1981–82 Dundalk F.C. season


entered the 1981–82 season, having finished as runners-up to Athlone Town the previous season. They were the holders of both the League Cup and the FAI Cup, having achieved their first domestic cup double. In the process, they had qualified for the Cup Winners' Cup. 1981–82 was Jim McLaughlin's eighth season as manager, and was Dundalk's 56th consecutive season in the top tier of Irish football.

Season summary

The new season opened with the President's Cup, and Dundalk defeated Athlone 4–3 on aggregate to win it for the third season in a row. But the League Cup was surrendered in the first round, when County Louth neighbours Drogheda United defeated them on penalties. Later that season, they lost the Leinster Senior Cup final. The League schedule commenced on 10 September 1981, using a trial point system of 4 for an away win, 3 for a home win, 2 for an away draw, and 1 for a home draw. Dundalk started with five victories but, after they drew Tottenham Hotspur in the Second round of the Cup Winners' Cup, there was a wobble in League form with all eyes at Oriel Park on the upcoming glamour tie. They fell 10-points behind Bohemians, but subsequently charged to the title, sealing it on the final day away to defending champions Athlone. But it was Bohemians that came out of a four match, seven and a half hour FAI Cup semi-final marathon, depriving McLaughlin of a shot at a second League and Cup Double.
As FAI Cup holders from the season before, they qualified for the 1981–82 European Cup Winners' Cup. In the first round they drew Fram, and won through 5–2 on aggregate, with what remains their record victory in Europe – a 4–0 win in Oriel Park. In the second round, McLaughlin's unbeaten record in Europe at Oriel reached eight matches, when Tottenham Hotspur were held to a 1–1 draw. A 1–0 defeat in White Hart Lane ultimately ended their interest in the competition.

First-Team Squad (1981–82)

Sources:
No.NameYearsLeagueFAI CupLeague CupEuropeOtheraTotalGoals
1 Richie Blackmore1974–1985307145470
2 1977–1995297146475
3 Paddy Dunning1977–1983297044442
4 1967–1986307145470
5 1981–1983307143451
6 1977–19832971434410
7 1980–1993307145467
8 Leo Flanagan1978–19833071454714
9 1979–19842771434220
10 Brian Duff1977–1982140143229
11 Hilary Carlyle1978–19842240413112
12 Ollie Ralph1981–1983147002235
13 Willie Crawley1977–199583106185
14 Jerome Clarke1980–1982155004241
15 John Archbold1980–198382141161
16 Robbie Lawlor1980–198354105151


Competitions

LFA President's Cup

Source:
Dundalk won 4–3 on aggregate

League Cup

Source:
;First round

Leinster Senior Cup

Source:
;First Round
;Quarter Final
;Semi Final
;Final

FAI Cup

Source:
;First Round
;Second Round
;Quarter Final
;Semi Final
;Semi Final
;Semi Final
;Semi Final

League

Source:

League table

Europe

Cup Winners' Cup

;First round
Dundalk won 5–2 on aggregate.
;Second round

Awards

Player of the Month