Lily white’ s history in new exhibition
LEAGUE of Ireland current champions Dundalk FC have been honoured in their home town with an exhibition at County Museum Dundalk celebrating the club’s history. Entitled ‘One Team, One Dream’, the exhibition was launched last Tuesday by former president of the FAI, Des Casey.
With more than 50 trophy wins – including 12 League Championships and 10 FAI Cups to date - and success at European level in 2016, Dundalk FC has a rich sporting history.
When you enter the musuem you are created on the first flight of stairs by an impressive wall of 49 of Dundalk FC’s greatest ever players, including cult heroes Joe Martin, Tommy McConville, Barry Kehoe and Jimmy Hasty. Brief biographical details of all players accompany the images on the wall.
The exhibition chronicles Dundalk’s history in a number of panels, which deal with specific periods of the club from the lean 1950’s, the club’s debut in Europe, the McLaughlin era, followed by the O’Connor both of which yielded historic league and cup doubles, through the fight for club survival, right through to recent history and the club’s three-in-a-row league triumphs and a third league and cup double, not to mention last year’s historic Europa League campaign.
Speaking at the launch, museum curator, Brian Walsh said, ‘We’ve been extremely fortunate to work with Jim Murphy, author of ‘ The History of Dundalk FC – The First 100 Years’, to develop this exhibition. While working on it, we’ve been struck how the club has been a rite of passage for many people - parents who brought their children to games, who in turn brought their children, who now bring their children and so on. In a rapidly changing world, to have this tradition, this common interest and passion is something very valuable.’
Other exhibition highlights include: The jersey worn by former Dundalk FC goalkeeper, Charlie Tizard during a match between the League of Ireland XI and the Irish League XI in 1939.
A set of medals won by former Dundalk FC centre-forward, Jimmy McArdle - including an All-Ireland minor medal won with Louth in 1936, and an FAI Cup medal won with Dundalk in 1942.
A jersey won by former Dundalk FC defender, Tommy McConville while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.
A collection of medals, trophies and pennants won by the club over the years.
The success of the team in Europe last year brought global attention to the club and led to it being presented with a civic award from Dundalk Municipal District in the same year.
Speaking to the invited guests and loyal Lilywhite supporters, Club President Des Casey said, ‘I am delighted that County Museum Dundalk is hosting this exhibition. Dundalk FC has a fantastic history and is one of only three clubs with an unbroken membership of the League of Ireland. The heroic exploits of the Dundalk team in the preliminary stages of the Champions League and then Europa League last year shone a light on Irish football and brought it to new audiences. I hope football fans far and wide will visit and enjoy this exhibition.’
‘One Team, One Dream’ is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm at County Museum Dundalk, and entry is free.