Draw drama a reminder of how far club has come
DUNDALK has come a long way in a few short years.
It was only back in 2012 that the team saw off Waterford United 4-2 on aggregate to preserve Premier Division status.
Now, the team is on the trail of a hat-trick of league titles, and 180 minutes from a chance to rub shoulders with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Heady days, indeed, for followers of the club.
And so, it was off to Oriel Park on Friday morning, to watch the TV cameras, watch the fans, watch the draw for the Champions League play-offs.
Time was, supporters were listening to the radio, hoping for a home draw in the FAI Cup!
A packed Lilywhite Lounge knew in advance it was going to be one of Celtic, Apoel, Victoria Plzen, Salzburg and Legia Warsaw.
Celtic resonated with many of those in attendance, particularly Dermot Keely, who captained the side in that agonising 0-0 second leg draw at Oriel Park in 1979 after the Scottish champions won 3-2 in Parkhead.
Celtic’s prize was a quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Nevertheless, Dundalk’s performance was regarded as the best by a League of Ireland club in European competition.
As it drew closer to 11 o’clock, and fortified by a nice spread laid on by the club, supporters’ excitement levels grew.
The tension was eased somewhat by a big cheer when club secretary, Colm Murphy, appeared on screen, suited and booted, alongside the great and the good of European football in Nyon. Finally, it was down to business. First name out of the bowl … ‘Ludogorets’… we can’t meet them… ‘will play Victoria Plzen.’
A roar went up when Celtic was the next name called, but it wasn’t to be a re-match against the Hoops. Instead, Brendan Rodgers side were paired with Israeli opposition, Hapoel Beer Sheva.
After FC Copenhagen were drawn against Apoel Nicosia, another big cheer heralded the confirmation of a first leg at home for Dundalk. Legia Warsaw the opposition.
‘Didn’t they beat Pat’s 7-1?’ asked Keely.
Actually, Dermot, it was 6-1, but thanks all the same.