Photo: LCC/ Rachel Finegan, Healthy Louth Coordinator with Louth County Council, and Aoife Burns, Social and Environmental Sustainability (SES) Officer, Drogheda United FC, pictured at the launch of the Not Around Us campaign
Drogheda United backs Not Around Us campaign for another season
Drogheda United is teaming up with Healthy Louth and Louth County Council for another season of the Not Around Us campaign, encouraging supporters not to smoke or vape in areas where children and young people gather.
The Healthy Ireland funded campaign returns to Sullivan and Lambe Park following a programme at the club in 2025.
Not Around Us aims to reduce children’s exposure to second-hand smoke and make smoking and vaping less visible around young people.
At Drogheda United, supporters are being asked to avoid smoking and vaping in areas where younger fans are likely to gather, including close to food outlets and family areas.
Young supporters helped shape the campaign
The initiative follows feedback from some of Drogheda United’s younger supporters about their experience at matches.
Aoife Burns, Social and Environmental Sustainability Officer with Drogheda United, said:
“Our younger fans expressed a wish to experience match nights at Sullivan and Lambe Park in a smoke-free and vape-free setting, and the introduction of the Not Around Us campaign certainly helped with that last season.
“As a club, we are proud to stand for a healthier matchday experience, and we are grateful to Healthy Louth and Louth County Council for their continued support in delivering such an important programme for our supporters and community.”
The campaign will also be visible during matchdays, with young players taking part in underage half-time games wearing Not Around Us branded bibs.
Drogheda United will also host a Not Around Us Blitz for local U10 teams at Sullivan and Lambe Park on Saturday, 19th September.
Creating healthier spaces for young fans
Rachel Finegan, Healthy Louth Coordinator with Louth County Council, said the focus of the campaign is on creating healthier environments for children and young people.
“Children and young people are especially vulnerable to the effects of second-hand smoke because their lungs are still developing. The Not Around Us campaign is about creating healthier spaces where young people can enjoy matches and activities without being exposed to smoking or vaping.
“Drogheda United has shown great leadership in helping to make matchdays healthier, cleaner and more family-friendly, and Healthy Louth is delighted to continue working with the club on this important initiative.”
The wider Not Around Us campaign also highlights the impact of discarded cigarette butts and vapes on public spaces and directs people who want help to stop smoking or vaping towards HSE Quit services.
Louth County Council says the campaign is designed to help protect children from second-hand smoke, make smoking less normal around younger people and reduce the environmental impact of discarded tobacco products.
Mayor welcomes return of campaign
Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda, Cllr Declan Power, also welcomed the continuation of the campaign at the club.
“Drogheda United plays an important role in our community and reaches people of all ages. The Not Around Us campaign is a positive initiative that helps create a healthier and more welcoming environment for children, young people and families attending matches,” he said.
“I am delighted to see the club continue this work, and I encourage supporters to get behind the campaign and help make matchdays smoke-free and vape-free around areas where young people are present. Small actions can make a big difference, and together we can help create a healthier future for the next generation.”
The initiative is another example of Drogheda United using its role in the community to support wider health and wellbeing programmes.
Drogheda Life previously reported on the club’s collaboration with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, which brought the two organisations together around areas including mental health awareness, youth workshops and community health initiatives.
