Drogs games aren’t ‘half’ exciting
THE thrill of playing on the magnificent surface at United Park under lights is one reason why the half-time experience has proven to be so popular over the past 12 years - and the current season has been no different.
However, so too is the excitement of meeting the Drogheda United players beforehand. Teams from clubs and schools across Louth, Meath and north Dublin have always enjoyed the experience, regardless of whether the Drogs have been in the Premier or First Division.
The club/school teams arrive early at 6.30pm so that they can meet and be photographed with the Drogheda United first-team players before they do their warm-up at 7pm.
The the brand-new floodlighting system installed last spring has created an even better sense of occasion for the youngsters.
Over the years the Drogheda players and managers have been fantastic in extending a warm welcome to the groups. Adults avail of the special reduced charge of €5 to cheer on their aspiring young footballers, while there is no charge for any children or siblings, part of the club’s policy of making strong connections with the local football community in Drogheda and the surrounding parts of the North East.
Just before kick-off, the teams provide a guard of honour and high-five the players as they come out onto the pitch.
The half-time games prove equally popular and almost always result in a huge round of applause from the fans as the youngsters leave the field to make way for the second half of the League of Ireland match.
Next year Drogheda United will celebrate its 100th anniversary and the ground its 40th birthday, but the thrill of playing on such an excellent surface in front of a big crowd will continue to cement those links in the football community.