Shelbourne ended their four-game losing streak with a significant 2-1 victory over Dundalk at Oriel Park on May 1, 2026. Goals from Daniel Kelly and Kerr McInroy secured a vital three points for Joey O'Brien's side, making them the first team to defeat Dundalk at home this season in the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division. This win marks a magnificent start to May for the Drumcondra outfit.

The game saw Shelbourne take the lead through Daniel Kelly, followed by Kerr McInroy's goal, before Daryl Horgan pulled one back for Dundalk from the penalty spot a minute from time. Despite the late pressure, the Reds held firm to secure a much-needed win, easing the pressure on manager Joey O'Brien.

This crucial victory sees Shelbourne leapfrog to sixth in the league table, providing a significant boost ahead of their upcoming Dublin Derby clash against Bohemians at Dalymount Park on Monday. The result puts their "awful April" firmly behind them.

For Dundalk, this defeat marks their second successive loss, following a 2-0 away defeat to Sligo Rovers last week. However, their overall start to the campaign remains above expectation as they prepare for a trip to face bottom side Waterford at the RSC on Monday.

The match was not without its contentious moments. Shelbourne's opening goal from Daniel Kelly, following a short corner routine involving Kerr McInroy, came amidst Dundalk's protests over denied free kicks and throw-ins. Referee Paul Norton became a central figure, booking members of both backroom teams and sending off Shels coach Mauro Martins after a tussle between Sean Boyd and Mayowa Animasahun.

Further controversy arose when Daniel Kelly appeared to be offside before being denied by Dundalk goalkeeper Enda Minogue. Despite these incidents and the stop-start nature of the game, Shelbourne maintained their composure to secure the win, with Sam Bone also testing the Dundalk goal early on.