The transfer of Patrick Hoban from Dundalk to Derry City has been confirmed, pending a medical and the finalization of player terms.
If the transfer is completed, the 32-year-old Loughrea native will depart Oriel Park as Dundalk’s record goalscorer, having won the SSE Airtricity League three times and the FAI Cup twice. Dundalk FC has reached an agreement with Derry City for Patrick Hoban’s transfer, pending his medical and finalization of player terms.
Should the move go through, the 32-year-old will leave as Dundalk’s record goalscorer – 150 goals in 296 appearances – a three-time SSE Airtricity League winner, a two-time FAI Cup winner, and a club legend whose name will forever be etched in Dundalk FC’s history.
Hoban joined from Mervue United in December 2012 and quickly became a fan favorite at Oriel Park, scoring 15 goals in his debut season. He continued to excel, becoming the first player in the club’s history to score 20 goals in a Premier Division season in 2014, leading Dundalk to their first league title in 19 years.
After a three-year stint in England, Hoban returned to Dundalk for the 2018 season, scoring a record 29 league goals as Stephen Kenny’s side secured another league and FAI Cup double. In 2019, Dundalk, with Hoban as captain, retained the league title and won the League Cup, the Unite The Union Cup, and the FAI President’s Cup.
Hoban set a new club record on April 26, 2019, with his 40th-minute header against Shamrock Rovers, surpassing Joey Donnelly’s 69 league goals. During the COVID-shortened 2020 season, Dundalk reached the UEFA Europa League group stages, with Hoban scoring in a thrilling match against Rapid Vienna.
In June of this year, Hoban equaled Donnelly’s overall tally of 142 goals with a hat-trick against UCD, and later broke the record with a header against Drogheda United. He scored seven more goals, with his final one for Dundalk coming in a 5-1 win over UCD on November 3, 2023. The warm reception from fans and the tribute night attended by over 300 people were testaments to his significant contributions to the club and community over the past decade.
Players come and go, but memories last forever, and Hoban has given Dundalk fans countless unforgettable moments over the years.
