‘Dusty’ Flanagan made his Drogs debut against Worcester City FC 40 years ago this August
I THINK there should be some kind of a celebration (hopefully with more than two attending) for Frank ‘Dusty’ Flanagan.
This August marks the 40th anniversary of the talented centre half signing for Drogheda United.
Our report of that month in 1980 remarked, ‘Frank Flanagan, the highly promising 19-yearold Boyne Rovers defender, signed for Drogheda United on Thursday evening last following a very satisfactory agreement between both clubs..
‘A schoolboy and youth product of Rovers’ Flanagan played a leading role in the club’s successful run in the Gilligan Cup last season and his loyalty and dedidation to Rovers midway through last season prevented him from joining United last January.
‘At that stage when both clubs discussed a transfer Flanagan, although keen to sample senior football at League of Ireland level said he would prefer to finish out the season with Rovers.
He thus won a Gilligan Cup medal while he played his last game for Rovers against United in the Pontana Charity Fund match on Sunday week last. On Sunday last he returned to United Park — this time as a United player as promised.
‘Shay Noonan gave him a second-half run against Worcester City. He showed up well against the English side and the United manager, who was impressed by him in Leinster Senior League games over the past couple of seasons, is very pleased to have him on his books.’
So, the big quiz question for the future - against which English soccer club did Frank Flanagan make his Drogheda Utd debut? They’ll never get it, unless they read this!
‘Mr. Peter Moore : “I do not think that we should consider moving it to the Marsh Road. We all know the complaints which we got from the residents of Greenhills, Marsh Road and the Presentation Convent when the dump was sited there. I feel that what is required is an alternative site altogether. I also think that Drogheda is now ready for an incinerator. This is a tall order, but the people of the town will realise that it is a progressive step and one which must be taken.’
‘A complaint was also raised by Mr. J. Connor that there was indiscriminate dumping at Mell. “The head of Mell is now an open commons for dumping,” he said.