Dundalk supporters’ AGM hears of improving stability amid ownership dispute

The 1903 Dundalk FC Supporters Club has held its latest AGM at the Lilywhite Lounge in Oriel Park, with Orla Crilly remaining as chairperson after going unopposed in the election.

Ms Crilly, first elected to the role in 2023, will continue for at least another year and used her report to reflect on what she described as a turbulent period for the club following the conclusion of the 2025 season.

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At that time, the supporters’ group issued a statement expressing no confidence in the club’s majority shareholder, John Temple, arguing that his position had become untenable.

“It was another challenging year behind the scenes at Dundalk,” she said. “While, on the pitch, we were very successful in securing promotion back to where we belong, in the Premier Division, things were not running so smoothly in the background.

“The 1903 has always had a very close connection with the staff of the club, and we worked hard to build and maintain those relationships.

“In our view, the best approach at the time was to allow the club to focus on football. We didn’t want to weigh in publicly, muddy the waters, or take away from what was happening on the pitch.”

She added that the group had been constrained in what it could say publicly during that period.

“At the time, we couldn’t openly share everything that was happening. While people did contact us individually and we spoke with many behind the scenes, we couldn’t make public statements without putting ourselves in a difficult position. So, we managed things as best we could in the background.”

Chris Clinton, who was brought in as a minority shareholder in 2024 during Brian Ainscough’s troubled tenure, was subsequently presented as the club’s new majority shareholder. However, a legal dispute between Mr Clinton and Mr Temple over ownership of the club remains ongoing.

It is understood that Mr Temple has yet to be fully bought out of his 65% shareholding and remains a director. Disagreements relating to the payment of expenses have also led to recent disruptions in the club’s communications.

Ms Crilly said Mr Clinton’s stewardship had been a positive development.

“Chris Clinton has stepped up, and we are very happy with how he has been conducting business at the club. I believe we are entering a period of greater stability and progress on all fronts. Massive thanks to Chris for everything he has brought to the club.

“The new board has introduced fresh faces, bringing valuable skill sets, and I believe they will make great strides in improving all aspects of the club. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it’s fantastic to see the Trust, the Shedside Army and others getting involved in maintaining and improving the grounds.”

Ms Crilly also outlined a range of initiatives undertaken by the supporters’ group over the past year, pointing to what she described as a continued effort to support both the club and its wider community.

Among the activities, she said, were the release of a Christmas jersey, the presentation of monthly player awards and the hosting of an end-of-season awards night.

Fundraising efforts included an ongoing bottle recycling initiative, with proceeds directed towards the provision of hygiene products for the women’s facilities at Oriel Park.

The group also organised pre-match activities and oversaw half-time events, while increasing sponsorship support for the club was identified as a key priority. Additional equipment and practical assistance were provided to club staff across a variety of roles during the season.

Ms Crilly said members had participated in public clean-up initiatives, as well as post-match and general maintenance work around the ground.

The group was also involved in the “Not Around Us” campaign, which included the introduction of a no-smoking area behind the Town End goals and the organisation of two charity walks at Oriel Park.

Support for travelling supporters was another feature of the group’s work, with transport to away fixtures arranged where possible. “Sometimes people get stuck or find themselves needing help getting home after matches, and that’s what being part of a community is all about,” she said.

She added that members had also become involved in coaching the club’s futsal team and had recently helped coordinate Dundalk FC’s participation as grand marshal in the St Patrick’s Day parade.

In concluding, Ms Crilly expressed her appreciation to a number of individuals involved in the day-to-day running of the club, as well as to committee members of the supporters’ group.

“There is a very special group of people working across many roles at Oriel, and they consistently go above and beyond,” she said. “We are truly fortunate to have them.”