Kealan Dillon has hailed the remarkable transformation of Dungannon Swifts over the past two seasons, as the midfielder's crucial goal propelled the club to the brink of another European adventure.

Just a few years ago, the Swifts were fighting for survival in a relegation play-off. Fast forward to today, and they're competing for silverware and European qualification—a testament to the club's incredible upward trajectory. "We were in a relegation play-off a couple of years ago, and now we're competing for Irish Cups and European play-offs," Dillon reflected. "You can't be too disheartened, even though losing the Irish Cup final was a tough one to take."

The Swifts secured a European campaign last summer after their historic Irish Cup victory over Cliftonville in the 2025 final. Now, nearly 12 months later, Dillon bagged the decisive goal in the play-off semi-final to defeat the same Reds side, setting up a winner-takes-all showdown with Linfield at Windsor Park on Tuesday night. The prize? A spot in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers.

"After the disappointment last week, it's great having another chance to get into Europe," said the 32-year-old midfielder. "We've won our two games now, and we'll go to Linfield on Tuesday and see where it takes us."

Despite the grueling demands of a long season—nearly a full year since the squad reported back on June 10—Dillon is relishing the opportunity. "If you want to compete at this end of the table for these honors, you have to have the long season and keep going," he explained. "If you can't get up for a game at Windsor Park with a chance to play in Europe, then you don't belong playing this sport. We'll give it everything. We fancy ourselves against anyone on our day."

Swifts boss Rodney McAree has echoed that fighting spirit, challenging his squad to "go again" after back-to-back wins over Carrick Rangers and Cliftonville in the space of a week. "We just have to find a way and go again," McAree said. For a team that has risen from the brink of relegation to the cusp of European football, that determination is exactly what's carried them this far.