill. Scored 0-3 in the final. Played for many years before finally ending his career with Dowdallshill. Lives locally.

11. Eamon Mc Cartan

Forward who joined the club from Cooley Kickhams having previously won 2 COD and 2 Old Gaels Cup Eamon was playing against his old team mates in the '79 final however proved to be a thorn in their side, scoring 0-2. Very intelligent player who was accurate from frees and play. Later turned his hand successfully to golf being a leading member of Greenore Golf Club. Lives locally.

12. Enda Murray

Loyal servant to the club. Although named at left-half back, Enda lined out at left-half forward and scored 0-1. Very versatile player over the years. Continued playing until 1995 when he successfully turned his hand to manage the 1996 IFC winning team. Chairman from 2000 to 2005, now Vice-Chairman in 2006, Enda is an example of commitment and dedication.

13. Kieran Maguire

Just out of Minor in '79, Kieran scored 0-2 in the final and went on to serve the club wholeheartedly for many years. Kieran converted to play in defence and represented Louth at Minor, U-21, Junior and Senior. Great servant to the club in every capacity, Kieran served as Chairman in 2000. In recent years Kieran has worked tirelessly with developing underage structures in the club.

14. Gerry Nixon

In the same category as Kieran and Enda, Gerry is a legend not only on the playing field but also in his years of commitment to Young Irelands. Played at full-forward in '79, Gerry also played at all grades with Louth. A very gifted player, captain and goalscorer on '77 JFC winning team. Gerry has managed our Senior team on three occasions and is current Club Chairman, having also served as Club Chairman from 1996 to 1999. Still found time to line out with Dundalk FC. Father of current players Gerard and Andrew, Gerry is very involved at under-age.

15. Brendan Carroll

Very robust forward who scored 0-1 in the '79 final. Brendan joined the club from Na Gaeil and finished his playing days with Dowdallshill. Always could be relied on for a few scores. Holder of Cardinal O'Donnell medal – 1978. Lives locally.

16. Pat Campbell

Another who came up through the juvenile ranks, winning JFC and COD medals. Pat played a crucial role in the semi-final win. A very talented forward who played Gaelic and soccer for a number of years. Helped at underage level for a few years. Lives locally.

17. Richard Molloy

Forward who came up through ranks, playing county minor and International Basketball. Richie was a holder of JFC and COD medals before coming on as sub during '79 final. Served the club well for a number of years. Lives locally.

18. Pat Mc Connon

Aged 19, Pat was already a very powerful midfielder having come up through the juvenile ranks. Came in as sub during the '79 final. Standing 6'4, Pat went on to have a very successful career, playing with Young Irelands, St. Patrick's and Louth. Captain of the Louth U-21 Leinster winning team in 1981, Pat now lives in the Ravensdale area.

19. Brian Lynch

Athletic and dashing wing back. Winning member of '77 JFC and '78 COD teams. Came up through the juvenile ranks and served the club well before finishing his career with Na Piarsaigh. Lives locally and has a big involvement with Athletics.

20. Paddy Mackin

Corner Forward who came up through the juvenile ranks. Having won JFC and COD, Paddy was unlucky to lose his place during the '79 campaign. Ex-county minor, Paddy was small in stature but a very fast and gifted player. Still takes a big interest in club affairs. Lives locally.

21. Phelim Hearty

Sub-Goalkeeper who was recalled from retirement to provide cover due to injuries in squad. Came up through the clubs juvenile ranks. Now living in England.

22. Brian Williams

Joined club in early ‘70s from Co. Galway and served well winning JFC and COD. A great fielder of the ball, Brian made a telling contribution to the club in his time.

23. Derek Maguire

Brother of Kieran, still a minor in'79. Came up through juvenile ranks and county minor in '79. Very clever and versatile forward, Derek emigrated to the USA in the ‘80s. Still keeps in touch with the clubs fortunes.

24. Kevin Holland

Whole-hearted defender who came up through ranks and still a minor in '79. Served the club very well for a number of years including a stint as Club Chairman in the early ‘90s. Continues to support the club and lives locally. Owner of well known Dundalk pub, Oscars.

25. Kieran Burns

Son of former great Leo, great servant to club before emigrating to USA. Now owns a bar in California.

Unavailable due to Injuries

Larry Goodman
Midfielder who broke leg during Louth's All-Ireland U-21 Semi-Final v Kerry in 1978. COD and JFC Medals. Put in great service for a number of years before retiring in 1989. Living locally.

Eugene Mc Ardle
Versatile player who came up through juvenile ranks. COD and JFC medals before breaking leg before '79 campaign. Former County Minor, U-21 and Senior, “Ya” moved to St. Josephs where he won IFC in 1990.

Pat Mahony
A native of Co. Sligo, Pat joined Young Irelands in 1976 and served the club well before transferring to finish career with Dowdallshill. COD and JFC winner who gave his best at all times.

Trainer
Michael Mc Ardle
After finishing a long playing career during the 60's and 70's, Michael took a big interest in coaching. With a young panel of players and a coaching knowledge only matched by the likes of the great Heffo or Micko, Michael set about the task of bringing Young Irelands back to Senior football. This was achieved in 1977 with the Junior Championship win. In their first year back in Senior, Michael led the club to the Senior League (Cardinal O'Donnell Cup) and remarkably in the second year achieved the holy grail of the Louth Senior Football Championship (Joe Ward Cup). Never shying away from responsibility, Michael trained/managed the first team on a number of occasions since 1979. His most recent stint was in 1995 when the Intermediate team won the DMP Shield and were unlucky to lose to Mattock Rangers in IFC Semi-Final. A loyal and dedicated clubman, he continues to be a major force in the club.