The stadium announcer’s appeals cut little ice after the final whistle in Oriel Park last night; the TV people, it seemed, would have to wait a few extra minutes for their presentation: Dundalk, after all, had waited almost two decades for this.
“We don’t want to be here all night,” went the latest appeal, “we’ve all got parties to go to,” but if they did, the fans seemed to be in no hurry, with most of the crowd happy to rub shoulders with their heroes on the pitch where the players and the manager looked deliriously lost in the moment and madness.
“It’s just an unbelievable feeling.” said manager Stephen Kenny as he edged his way, ever so slowly, towards the podium where the officials and sponsors were waiting patiently. “The players have been magnificent. It’s a lift for the entire region and what a way to do it ...two nil at home.”
What a way indeed for a side that tamely surrendered their long hold on top spot by drawing in Bray last week. Here they were well worth the win with the margin a fair reflection of their superiority.
The first had come courtesy of captain Stephen O’Donnell, who had not started a game since April due to serious injury; the second from Brian Gartland who had dealt a previous blow to Cork City’s title hopes by grabbing a late winner when these two sides last came face to face at Turner’s Cross.
“It’s unbelievable,” said the smiling centre-back as he was jostled this way then that by happy fans, “but the confidence and the belief that we could do it was always there and that’s down to the gaffer”.
