Dundalk finally get to own Oriel Park

In major off the field developments for the League of Ireland’s top two clubs, Dundalk have finally taken full ownership of the lease of Oriel Park while Cork City have announced a three-year sponsorship deal with UCC and the Mardyke Arena.

The resolution of long-standing legal problems surrounding their lease at Oriel Park means Dundalk can now undertake an upgrading of their controversial pitch, among other badly needed improvements to the stadium.

However, it is evident the dispute with former owner Gerry Matthews has not ended amicably. In the club’s official statement on the matter, they depart from diplomatic language to say they are “compelled to state that, unfortunately, there was absolutely no goodwill between Dundalk Football Club and Mr Matthews at the conclusion of this process”.