FAI Mid-Louth Late Night Leagues successfully completed

More than 100 young people between the ages of 12 and 18 participate in the Late Night Leagues, which run twice a year in Ardee throughout the months of May and November.

A diversionary initiative that was first introduced in various locations across Dublin in 2008, the programme’s intention is to engage young people at peak anti-social hours and provide 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 bonds within participating communities.

Although open to all, participation is primarily geared towards ‘at-risk’ young people for them to positively engage with members of An Garda Síochána and local youth workers.

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.

“We are absolutely thrilled once again with the level of integration and engagement from the community,” Niall said.

“The programme has been running here in Mid-Louth for the past few years and has grown from strength to strength and continues to develop.

“The League isn’t about just football, it’s about promoting social inclusion within the area, and with the Gardaí’s involvement, it builds bridges and removes stereotypes.

“The unwavering support we received from Mick Neville of the FAI, plus Niall Keenan, Kevin Conway and Noel Loughran from the local Garda units made its success possible.”

An event celebrating the young people’s participation on the programme was held last Thursday night inside the Dee Hub in Ardee – where James Murray, Christian McKenna, Bonica Bonescu and Byron Fay were recognised as the four Players of the Week.

Also recognised for their participation on the night were CJ Carragher (Best Team Player) and Sam Mullen (Best Goal).

Aoife Burns, Football and Social Responsibility Officer at Dundalk FC, also attended the awards ceremony and presented a signed jersey to the Mid-Louth Youth Service.

“It’s really great to see Dundalk FC getting involved in the wider community and we thank Aoife Burns for showing her support,” said Niall.

“We’d also like to thank Cllr. John Sheridan for again getting involved, especially during a busy election period. It was also great to have Sgt. Andrew Barron from the station here with us on the night.”

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.

“Mid-Louth remains an area with a severe lack of public transport,” added Niall.

“Access again to the Garda bus has ensured the Late Night Leagues had its biggest turnout yet.

“We’d also like to thank Stephen Fagan for supplying additional transport when needed.”

Free to join, the Mid-Louth Late Night Leagues are hosted at the Fairgreen in Ardee from 7pm to 9pm and run every Thursday night throughout the months of May and November. For more information on this programme, contact Niall at mlys@deehub.ie