St Patrick’s Athletic hold Dundalk to a draw at Richmond Park

St Patrick’s Athletic fought back from a first-half penalty to earn a 1-1 draw with Dundalk FC at Richmond Park on Friday night. Sean Hoare’s 57th-minute header cancelled Daryl Horgan’s spot-kick as the hosts stayed unbeaten in their last five games, sitting fifth in the Premier Division with 52 points from 36 games.

What happened in the Inchicore clash?

Dundalk started brightly and felt they should have been awarded a penalty after eight minutes when Aidan Keena’s shot struck Aodh Dervin’s arm, but play continued. Anto Breslin blazed over from close range on the rebound before Enda Minogue made a crucial save to deny Ryan Edmondson.

The visitors took the lead after 36 minutes when Horgan’s cross found Trevor Clarke, who was bundled over by Breslin. Referee Kevin O’Sullivan pointed to the spot and Horgan made no mistake, driving his penalty high down the middle.

St Patrick’s Athletic emerged with renewed purpose after the restart. Within three minutes Keena’s low effort drifted narrowly wide before Kian Leavy forced Minogue into a fine save with a curling strike. The equaliser arrived after 57 minutes when Hoare rose highest to head home Keena’s corner from the left, marking the 17th set-piece goal conceded by Dundalk this season.

Why it matters for St Patrick’s Athletic

The point keeps St Patrick’s Athletic fifth in the Premier Division, 14 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers. They have scored 42 goals and conceded 32 this season, with a +10 goal difference. Their recent form remains strong, with five draws in their last five games (DDDDD), the most recent a 0-0 draw away to Shelbourne on 1 November 2025.

The draw at Richmond Park extends their unbeaten run to five matches. The hosts made the brighter start and created several chances, but Dundalk gradually wrestled control and fashioned their own openings before the interval.

What comes next for the Saints?

St Patrick’s Athletic will look to build on this draw as they push for a top-four finish. Their next fixture is yet to be confirmed, but the Saints will aim to maintain their unbeaten streak and keep pressure on the chasing pack.

League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 5th in Premier Division, 52 pts, 13W-13D-10L from 36 games, recent form DDDWL.