In the first of a series of articles providing an update on the activities of the 1903 Dundalk FC Supporters Club, Frank Carolan takes a look back at where we were 12 months ago, and where we are now.
What a difference a year makes!
For many of us, the events of the last few years have been erased from our memory, confined to the back of our minds, never to be spoken of again…but sometimes it’s good to look back to see how far we have come.
In May 2021, the madness was in full flow around Oriel Park. We had daily news reports and rumours surrounding the club, bizarre interviews from the hierarchy and a managerial roundabout that would make Manchester United fans jealous!
Our fans were restless. Enough was enough. We wanted our club back.
The call went out to all supporters to gather on Friday, May 21st, 2021, outside Oriel Park before the televised game with Shamrock Rovers. If the owners weren’t aware of fans’ unrest, they heard – and seen – it that night.
This was the beginning of our fans coming together and it was also the foundation for the 1903 Supporters Club. When you look back at this moment in our history, albeit still fresh in our memories, it’s good to know that when our club was in trouble, when the club needed the supporters, we gathered and stood up.
This was the beginning of us taking our club back and, on behalf of the 1903 Supporters Club, I would like to thank Andy Connolly, Martin Connolly, Sean O’Connor, and Alan Clarke for stepping up and putting the club back into local ownership. It’s always good to put things into perspective and while it’s safe to say that last Friday night’s result at the UCD Bowl was hard to take, it’s good to take the positives out of a bad night at the office. This time last year, we didn’t know if we would have a club to support.
On behalf of the 1903 Supporters Club, I would like to welcome Bohemians to Oriel Park on Friday night. Bohemians are a club steeped in history, a club proud to be fan-owned and a club that proudly belongs to the local community in Phibsborough, Dublin. We have had our battles over the years and I have no doubt that will be no different on Friday.
So remember, a lot can change in one year. Look how far we have come. Sometimes in life, it’s good to count your blessings and be thankful for what you’ve got and I think this is one of those times. We sit in fourth spot, still in the fight for the European spots, and with plenty of football still to play this season so stay positive and get behind the team.
Nathan Shepperd will be presented with the 1903 Dundalk FC Supporters Club Player of the Month award for May before Friday’s game with Bohemians.
For more information on the 1903 Dundalk FC Supporters Club, visit the website here.
