'Paint the town red' - Calls for flags and buntings across Louth ahead of Mayo showdown

Calls have been made for Louth County Council to erect flags and bunting across the county in the lead-up to Louth's historic All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final clash against Mayo.

It comes after the Louth senior footballers overcame a first-half sending off to see off Monaghan at Croke Park by 0-27 to 2-18.

Fine Gael councillor Robert Nash said that many people had contacted him in recent weeks expressing their disappointment at the lack of visible support and county colours throughout Dundalk and other parts of Louth ahead of the county's quarter-final victory over Monaghan.

"Many people contacted me last week to voice their disappointment at the lack of colour and atmosphere across Dundalk and other parts of the county in the lead-up to our quarter-final clash with Monaghan”.

"When you compare this to counties such as Kerry and Mayo, where towns and villages are awash with county colours, it is disappointing that we have not seen the same level of visible support here in Louth. Killarney, for example, is currently a sea of green and gold, and that is exactly the type of atmosphere we should be creating across our own county."

Cllr Nash confirmed that he has contacted Louth County Council and requested that a clear plan be put in place to celebrate Louth's historic run to this year's All-Ireland semi-final.

"This is a hugely significant occasion for our county. Louth have captured the imagination of supporters across Ireland and we now have a unique opportunity to showcase everything that is positive about our county."

"With all eyes on Louth in the coming weeks, and with the likelihood of national media descending on the county, I believe it is important that we present Louth in the best possible light. I am calling on Louth County Council to work with local communities, businesses and sporting organisations to help paint the town red and create a memorable atmosphere for players, supporters and visitors alike," he said.

Cllr Nash added that this historic achievement deserves to be celebrated by the entire county and expressed hope that a coordinated effort would ensure Louth receives the welcome and recognition it deserves ahead of the All-Ireland semi-final.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.