A fitting tribute to Marty

In the early hours of Sunday, having lost a life-long Dundalk FC supporter in Marty Shields, the club and its fan-base were in mourning ahead of the derby clash with Drogheda United.

Despite a titanic tussle of a game against their bitter Louth neighbours, Drogheda later that day, Oriel Park would not forget one of their favourite sons.

Whilst Dundalk have been in the doldrums for a number of years up until this season, the one thing that has never died amongst the majority of the fans is the passion and love for the club and no one displayed that more than Marty.

On a night when it looked like divine intervention was needed, up stepped Stephen O’Donnell late in the game to win it for Dundalk. Call it what you will but it seemed as if someone above was looking out for the club on Sunday.

For Marty’s family, nothing will replace him but that show of respect, compassion and love for the man from the players and the fans will be of some small crumb of comfort.

RIP Marty.