2012 Dundalk F.C. season
{{Use Irish English|date=June 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox football club season
| club = Dundalk F.C.
| season = 2012
| chairman = Padraig McGowan
| manager = Sean McCaffrey
| stadium = Oriel Park
| league = Premier Division
| league result = 11th
| cup1 = FAI Cup
| cup1 result = Semi-finals
| cup2 = League of Ireland Cup
| cup2 result = Quarter-finals
| cup3 = Leinster Senior Cup
| cup3 result = First round
| pattern_la1 = _blackborder|pattern_b1=_collarblack|pattern_ra1=_blackborder
| leftarm1 = FFFFFF|body1=FFFFFF|rightarm1=FFFFFF|shorts1=000000|socks1=000000
| pattern_la2 = |pattern_b2=_dundalk2011a1|pattern_ra2=
| leftarm2 = 000000|body2=000000|rightarm2=000000|shorts2=FFFFF|socks2=FFFFF
| pattern_la3 = _whiteborder|pattern_b3=_collarwhite|pattern_ra3=_whiteborder
| leftarm3 = EE0000|body3=EE0000|rightarm3=EE0000|shorts3=EE0000|socks3=EE0000
| prevseason = 2011
| nextseason = 2013
}}
The 2012 season was Dundalk's fourth successive season in the League of Ireland Premier Division following promotion in 2008. All together, it was the club's 86th season in League of Ireland football. The club was managed by Sean McCaffrey, who was in his first season in charge. The club also competed in the FAI Cup, League of Ireland Cup and the Leinster Senior Cup. Dundalk finished the 33-round season in 11th position, requiring them to play a promotion/relegation play-off against Waterford United of the First Division; a tie which they won on aggregate, thus retaining their place in the Premier Division for the 2013 season. Results against Monaghan United F.C. were expunged, after they withdrew from the League mid-season.{{cite web | url=http://extratime.ie/newsdesk/articles/8322/ | title=Monaghan United withdraw from league | publisher=extratime.ie | accessdate=18 June 2012 | archive-date=23 June 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623222121/http://extratime.ie/newsdesk/articles/8322/ | url-status=dead }}
The club spent the season battling financial problems, which threatened to put the club of business altogether.{{cite news|url=https://www.the42.ie/for-sale-dundalk-board-move-to-find-buyer-515501-Jul2012/|title=For sale: Dundalk board moves to find buyer|date=10 July 2012|access-date=23 June 2019|first=Ben|last=Blake|work=The 42}} Manager Sean McCaffrey resigned in July with the club rooted to the bottom of the table and financial losses mounting. He was replaced by his assistant, Darius Kierans, in a caretaker role.{{cite web |last1=Stuart |first1=Charlie |title=McCaffrey quits as cash crisis at Dundalk deepens |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-20200654.html |website=Irish Examiner |date=13 July 2012 |accessdate=13 September 2020}} The club's owner, Gerry Matthews put the club up for sale, and with the assistance of a Supporters Trust, it was taken over by local businessmen Andy Connolly and Paul Brown (owners of the team's official sponsors, Fastfix) before the end of the season.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/argus/sport/soccer/dundalk-football-club-sale-of-lease-of-dundalk-fc-26965047.html|title=Sale of Lease of Dundalk FC|date=11 July 2012|access-date=23 June 2019|work=The Irish Independent}}
2012 Fixtures and results
=[[2012 League of Ireland Premier Division|Premier Division]]=
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 1
|date = 2 March 2012
|time =
|team1 = Monaghan United
|report =
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|stadium =
|attendance =
|referee =
|result =
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 2
|date = 9 March 2012
|time =
|team1 = Dundalk
|score = 0–2
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17855/2/ Report]
|team2 = St Patrick's Athletic
|goals1 =
|goals2 = S. O'Flynn {{goal|9}}
J. Russell {{goal|53}}
|stadium = Oriel Park, Dundalk
|attendance = 1,500 (estimated)
|referee = Paul McLaughlin
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 3
|date = 16 March 2012
|time =
|team1 = Drogheda United
|score = 0–0
|result = D
|report = [http://www.extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17859/2/]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 = Paul Crowley {{sent off|2|69}}
Eric Foley {{sent off|2|77}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = Hunky Dorys Park, Drogheda
|attendance = 1,287
|referee = Rob Rogers
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 4
|date = 23 March 2012
|time =
|team1 = Dundalk
|score = 2–1
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17867/2/ Report]
|team2 = UCD
|goals1 = C. Shields {{goal|51}}
S. O'Neill {{goal|55}}
|goals2 = G. Rusk {{goal|67|pen.}}
|stadium = Oriel Park, Dundalk
|attendance = 925
|referee = Derek Tomney
|result = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 5
|date = 31 March 2012
|time = 19:45 IWT
|team1 = Sligo Rovers
|score = 3–0
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17875/2/ Report]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 = D. North {{goal|48||90}}
G. Peers {{goal|54}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = The Showgrounds, Sligo
|attendance = 2.586
|referee = Paul McLaughlin
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 6
|date = 6 April 2012
|time = 19.45 IST
|team1 = Dundalk
|score = 0–0
|report = [http://www.extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17883/2/ Report]
|team2 = Shelbourne
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|stadium = Oriel Park, Dundalk
|attendance = 1,362
|referee = Rob Rogers (Dublin)
|result = D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 7
|date = 13 April 2012
|time = 20:00
|team1 = Shamrock Rovers
|score = 6–0
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17889/2/ Report]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 = C. Turner {{goal|31}}
G. Twigg {{goal|33||81||87}}
B. Dennehy {{goal|46}}
D. Kavanagh {{goal|90+1}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = Tallaght Stadium, Tallaght
|attendance = 3,200
|referee = Graham Kelly
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 8
|date = 20 April 2012
|time =
|team1 = Derry City
|score = 1–2
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17895/2/ Report]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 = R. Higgins {{goal|84}}
|goals2 = M. Rafter {{goal|14}}
S. O'Neill {{goal|52}}
C. Shields {{sent off|0|90}}
|stadium = The Brandywell, Derry
|attendance = 1,500 (estimated)
|referee = Damien Hancock
|result = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 9
|date = 27 April 2012
|team1 = Dundalk
|score = 0–2
|report = [http://www.extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17898/2/ Report]
|team2 = Bohemians
|goals1 =
|goals2 = R. McEvoy {{goal|26}}
P. McMahon {{goal|70}}
|stadium = Oriel Park, Dundalk
|attendance = 903
|referee = Richie Winter
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 10
|date = 4 May 2012
|time =
|team1 = Cork City
|score = 3–2
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17905/2/ Report]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 = D. O'Neill {{goal|3||14}}
V. Sullivan {{goal|50}}
|goals2 = M. Rafter {{goal|8}}
G. Shanahan {{goal|12}}
|stadium = Turners Cross, Cork
|attendance = 2,815
|referee = Padraigh Sutton
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 11
|date = 11 May 2012
|time = 19:45 IST
|team1 = Dundalk
|score = 0–2
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17911/2/ (Report)]
|team2 = Bray Wanderers
|goals1 =
|goals2 = J. Byrne {{goal|40|pen.|73|pen.}}
|stadium = Oriel Park, Dundalk
|attendance = 700
|referee = Paul Tuite
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 12
|date = 18 May 2012
|time =
|team1 = Dundalk
|report =
|team2 = Monaghan United
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|stadium =
|attendance =
|referee =
|result =
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 13
|date = 21 May 2012
|time =
|team1 = St Patrick's Athletic
|score = 1–2
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17924/2/ Report]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 = C. Forrester {{goal|43}}
|goals2 = M. Rafter {{sent off|0|45}}
M. Griffin {{goal|78||90+2}}
|stadium = Richmond Park, Inchicore
|attendance = 1,090
|referee = Graham Kelly
|result = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 14
|date = 1 June 2012
|time =
|team1 = Dundalk
|score = 1–2
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17931/2/ Report]
|team2 = Drogheda United
|goals1 = G. Shanahan {{goal|63}}
|goals2 = S. Brennan {{goal|43}}
P. Crowley {{goal|66}}
E. Foley {{sent off|2|90}}
|stadium = Oriel Park, Dundalk
|attendance = 700 (estimated)
|referee = Paul Tuite
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 15
|date = 22 June 2012
|time =
|team1 = UCD
|score = 1–1
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17937/2/ Report]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 = R. Benson {{goal|49}}
|goals2 = N. Murphy {{goal|35}}
|stadium = UCD Bowl
|attendance = 158
|referee = Paul McLaughlin
|result = D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 16
|date = 29 June 2012
|time = 19:45 IWT
|team1 = Dundalk
|score = 1–2
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17943/2/ Report]
|team2 = Sligo Rovers
|goals1 = M. Rafter {{goal|36}}
|goals2 = D. North {{goal|43||49}}
|stadium = Oriel Park, Dundalk
|attendance = 500
|referee = Dave McKeon
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 17
|date = 6 July 2012
|time = 20.00 IST
|team1 = Shelbourne
|score = 4–0
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17950/2/ Report]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 = P. Gorman {{goal|30||52 }}
K. Dawson {{goal|64}}
B. McLaughlin {{goal|71|o.g.}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = Tolka Park, Dublin
|attendance = 801
|referee = Alan Kelly
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 18
|date = 13 July 2012
|time = 19:45
|team1 = Dundalk
|score = 1–1
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17955/2/ Report]
|team2 = Shamrock Rovers
|goals1 = G. Shanahan {{goal|18}}
|goals2 = D. Kavanagh {{goal|61}}
|stadium = Oriel Park, Dundalk
|attendance = 1,319
|referee = Tom Connolly
|result = D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 19
|date = 20 July 2012
|time =
|team1 = Dundalk
|score = 1–1
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17958/2/ Report]
|team2 = Derry City
|goals1 = C. Shields {{goal|85}}
|goals2 = D. McDaid {{goal|73}}
|stadium = Oriel Park, Dundalk
|attendance = 1,139
|referee = Paul McLaughlin
|result = D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 20
|date = 27 July 2012
|time = 19:45
|team1 = Bohemians
|score = 2–1
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17964/2/ Report]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 = E. McMillan {{goal|35||45}}
|goals2 = M. Rafter {{goal|70}}
|stadium = Dalymount Park, Phibsboro
|attendance = 1,158
|referee = Graham Kelly
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 21
|date = 3 August 2012
|time =
|team1 = Dundalk
|score = 1–1
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17971/2/ Report]
|team2 = Cork City
|goals1 = G. Shanahan {{goal|60}}
|goals2 = I. Turner {{goal|21}}
|stadium = Oriel Park, Dundalk
|attendance = 1,007
|referee = Damien Hancock
|result = D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 22
|date = 10 August
|time = 19:45 IST
|team1 = Bray Wanderers
|score = 1–1
|report = [http://www.extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17976/2/ (Report)]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 = David Webster {{goal|90+4}}
|goals2 = Gary Shanahan {{goal|54}}
|stadium = Carlisle Grounds, Bray
|attendance =
|referee = Derek Tomney
|result = D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 23
|date = 17 August 2012
|time =
|team1 = Monaghan United
|report =
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|stadium =
|attendance =
|referee =
|result =
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 24
|date = 20 August 2012
|time =
|team1 = Dundalk
|score = 0–1
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17991/2/ Report]
|team2 = St Patrick's Athletic
|goals1 =
|goals2 = J. Kelly {{goal|90+1}}
|stadium = Oriel Park, Dundalk
|attendance = 1,000 (estimated)
|referee = Paul Tuite
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 25
|date = 31 August 2012
|time =
|team1 = Drogheda United
|score = 3–2
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17995/2/ Report]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 = P. Hynes {{goal|31||87}}
J. Sullivan {{goal|90+1}}
|goals2 = M. Griffin {{goal|5||25}}
|stadium = Hunky Dorys Park, Drogheda
|attendance = 933
|referee = Anthony Buttimer
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 26
|date = 7 September 2012
|time =
|team1 = Dundalk
|score = 1–2
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/18003/2/ Report]
|team2 = UCD
|goals1 = M. Rafter {{goal|56}}
|goals2 = D. McMillan {{goal|30||80|pen.}}
|stadium = Oriel Park, Dundalk
|attendance = 800 (estimated)
|referee = Damien Hancock
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 27
|date = 10 September 2012
|time = 19:45 IWT
|team1 = Sligo Rovers
|score = 3–0
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/18008/2/ Report]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 = M. Quigley {{goal|10}}
G. Peers {{goal|49}}
L. Buchanan {{goal|86}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = The Showgrounds, Sligo
|attendance = 3,265
|referee = Tom Connolly
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 28
|date = 21 September 2012
|time = 19.45 IST
|team1 = Dundalk
|score = 0–1
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/18015/2/ Report]
|team2 = Shelbourne
|goals1 = Marc Griffin {{sent off|0|87}}
|goals2 = Paddy Kavanagh {{goal|41}}
|stadium = Oriel Park, Dundalk
|attendance =
|referee = Graham Kelly
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 29
|date = 28 September 2012
|time =
|team1 = Shamrock Rovers
|score = 7–0
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/18021/2/ Report]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 = R. Finn {{goal|27}}
K. Oman {{goal|29}}
C. Kilduff {{goal|45+2}}
G. McCabe {{goal|57|pen.|66|pen.}}
G. Twigg {{goal|70||72}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = Tallaght Stadium, Tallaght
|attendance = 1,200 (estimated)
|referee = Damien Hancock
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 30
|date = 5 October 2012
|time = 19:45
|team1 = Derry City
|score = 4–0
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/18027/2/ Report]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 = D. McDaid {{goal|31}}
P. McEleney {{goal|48}}
R. Curran {{goal|82}}
D. McCaffrey {{goal|89}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = The Brandywell, Derry
|attendance =
|referee = Rob Rogers
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 31
|date = 13 October 2012
|time =
|team1 = Dundalk
|score = 2–2
|report = [http://www.extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/18030/2/ Report]
|team2 = Bohemians
|goals1 = S. Maher {{goal|26}}
B. McKenna {{goal|84}}
|goals2 = E. McMillan {{goal|47}}
D. Corcoran {{goal|75}}
|stadium = Oriel Park, Dundalk
|attendance = 250 (estimated)
|referee = Dave McKeon
|result = D
|motm =
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 32
|date = 19 October 2012
|time =
|team1 = Cork City
|score = 3–0
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/18037/2/ Report]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 = G. Morrissey {{goal|23}}
V. Sullivan {{goal|28}}
S. Duggan {{goal|49}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = Turners Cross, Cork
|attendance = 2,782
|referee = Padraigh Sutton
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Round 33
|date = 26 October 2012
|time = 19:45 IST
|team1 = Dundalk
|score = 2–1
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/18043/2/ (Report)]
|team2 = Bray Wanderers
|goals1 = M. Rafter {{goal|51}}
B. Conlon {{goal|51}}
|goals2 = K. Waters {{goal|70}}
|stadium = Oriel Park, Dundalk
|attendance = 260
|referee = Derek Tomney
|result = W
}}
==Final Table==
{{2012 League of Ireland Premier Division table}}
==Promotion/relegation play-off==
{{football box collapsible
|round = 1st leg
|date = 30 October 2012
|time =
|team1 = Dundalk
|score = 2–2
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/18885/2/ Report]
|team2 = Waterford United
|goals1 = L. Shannon {{goal|22}}
S. Maher {{sent off|0|33}}
S. McDonnell {{goal|75}}
|goals2 = P. Phelan {{goal|49}}
B. Ryan {{goal|60}}
|stadium = Oriel Park, Dundalk
|attendance = 1,500 (estimated)
|referee = Paul McLaughlin
|result = D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = 2nd leg
|date = 2 November 2012
|time =
|team1 = Waterford United
|score = 0–2
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/18886/2/ Report]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 =
|goals2 = M. Rafter {{goal|45||69}}
|stadium = Waterford Regional Sports Centre, Waterford
|attendance = 2,728
|referee = Padraigh Sutton
|result = W
}}
Dundalk won the play-off 4–2 on aggregate and remained in the Premier Division
=[[2012 FAI Cup|FAI Cup]]=
{{football box collapsible
|round = 2nd Round
|date = 25 May 2012
|time =
|team1 = Dundalk
|score = 1–0
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/18352/2/ Report]
|team2 = St. Patrick's CYFC
|goals1 = J. Mountney {{goal|49}}
|goals2 = S. Dunne {{sent off|0|88}}
|stadium = Oriel Park, Dundalk
|attendance = 300 (estimated)
|referee = Tom Connolly
|result = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = 3rd Round
|date = 24 August 2012
|time =
|team1 = Malahide United
|score = 0–4
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/18637/2/ Report]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 =
|goals2 = G. Shanahan {{goal|9}}
M. Griffin {{goal|45+1}}
L. Shannon {{goal|75}}
B. McKenna {{goal|90}}
|stadium = Gannon Park
|attendance = 450
|referee = James McKell
|result = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Quarter-finals
|date = 14 September 2012
|time =
|team1 = Bohemians
|score = 0–1
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/18792/2/ Report]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 =
|goals2 = M. Griffin {{goal|75}}
|stadium = Dalymount Park, Phibsborough
|attendance = 1,108
|referee = Derek Tomney
|result = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Semi-finals
|date = 7 October 2012
|time =
|team1 = Dundalk
|score = 0–3
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/18799/2/ Report]
|team2 = St Patrick's Athletic
|goals1 =
|goals2 = K. Browne {{goal|20}}
G. Bolger {{goal|52}}
S. O'Connor {{goal|85}}
|stadium = Oriel Park, Dundalk
|attendance = 2,035
|referee = Alan Kelly
|result = L
}}
=[[2012 League of Ireland Cup|League of Ireland Cup]]=
{{football box collapsible
|round = 2nd Round
|date = 10 April 2012
|time =
|team1 = Longford Town
|score = 1–2
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/18331/2/ Report]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 = S. Skelly {{goal|3}}
|goals2 = G. Shanahan {{goal|22||53}}
|stadium = Flancare Park, Longford
|attendance = 300 (estimated)
|referee = Richie Winter
|result = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round = Quarter-finals
|date = 25 June 2012
|time =
|team1 = Drogheda United
|score = 1–1
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 = E. Foley {{goal|33}}
|goals2 = M. Griffin {{goal|58}}
|stadium = Hunky Dorys Park
|attendance =
|referee = Derek Tomney
|report= [http://www.extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/18383/2/ Report]
|penaltyscore= 3–2
|penalties1= E. Foley {{pengoal}}
R. Brennan {{pengoal}}
P. Hynes {{penmiss}}
D. Marshall {{penmiss}}
G. Brennan {{pengoal}}
|penalties2= {{penmiss}} J. Mountney
{{penmiss}} S. O'Neill
{{pengoal}} C. Shields
{{pengoal}} P. Walsh
{{penmiss}} M. Griffin
|result = L
}}
=Leinster Senior Cup=
{{football box collapsible
|round =
|date = 19 March 2012
|time =
|team1 = Crumlin United
|score = 1–0
|report = [http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/144/2012/18266/2/ Report]
|team2 = Dundalk
|goals1 = D. Griffin {{goal|11}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = Captain's Road
|attendance =
|referee =
|result = L
}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{Dundalk F.C.}}
{{2012 in Republic of Ireland association football}}