The Commentary Box: Good week for Dundalk FC supporters

It's been a good week for Dundalk FC supporters with news that work on the new pitch is nearing completion. The club is undergoing an amazing transformation off the field.

Now, work on the new flood lighting system will be underway. The infrastructure of playing facilities at Oriel will be greatly improved by the time the new season starts in the first week of February.

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The FAI grant of nearly 500,000 euro will have been used for the new pitch and a brand new flood lighting system. The new floodlights will be in place for the season kick-off.

Pitch-wise, the installation of a new base allowed the installation of a new shock pad system and new playing surface. It is all but ready to go.

It's amazing how quickly the installation has been possible. While it's not yet officially complete, the first team will be able to use it for training straight after Christmas.

The installation of the shock pad represents an additional investment by the club. It improves impact absorption. This enhances player safety. This is so important. How many players have we seen getting injured on the old astroturf pitch?

I can't prove that the old astroturf pitch caused a larger-than-normal amount of injuries than other clubs face. But I have a definite train of thought that it did. The shock pad will hopefully reduce injuries that players can pick up on astroturf pitches.

In the past, Dundalk lost too many key players through injury, with the astroturf model installed at Oriel certainly not helping. The old pitch had gone way past its sell-by date, at any rate.

There were often artificial divots on it, which prevented smooth, direct football being played. A player could be going for a ball, and then suddenly it took a bounce that went in a totally different direction than it would do normally.

In the First Division, most clubs have installed new astro turf pitches. The difference between them and the old Oriel pitch was like night and day. Supporters will be pleasantly surprised at the difference.

I remember Bray getting their new pitch installed at the start of last season. There was much comment on the difference between the old Oriel pitch and the brand new Bray pitch. It was like night and day.

Personally, I would much prefer to see a grass pitch being reinstalled at Oriel. But the powers that be have opted for a new astro turf pitch. This will be the third such pitch to be installed at Oriel since around 2007. The old pitch was installed in 2017.

Dundalk said in a statement that the shock pad will also ensure a more consistent bounce and roll of the ball. It will also increase the overall lifespan of the pitch.

The new surface will also increase the environmental performance of the surface compared to the previous pitch.

The club say that, subject to favourable weather conditions, the pitch will be completed before Christmas. Supporters need not worry, it will be.

The club have confirmed that work on the new flood lighting system will begin in the New Year. A further update will be made after Christmas. I am presuming the old pylons will be used for the new flood lighting system.

It's ironic that Dundalk were the first club outside of Dublin to install a floodlight system. That was in 1967. It meant that the club could play its European Cup game against Vasas Budapest of Hungary in Oriel.

However, early in 1968, the country was struck by a massive storm.m Two of the new floodlight pylons were sent crashing to the ground. It may have been a setback.

But the club directors went ahead and had the pylons back in place in a matter of weeks. They were greatly strengthened, as were the two floodlights that remained standing. You could see the two lights going back up around Oriel for miles around.

The great thing is that no storm ever knocked any more floodlight pylons. And we have had some storms, including Hurricane Charlie, which hit us in August 1985.

The storm caused massive damage around Dundalk and the country in general. But the Oriel pylons withstood them proudly and were not affected. It was amazing.

I was working on news on the pirate radio station Boyneside radio. I was reporting on the damage around the area. I thought of the lights in Oriel. They were fine.

I was delighted to see the club are progressing with plans to improve toilet facilities at Oriel. I have been a strong critic in the past at the condition the existing toilets have been left in. That was under previous regimes.

They did improve in recent times. But they still leave a lot of issues to be addressed. Toilet facilities for women, young and old, have left a lot to be desired. But the fact that it is being addressed now is good news.

It's crazy that they have been so poor. But it really annoys me when supporters of clubs in Dublin criticise Dundalk for their toilet facilities.

It's much easier to find a toilet in Oriel than it is in any of the Dublin grounds apart from the Tallaght stadium. Inchicore, the home of St Pats, has seen the condition of their toilet facilities frozen in time.

Dalymount Park, the former home of the Republic of Ireland, has only one set of toilets that can be used for people on the main stand.

To get to them is almost impossible at halftime. And when one does, they are just frozen time. They are in the same condition as they were in the 1960s.

There are portaloos available in Dalymount. But it does not take long for them to get into a not very nice condition. All of this will improve with the new stadium being developed. But good toilet facilities at all grounds should be a must.

Tolka Park is another ground that is really found wanting when it comes to having a proper toilet system.

They are no better than the ones in Inchicore or Dalymount. As Oriel, I can only hazard a guess that the toilet facilities for women must leave a lot to be desired.

Dundalk say they aim to improve the existing toilet facilities and address drainage issues at Oriel. The objective here would be to provide new toilet facilities for both home and away supporters at Oriel.

This again is great news. I would also like them to increase safety facilities in the main stand. The steps are so steep that they are an accident waiting to happen.

There should be more bannisters in the stand for people as they climb the main steps. I am suggesting this particularly for anyone who has a balance or walking disability.

The steps are just too steep. Bannisters would ease the problem considerably. I would also like to see facilities for disabled people greatly improved.

The club also plans to carry out a full CCTV survey and cleaning of the underground drainage system in the ground. This will tackle long-standing blockages and surface water issues around the ground.

The club says once the final scope is agreed, they will move the project forward. They will keep supporters updated as the work progresses. It's great to see the club saying they will be placing a strong focus on further infrastructure improvements in 2026.

Dundalk are also exploring ways to refresh the look and feel of Oriel Park on match days. This includes fresh painting around the ground. They will also be looking at plans to get local artists to examine the possibility of new designs in the future.

The club have emphasised that while the improvements will take time to develop, their aim is to gradually create a more vibrant and welcoming environment for supporters.

Season tickets went on sale last Thursday. They can be bought online on the club's website. Dundalk say that they are working hard to strengthen the team and deliver important improvements to Oriel Park.

Dundalk say that to support their goals, season ticket prices have been adjusted for the year ahead.

Dundalk also say that they are continuing to restructure and modernise club operations, including how they can communicate and engage with supporters. The improvements will take time to fully implement.

Dundalk say their aim is to build a more effective, transparent and supportive club environment. The club say they look forward to updating supporters as the club's work continues.

There was further good news as to the stability of the club at the weekend. The Trust has accepted an invitation from the club to place a representative on the Dundalk FC management committee.

This is, in effect, a place on the club's board of directors. This comes after the Dundalk FC trust paid the 80,000 euro fund deposit that allowed the club go ahead and draw down the grant that was available for the new pitch and floodlights.

The Trust, in a short statement,  say they wished to thank club owner Chris Clinton for the invite. They added that they looked forward to a successful working relationship with the owner and also representing its members.

The main part of the 2025 UEFA solidarity fund appeared on its website last Friday. The Premier clubs from last season are to get 325,000 each. The 10 First Division clubs, including Dundalk, will get 45,000 euro each.

The Premier Division clubs will get an extra 87,500 euro each when all the money is paid out. The League of Ireland was paid out 3million and sixty thousand euro from the fund. The difference between what the Premier and First Division clubs is stark.

Dundalk are missing out on much-needed money as a result of their relegation in 2024. But at least they are back there now. They must ensure that they do not return to the First Division.

There was very little news coming from Oriel in the past seven days as regards to players leaving, staying and arriving. I was sorry in one way to see the reports that Eoin Kenny could be on his way out of Oriel Park.

English clubs Blackpool and Lincoln City are actively chasing his signature. That's if the reports are to be believed. Interestingly enough, Ruaidhri Higgins is also reported to be chasing Eoin's signature.

He is now manager of Irish league leaders Coleraine. Ruaidhri is a former player and assistant manager at Dundalk. He was manager of Derry City for three years.

During his time there, he signed players like Patrick McEleneney, Michael Duffy, William Patching, Dean Jarvis, and Cameron Dummigan for Derry. He signed other Dundalk players.

All were brought from Dundalk. In a humorous manner, I nicknamed Ruaidhri the magpie for signing a lot of Dundalk's players. But many were free agents when they were signed by Ruaidhri.

He did nothing wrong. He brought McEleney and Duffy back to their hometown club as well. By the time players were going to Derry. Dundalk were on the slide big time.

But even though Eoin Kenny is attracting the attention of English clubs and at least one Irish League club, if I were Eoin, I would stay with Dundalk for even just one more season.

Moving to England at the age of 19 is too young. The League of Ireland is a much stronger one than the Irish League. Eoin should stay with Dundalk for just one more season.

He is a top-class player and will help contribute to Dundalk's firepower. And believe me, they will need as much of it as they can get.

Expect to hear a lot more on players coming and going this week from Oriel. Gbemi Arubi has still not signed, at least officially. I think he will stay. I would also be hopeful that Conor O'Keeffe and Declan McDaid will stay.

TJ  Wilson remains a possibility. But I think the fact that Dundalk will be full-time this season may not suit him. I hope he stays. Keith Ward will stay.

Manager Ciaran Kilduff confirmed this to me weeks ago. But it will be to have him more as a coach. But Wardy will also be signing as a player as well.

It's understood a 19-year-old goalkeeper from Manchester United is training with Dundalk at the moment. Elyh Harrison has been with the Dundalk squad for training, if the reports are to be believed.

He was on loan at Shrewsbury Town. He really impressed on loan with Chester FC. Elyh was born on 19th February 2006. He joined Manchester United from Stevenage.

He helped the Man United U18s to silverware. Elyh was number one at Shrewsbury for a spell this season. But current keeper Will Brook has pushed Elyh out of the starting lineup.

His kicking and distribution are both highly rated. He is regarded as being a highly talented keeper. He is an England U20 keeper. The England call-up allowed  Will Brook get Elyh's place. Will has remained Shrewsberry's first team keeper since.

I see that Bellurgan man Conor McCormack has signed a new one-year contract with Galway. Conor has been a magnificent League of Ireland player. The one sad thing is that he has never played for Dundalk.

He played for Cork City in many of the epic games between the two clubs between 2014 to 2019. He followed ex-Cork City boss John Caulfield to Galway and has been there ever since. No doubt many Dundalk supporters will be looking forward to seeing Conor playing in Oriel again, even if it is only twice.

Former Dundalk player Ryan O'Kane is believed to be close to returning to Sligo Rovers from Shelbourne. The 22-year-old winger really impressed for Sligo while on loan last season in the second half of the season.

Whether Ryan is returning on loan to Sligo or whether he will sign for them remains to be seen. He is a player Dundalk could really be doing with. He is a hugely talented player.

The death occurred 10 days ago of a very dedicated Dundalk FC supporter, Owen Darcy. This was after a long illness. Despite the illness that he had, Owen was in Oriel Park for many of the Dundalk games in the First Division.

Owen was a pleasure to talk to, and he had very interesting views on the teams Ciaran Kilduff would play. His concentration during the games was so focused. The smile the Dundalk team put on Owen's face was fantastic to see.

He was always very happy leaving Oriel as Dundalk were unbeaten at home last season. Owen was on a constant supply of oxygen as he watched the games in Oriel.

He passed away in the Lourdes Hospital last Sunday week. He was a former principal of Haggardstown Primary School.

His wife Margaret died suddenly three years ago. Margaret was a teacher at O'Fiaich College at the time of her passing. Owen leaves behind his daughter, Keziah.

He is also survived by brothers Jim, Pat, Gerard and Noeleen. His sister Majella died some years ago. Owen's brother Pat was editor of the Dundalk programme during the Jim McLaughlin era.

He was also author of the booklet on Barry Keogh called "My most difficult opponent." It was a fantastic piece of journalism by Pat as through it Barry told his story about his battle against cancer.

It was riveting reading. Barry did manage to win his initial battle against cancer. But in the end, he sadly died suddenly while out playing golf at a local course. The booklet was sold at Barry's testimonial in Oriel Park in the summer of 1989.

It involved a Republic of Ireland selection managed by Jack Charlton against a Dundalk selection. Owen was also a brother of former Senator and local Councillor Jim Darcy.

To the Darcy family and to Owen's friends, I wish to extend my deepest sympathies. To all of the Dundalk players and manager Ciaran Kilduff, just to let you all know, you put a great smile and gave happiness to Owen.

Despite being seriously ill, he made it to Oriel to see his beloved Dundalk. Rest in Peace, Owen. It was a privilege to see you at the home games last season and cheer on your beloved Lilywhites.

It was a huge yesterday with the League of Ireland fixtures being released yesterday at 11 am. The men's Premier Division begins on Friday, 6th February.

It ends on Friday, 30th October 2026. I would love to see Dundalk getting Shamrock Rovers at home on the first night at Oriel.

They will be vulnerable as it will still be close to their exit date from the European Conference League and after a long, hard season.

Have a great week. Look after each other, and please be careful out there.