DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Adrian’s song for Maxi to raise money for local charities
Sod turned on new Women’s Aid Refuge in Dundalk
Autism Louth welcome pause on SNA cuts
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Wednesday, 25th February, 2026. Vol. 19, Issue 8 • 9A, Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth Tel: 042 932 0888 | Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com
PITCH BLACK Disgust as Drogheda Utd supporters injure 12 year old boy and cause damage to new Oriel Park pitch By Paul Byrne BOTH Dundalk and Drogheda Utd have come out strongly to condemn the actions of ‘a small minority of individuals whose behaviour has no place in football’. The joint statement was released in the aftermath of ugly scenes in the Louth derby in Oriel Park on Friday evening when a some of the 500 strong away support hurled a number of flares onto the newly re-laid artificial surface, causing multiple burn marks (51 scorch marks on pitch according to Dundalk FC CEO Joe McGuinness) and significant damage to the pitch.
ARD EASMUINN ROAD, DUNDALK. PHONE 042 935 7296. dunnesmonumental@gmail.com.
Remembering the life of Reilly
The newly laid pitch was only formally opened on Friday evening having been laid during the off season thanks to a €500,000 government grant as well as a €70k deposit which was paid by the Supporters Trust. The damage was due to be assessed by club officials and representatives from a specialist company who installed the pitch on Monday afternoon but at the time of going to print Dundalk FC officials said that any figures quoted are speculative and that it may take a bit of time to get all options finalised and find out the costs involved. Liam Reilly’s sisters Darina Reilly, Paula Mullen (Back row), Barbara Reilly and Evelyn Cosgrove (front) at the unveiling of the memorial bench on Earl St. Continued on Page 2
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