Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree has expressed his faith in his team's ability to continue their golden period, despite the club's low budget. The Co Tyrone club have recorded consecutive top-half Premiership finishes, ending the last two campaigns in fourth and sixth respectively, and have reached back-to-back Irish Cup finals, including lifting the famous trophy for a first time in 2025.
What happened?
Prior to McAree masterminding Dungannon's surge up the table following a return to his boyhood club from Glentoran, the Swifts hadn't finished above eighth since 2009/10 – and even sat bottom in 2020/21 with survival secured only due to the fact there was no relegation. A welcome financial windfall brought through progressing to the Conference League's second qualifying round after winning the Irish Cup helped boost resources, but Dungannon still likely operate on one of the Premiership's lowest budgets.
Why it matters for Dungannon Swifts
In an ever-changing Irish League landscape, McAree watched former club Glenavon fall into Northern Ireland's second-tier for a first time in over 20 years last season – and knows nothing can be taken for granted. "We are (delighted with recent success) and probably worried that expectation levels get a bit out of control, because we still are who we are,” said McAree. “But it's been brilliant.
What comes next?
Dungannon will be battling to make it a top-half hat-trick this term and McAree insists there's no reason why they can’t repeat the feat. "I always feel as if we have the capabilities of competing,” he added. “The only reason we belong here is if we continue to work and put as much effort in as we have over the past three seasons. Next fixture: vs Ballymena United (at home, 2026-12-19) (3rd in the table).
