Drogheda United Chairperson Joanna Byrne has expressed her thanks to the people of Drogheda and the surrounding area for the support they have shown the club in the run up to this Sunday’s FAI Final against Derry City.
“The support has been mind-blowing” she said, “Beatlemania wouldn’t have a look in with the reception we’ve been receiving when we visit local schools!”
“We’ve been to so many schools and different organisations with the team and the reception we’ve received has melted everybody’s hearts.
“I am asking people to keep the momentum going, we’re in such a positive place at the moment, the sea of claret and blue in the town, on houses and buildings lifts us a club, it keeps us going and it encourages us.”
Talking following a press conference held in the Louth County Council Offices in Fair Street at lunchtime today, Joanna went on to urge everyone to come out on Sunday to support Drogheda United and to wear their colours with pride.
Earlier at the press conference there was some discussion about the overnight news that Drogheda United had been overlooked by the Minister for Sport, Thomas Byrne TD, for funding ahead of its anticipated move in years to come to a new site at the PANCR.
Executive Director of the club, Wesley Hill, the Vice President of the Trivela Group who took over Drogheda United recently, said that he had spoken to the minister this morning but there had been no further information forthcoming.
“It is early days for us as regards this project” said Joanna Byrne who appeared to be not too perturbed by the lack of funding at this stage. “We’ve got some short time goals we can work on in the meantime, We’ve to close the land deal with Louth County Council, and we can apply for planning permission and there’s other things we can be moving on in the meantime.
“The Minister has assured us that our application is fundable and valid which is a huge weight off our shoulders. I suppose the short term plan is to move on what we can and that is to close the land deal and I have to say Louth County Council have been exceptionally supportive in that regard and thank them for allowing us to host this event here today. It was important to us to host his event in Drogheda’s new civic space.”
She said she looked forward along with the Minister for Sport, Thomas Byrne or whoever it may be after the general election, to paving a viable path forward to achieve our goals to enhance the infrastructure, the first team, the women’s team and the academy, That’s still the goal and the ambition which we believe is achievable.
First team coach Kevin Doherty said he wouldn’t be diverted by such matter and all he was concerned about was the football and he was concentrating on Sunday’s final.
“The momentum around the town and the wider area is just fantastic. There is phenomenal support for Drogheda United at the moment and I don’t want the grant application to detract from that.”
