Irish Homeless Street League expands to Louth

The Louth Irish Homeless Street League officially commenced on Tuesday, 25th March at Clancy Park, the home of Quay Celtic, in Dundalk. 

The Irish Homeless Street League offers individuals experiencing homelessness the opportunity to engage in sport as a means of empowerment, social connection and personal growth. 

The initiative is a collaborative effort between Louth County Council, the Irish Homeless Street League, Dundalk Simon and Health Promotion HSE with funding support from the Dundalk Municipal District Councillors. The project will be led by Paula Keenan, Healthy Louth Coordinator, under the remit of the Healthy Ireland Programme.

Organisers say the Irish Homeless Street League has a proven track record of using football to transform lives, providing participants with structure, a sense of belonging, and a pathway to new opportunities. The league has helped individuals improve their mental and physical health, develop life skills and build confidence. 

Speaking about the initiative, Paula Keenan, Healthy Louth Coordinator, said:"Bringing the Irish Homeless Street League to Louth is about more than just football; it’s about inclusion, wellbeing, and creating positive pathways for people affected by homelessness. Sport has the power to connect and inspire, and this initiative will provide participants with a sense of community, purpose, and achievement. We are grateful to our partners, funders and the FAI, who are facilitating us with auxiliary coaches, for their support in making this possible."

Chris O’Brien, CEO of the Irish Homeless Street League, welcomed Louth’s involvement in the programme, stating: "Football is a universal language that breaks down barriers. The Irish Homeless Street League has helped so many people find confidence, structure, and new opportunities in life. We are thrilled to bring this initiative to Louth and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on participants here." 

Oonagh Doyle, manager of Dundalk Simon, highlighted the importance of this initiative for the local community: "At Dundalk Simon, we see the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness every day. This project is about giving people a chance to step away from those struggles, even for a short time, and focus on something positive. We are excited to be part of this initiative and look forward to supporting our service users in getting involved."

Cllr Kevin Meenan, Chair of the Louth LCDC Health and Wellbeing Subcommittee, praised the programme’s potential impact: "This initiative is an excellent example of how collaboration can create real change. Sport is a fantastic tool for engagement, and the Irish Homeless Street League will bring hope and opportunity to people in Louth who need it most. I’m delighted that the Dundalk Municipal District Councillors have supported this project, and I look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to our community."

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Ger Murphy, Director of Services, Louth County Council, also expressed his support for the initiative: "Homelessness is more than just a housing issue, it affects every aspect of a person’s wellbeing. Without stability and structure, it can be difficult for individuals to move forward in life. Breaking the cycle of homelessness requires more than just accommodation; it also means creating opportunities for social inclusion, personal development, and meaningful support. The Irish Homeless Street League provides individuals with a chance to engage in positive activities, build connections, and take important steps toward reintegration into their communities."

The weekly sessions will take place every Tuesday from 11am-12pm and will continue for 40 weeks. These sessions are open to individuals supported by local homeless services, as well as those with lived experience of homelessness, those who have come through homelessness, and those at risk of homelessness. homelessness, and those at risk of homelessness. The programme aims to support participants in sustaining stable living situations and breaking the cycle of homelessness.