Dundalk allay fears over Oriel Park

Dundalk have sought to address what they term the “distress” being experienced by of supporters, players and sponsors following a report that, owing to a dispute with the club’s former owner, the league champions and cup holders might have to play their home games away from Oriel Park this season.

In order to obtain a Premier Division license, Dundalk need to be able to guarantee Oriel Park as their home ground for the season ahead but a dispute over the lease with former owner Gerry Matthews – who also claims he is owed money by the club – has led to speculation they might have to play elsewhere this season, with United Park in Drogheda cited as one possibility.

While insisting yesterday a claim they owe money to Mr Matthews is “completely false,” Dundalk acknowledged the lease on the ground is an issue. In a statement, the club said: “The fact we do not possess the lease is preventing Dundalk FC from investing in stadium infrastructure but, in our view, does not prevent us applying for a Premier Licence in the same manner as in previous years.”

And the statement from the new owners who took over the club in 2013 went on: “Dundalk FC will continue to seek legal advice and work with the FAI to bring this matter to a conclusion. Our only desire since the takeover has been to provide our community with a football club they can be proud of – we do not anticipate recent events to interfere with our objectives.”

Dundalk are due to begin the home defence of their Premier Division title 2016 against newly promoted Finn Harps on March 11.