Played in Ardee over a four-week period, this was the first time the Late Night Leagues took place twice in a calendar year in Mid-Louth, with over 100 young people between the ages of 12 and 18 years participating between games played in June and November.
A diversionary initiative that was first introduced in various locations throughout Dublin in 2008, the Late Night League engages young people at peak anti-social hours and provides them with an opportunity to socialise and play football in a safe environment.
In addition, it aims to deconstruct barriers between young people and members of An Garda Síochána, as well as strengthen the relations within participating communities.
The Mid-Louth edition of the Late Night Leagues has been coordinated by Niall Newberry and the staff of Mid-Louth Youth Service for the last number of years.
“Although the games are open to all, the main purpose of this programme is to occupy young people with a safe environment and spark a reduction in anti-social behaviours” Niall said.
“Football is the carrot, of course, but the real piece of work is offering young people a space in which they can positively engage with youth workers and the local Garda unit.
“Sergeant Austin Kelly of the local Garda station gave up his free time to bus young people living in Dunleer to and from Ardee every week, just so that they could participate in the games.
“Himself and Noel Loughran (Juvenile Liaison Officer) played alongside young people throughout the four weeks. Kevin Conway of the Dunleer station got involved as well.”
An event celebrating the young people’s participation on the programme was held on Thursday night in the Dee Hub in Ardee – where Tiana Murray, Ricky Dursis, Alex Dempsey and Evan McGuirk were recognised as the four Players of the Week.
Also recognised for their participation on the night were Cillian Goodman (Best Team Player), Keegan Murray (Most Consistent Player) and Rian McShane (Best Goal).
The Late Night League programme in Ardee is run by Mid-Louth Youth Service, in collaboration with the local An Garda Síochána unit and Football Association of Ireland.
“It’s fantastic to have the leagues now running in Ardee twice a year,” added Niall. “This is largely down to the continued support of FAI Regional Development Officer Mick Neville, who has been a tremendous help to the programme right across Louth.
“I’d also like to thank the amazing staff and volunteers at both Mid-Louth Youth Service and Dee Hub for their involvement. Not forgetting Cllr. John Sheridan, who is a great advocate for all the work carried out by MLYS, plus Cllr. Jim Tenanty for all his support.”
Free to join, the Mid-Louth Late Night Leagues are hosted at the Fairgreen Astro in Ardee from 7pm to 9pm and run every Thursday night throughout the months of June and November.
For more information on this programme, contact Niall at mlys@deehub.ie
