The Gunners’ win compensates Jim as Dundalk’s woes accumulate

There was a time when Inside Track’s long-standing correspondent, Jim McCourt, had just one jersey thrown over his shoulder. Dundalk FC was his team, and a home game wouldn’t pass without him being at Oriel.

He’d have been on the road as well, not only for the Town’s away matches, but dozens of others in England. He was in a group of lads that used travel over every so often, taking in a visit to different venues, some of them belonging to some of the lower division clubs.

Results and health problems are making it difficult for him now, but Jim’s heart is still in Oriel. He takes in all the games on TV, and is an avid newspaper reader.

Understandably, he’s down in the mouth, concerned that the season could end in relegation at worst, or a play-off to avoid it at best.

Jim’s finding better news, however, when he turns over the sports page. The Waterford senior hurling championship had its final a fortnight ago, and the team attached to the club which Jim’s uncle, James McGinn, founded back in the mid-1950s came out on top.

There’s no stopping Ballygunner down in the Deise, this being their 11th consecutive title. They’ll now chase the Munster title, and if successful will go for another All-Ireland.

As founding member, McGinn had his town and county of birth firmly in mind when it came to choosing colours – the Gunners have a hooped jersey, with the black of Dundalk and the red of Louth.

Jim’s concern for Dundalk’s future is shared by many. Not only is the premier side anchored at the bottom of the table, but, as James Rogers reported last week, owner Brian Ainscough, is considering pulling out less than a year after taking over.

If this happens it will be the end of a fifth ownership in under a decade. And with team managements having changed almost as regularly – three, Stephen O’Donnell, Noel King and present incumbent, Jon Daly, have held the reins this season alone – stability is in short measure.

If a new owner doesn’t make a quick appearance, it could be back to the trenches once again. Back at the beginning of this century, the club’s fortunes had plummeted to a near-all-time low.

Had it not been for the formation of a Co-op, headed by Des Denning and well supported by locals and others, the name Dundalk FC might have been wiped from fixture lists.

The team was at the time in the First Division, but not for long. The lower league title was won at the first time of asking, and with promotion secured, an FAI Cup win, beating Bohemians in the final, followed a season later.

Overall, it’s been great of the field since then, the Kenny Era having come and gone. Off it, however, long-time problems, such as those concerning the grounds ownership and its condition, haven’t gone away. They inevitably come to the fore when things aren’t going well, as it is now.