TELLING THE STORY OF TOWN’S SOCCER PAST

RESEARCH BEGINS ON THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE FOOTBALL WORLD BY THE BOYNESIDE

THE life and times of Drogheda’s soccer world will be told in a brand new publication, presently being researched by lifelong Drogs fan Mick McEvoy.

With assistance from the likes of Ken Murray, Fr Ted writer Arthur Matthews, Johnny McEvoy, Paul Lennon and Hubert Murphy, plus photographer Shane Murphy, he hopes to put together a definitive guide of the town’s soccer past with an emphasis on the League of Ireland scene.

It has a working title of ‘Drogheda 100” and is being produced to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of Drogheda United which takes place in 2019.

A charity partner will be revealed shortly and with every publication, it will be a labour of love above all. ‘I’m trying to cover a lot’, Mick states. He has a very impressive collection himself of all things football but wants the book to add to the story.

‘It would be fantastic to get stuff from the 1920s, 30s, 40s and 50s, old postcards and documents, programmes and even the ‘ Donkey Double’ tickets.’

As well as Drogheda Utd and Drogheda FC, he wants to get information on the likes of Cairnes Athletic (Stingo) and their ground, Magdalene Park, as well as info on players who won junior international caps.

‘Pictures from the Lourdes Stadium days, especially of fans, the re-opening of United Park and other events and people associated with soccer would be great’, he added.

He wants the history to run from 1900 to the present day and remarks that games were being played on the Dublin Road in 1904.

‘A Louth team won the All-Ireland inter county title in 1941, beating Tipperary and 10 players were from Drogheda. Is there more information on them out there’, he asks.

Mick would also love to get more details on Paddy Reilly, the former garage owner on North Quay.

He was involved in the soccer world in the 1930s.

He notes that a Mrs Hughes from the North Road owned Magdalene Park on Church St, while the present Parkview was known as ‘McEvoys of the Gardens’.

‘ The Lourdes Hospital is where the Boys Brigade Showgrounds were. Is there pictures of that’, he ponders.

He says all items will be copied and returned and any information can be sent to Mick at mickthemod1@gmail.com. His number is 0860755362.

Mick is also keen to source a desigmer with experience in Adobe Indesign to become part of the team. He can be contacted for details.

PICTURED, right, top, Some great moments, names and faces will form part of a new book on Drogheda’s soccer world, with a working titleof ‘Drogheda 100’ - marking 100 years since Drogheda United was founded in 1919, to be produced in association with...

Pictured are Mick Byrne, former Drogheda chairman in the 1980s (top), Gerry Martin and Dusty Flanagan with the League Cup, Dixie Nugent signs for the Drogs and right, the West Emd crew, Toner, Martin, Martin and McBride. Inset, Mick McEvoy with Ross...