Dundalk's Europa League history-maker Ciaran Kilduff signs two-year deal with Shelbourne

Shelbourne continue to justify their tag as First Division favourites with the capture of former Dundalk striker Ciarán Kilduff from American side the Jacksonville Armada on a two-year contract.

The Kildare man – who memorably scored Dundalk’s winner against Maccabi Tel Aviv to seal a first-ever Europa League group stage win for an Irish side – has spent the past 18 months in Florida.

30-year-old Kilduff left midway through the 2017 season to join the then NASL side and scored five goals in 12 appearances in his first half-season.

The club entered the NPSL the following season as the NASL ceased to operate, and he was ever-present, scoring nine goals as they reached the Sunshine Conference final, where they lost to Miami.

He joins several high-profile signings for ambitious Shelbourne following Conan Byrne and Ryan Brennan signing from St Patrick’s Athletic and Bohemians pair Dan Byrne and Oscar Brennan.

"I am really pleased to have added Ciarán Kilduff to our squad,” Reds boss Ian Morris told the club’s official website.

“His medals and goals speak for themselves, but Ciarán, like us all, wants to add to that collection.

“He's a fantastic lad to have in the changing room and I'll be looking for him to be a leader in this group"

Kilcock native Kilduff began his senior career with Shamrock Rovers, and spent time on loan with Kildare County before moving permanently to UCD in 2009.

After helping the Students to the First Division title in 2009, and 15 goals in the Premier Division the following year, Kilduff returned to Shamrock Rovers in 2011.



He helped the Hoops to the league title and the group stages of the Europa League, and he remained for for seasons before joining Pats in 2015.

He then signed for Dundalk during the summer transfer window and helped the Lilywhites to two league titles, and another Europa League group stage, before departing for Florida in 2017.