Dundalk entered the 2018 season looking to respond after losing the domestic title to Cork after winning it for three years straight. Things initially did not look too good for the Lilywhites, as they lost to the Rebel Army in the President's Cup and started their campaign with a goalless draw against Bray, who finished rock bottom.
The draw at Bray was followed by another goalless game, albeit in a tough fixture away at Shamrock, but it soon became obvious that the Lilywhites simply needed some time to gel, as they then went on a run of nine games in which they recorded eight wins and a draw. This run was enough for them to move to the top of the table, a position they never relinquished until the very end of the season.
The one big problem for Stephen Kenny's side in the 2017 season was a lack of a constant source of goals, but they struck gold this time around with the signing of Patrick Hoban, who ended the season as their top scorer with 29 goals scored in the league.
The Lilywhites secured the league title with as many as four games left to play, but still had enough gas in the tank to beat Cork in the FAI Cup final to secure a domestic double.
Kenny's men have therefore won four of the last five domestic titles. They have a functioning system in place and will certainly enter the upcoming winter break in a very positive mood.
