"There were periods at the start of the first year where we got beaten 3 - 1 by Derry and 3 - 1 by Sligo, both at home. We were a long way behind Sligo and a long way behind Derry and maybe did we need to rethink it because we were playing with a diamond at the time and we were very, very open."

That period seems far away now given how Dundalk showed confidence for much of the season as they took the 2014 SSE Airtricity Premier Division title and a tenth league crown for the Lilywhites.

Days on from beating Cork City in the final day title decider, Off The Ball was joined by manager Stephen Kenny to get the inside track on Dundalk's success.

But he also notes a new attitude among the young players in the league which is also reflected in his squad.

"I suppose there's a new culture of younger players in the league. 21-year-olds like Daryl Horgan and John Mountney who cook for themselves, cook so healthily. It's just a different approach to nutrition and how you would prepare," said Kenny, who also detailed how the club's success has impacted on the Louth town.

He also picked out the aspect of title journey which pleased him most.

"A lot of the players came in with potential but a lot were unproven. Their improvement was quite dramatic," he said.

"I think it's the younger players whose rate of improvement has been so dramatic. You see Patrick Hoban for example coming from Mervue. He was really exceptional and showed great leadership qualities."