Photo: Drogheda United FC
Drogheda United will travel to Türkiye to face Trabzonspor at Papara Park on Thursday, 1st October, in what will be the club’s first-ever match in the country.
The friendly will take place during the League of Ireland’s three-week international break and will combine preparations for the closing weeks of the domestic season with a celebration of the longstanding links between Drogheda and Türkiye.
The fixture comes during a year in which Ireland and Türkiye are marking 75 years of diplomatic relations, first established in 1951.
Drogheda United have developed a strong connection with Turkish football supporters, while the Star and Crescent has provided a particularly visible link between the town and Türkiye.
The club also hopes the visit can create opportunities beyond football, including new relationships for Drogheda businesses and partners.
Drogheda and Türkiye connection to feature in documentary
The match will feature in the independently produced documentary An Gorta Mór: The Star & The Crescent.
The documentary explores the historical relationship between Drogheda, Ireland and Türkiye, including the story of Ottoman humanitarian assistance during the Great Famine, before bringing that connection into the present day through Drogheda United and Trabzonspor.
There are plans for the documentary to be shown on Turkish television.
Drogheda United CEO Rían Wogan described confirmation of the fixture as a proud moment for the club.
“Today is an incredibly proud day for everyone associated with Drogheda United. To be able to take the club, our players and our supporters to Trabzon for an occasion of this scale is hugely exciting, and we want to make the most of every opportunity that comes with it,” he said.
“We know there is a real connection between the two sets of supporters, and we’re particularly looking forward to seeing our fans from Ireland and Türkiye come together in Trabzon.”
Opportunities beyond football
Drogheda United will work with Drogheda & District Chamber during the visit as it looks to create opportunities for club partners and the wider local business community.
“We also want this trip to leave a legacy beyond the football,” Wogan said.
“Together with Drogheda & District Chamber, we will use our time in Türkiye to create opportunities for our partners and the wider Drogheda business community to make new connections and develop relationships that can continue long after we return home.”
The club plans to announce ticket information shortly, along with details of discounts from hotel and airline partners for supporters planning to travel.
Wogan also thanked Trabzonspor, the Turkish Embassy in Ireland, Trivela Group, members of the club’s Advisory Board, Drogheda & District Chamber and others involved in arranging the fixture.
Part of preparations for season run-in
The trip will also have a clear sporting purpose.
Taking place during the three-week international break, it will act as a late-season training camp for Drogheda United’s first-team squad, allowing the players to remain together and face high-quality opposition before returning to League of Ireland action.
Drogheda United Chairman Ben Boycott said the timing of the game was a strategic decision.
“The Trabzonspor friendly, in addition to all the cultural and partnership benefits it provides to the club in the long term, is a strategic sporting decision. We want to keep the team working together during the international break, sharpen ourselves against quality opposition in a friendly match and use the trip as a launchpad into the crucial final weeks of the season.
“Drogheda United has faced adversity over the years, and at this critical moment, I’m asking all of our supporters to fill Sullivan & Lambe Park and rally behind Kevin and the team as we fight together to the finish line.
“There is a huge amount still to play for, and everyone associated with Drogheda United has a role to play. From the Board to the players, staff and supporters, we need to pull together, support one another and give everything we have over these final weeks.”
The match at Papara Park has been confirmed for Thursday, 1st October, with further information on tickets and supporter travel arrangements expected in the coming days.
