On August 2, 2016, in the driving rain of Tallaght, at 9:36pm, Robbie Benson's shot nestled into the back of the BATE Borisov net and with that goal, a club and a town was put on the European football map with the question being asked: “How could suc
On August 2, 2016, in the driving rain of Tallaght, at 9:36pm, Robbie Benson's shot nestled into the back of the BATE Borisov net and with that goal, a club and a town was put on the European football map with the question being asked: “How could such a club be so successful?”
Dundalk had qualified for the play-off of the UEFA Champions League and a date with Legia Warsaw was set. The successes of the club had a direct affect of the successes and revival of a town hit badly and harshly due to the recession. Indeed the fortunes of the club have had a positive impact on the town and surrounding areas.
With the Europa League fever hitting the town come September the flags and bunting could be seen for miles on houses and buildings alike, the whole country was backing the club and town to be successful. Ciaran Kilduff’s heroics scoring the two opening goals of Dundalk’s campaign ensured that many pubs, cafes and businesses felt the direct impact of Dundalk’s celebratory supporters.
John McGahon, a county councillor whose leaflets this year included a listing of Dundalk fixtures, commented on the positive impact that Stephen Kenny’s charges have had on the town. “Dundalk’s European journey boosted the entire town. There was such a feel good factor around the place and that is still there today thanks to achievements of the team.”
Local businesses have directly felt the affect of the ‘feel good factor’ created by the successes of Dundalk, Alan Gray a stalwart Dundalk fan and local jeweller said: “The local businesses in the town have felt a direct benefit of the European run last year. People began to reinvest in the town and its businesses all on the back of Dundalk FC.”
Just a few years ago a sea of red of Manchester and blue of Chelsea was the choice of attire of the local youths of Dundalk, now the fashion is to don the White and Black of the local club. Children have been inspired by the actions of their homegrown heroes.
What has been a massive influence on local children is that the heroes they see on TV are the ones the they meet and greet every week at Oriel Park, the inspiration these players such as Stephen O’Donnell have had on local children has been unprecedented.
Benny McArdle, assistant Principal of St Joseph's Dundalk, stated: “These players have become an inspiration for the young children of our school. They have visited the school on a number of instances and this has always been a great occasion. We now have an annual ‘Black and White’ day to celebrate Dundalk’s successes."
The memories for fans and players alike of the 2016 European run will go down in the annals of history but more importantly the impact on the local economy and the restoration of a towns pride and stature in the country has been paramount to the town and clubs success.
Manager Stephen Kenny, at the club's civic reception, stated that: “They had never heard of Dundalk in Israel, Holland, Poland, Iceland or Russia…well they have now!”
