The latest FAI Mid-Louth Late Night Leagues concluded successfully over the past month, attracting close to 100 participants.
An event celebrating the young people’s participation was held last Thursday evening at the Dee Hub in Ardee. During the event, Evan McGuirk, Sam Caffrey, Nathan Plunkett and Karim Reynolds were honoured as the four Players of the Week. Additional awards went to Joseph Covaciu for Most Consistent Player and Alex Dempsey for Best Goal.
Held twice annually in Ardee during May and November, the leagues provide an engaging space for young people to play football and socialise in a safe environment during peak anti-social hours.
Originally launched in various Dublin locations in 2008, this diversionary initiative aims to foster positive interactions between young people and members of An Garda Síochána while strengthening community bonds. Although open to all, the programme primarily targets ‘at-risk’ young people, offering them a constructive outlet and opportunity to engage with Gardaí and local youth workers.
For several years, the Mid-Louth edition has been co-ordinated by Niall Newberry and the team at Mid-Louth Youth Service. Reflecting on its success, Niall said, “We are absolutely thrilled once again with the community’s level of integration and engagement. This programme has grown steadily in Mid-Louth and continues to thrive.”
Niall emphasised that the leagues go beyond football by promoting social inclusion and challenging stereotypes.
“The involvement of the Gardaí helps build bridges and their support, along with the backing from Mick Neville of the FAI, as well as local Garda members Niall Keenan, Kevin Conway and Noel Loughran, has been vital to its success” he said.
“Having access to the Garda bus continues to be a tremendous advantage, as it enables us to include the Dunleer region in the programme. Seeing the local Garda unit actively supporting and assisting young people is incredibly impactful and meaningful to our vision.
“We are immensely grateful to Garda Niall Keenan for his invaluable help, providing weekly transport to bring the Dunleer group to Ardee and ensuring they got home safely afterwards.
“Mid-Louth continues to face significant challenges due to a severe lack of public transport. Having access to the Garda bus played a crucial role in achieving another great turnout for the Late Night Leagues.”
Garda Juvenile Liaison Officer Noel Loughran commented that: “Local Gardai continue to actively support the Late Night League in Mid-Louth. I can report a significant increase in positive engagement between young people and community Gardai as a result of the leagues, which have been running in Ardee since 2019.
“The Mid-Louth Youth Service have been instrumental in organising the league and their dedication and commitment is very much appreciated. Young people from the ages of 12 to 17 now travel from all over Mid-Louth to play in the league. Ultimately the Late Night League encourages pro-social activities in our communities and leads to positive community relations in the greater Mid-Louth area.”
The Late Night Leagues in Ardee are organised by Mid-Louth Youth Service in partnership with the local An Garda Síochána unit and the Football Association of Ireland. Held every Thursday from 7-9pm during May and November, the leagues are free to join and take place at the Fairgreen in Ardee.
For more information about the programme, contact Niall Newberry at mlys@deehub.ie.
