Dublin derby buzz and Oriel flare-up 'over-reaction'?

Minister O'Donovan's remarks a 'massive over-reaction'

Minister for Sport Patrick O'Donovan's comments about pausing all astroturf investments into the League of Ireland in the wake of Friday's scenes during the Louth derby at Oriel Park are a "massive over-reaction", according to former LOI goalkeeper Barry Murphy.

‘Gougerism and thuggery in its worst form’ – Sports Minister Patrick O’Donovan issues strong warnings after Oriel Park incidents

Incidents at Friday’s Louth derby in Dundalk, where the newly installed pitch suffered serious damage from flares thrown by Drogheda United supporters, with injuries suffered by a 12-year-old child, will have huge ramifications for Irish football.

Sports Minister furious over Dundalk v Drogheda incident as taxpayers' money 'goes up in smoke'

Sports Minister pauses astro turf funding to all League of Ireland clubs after brand-new pitch damaged during Dundalk v Drogheda match

Minister halts funding after crowd ruined new pitch with flares

The Sports Minister has paused funding to all astroturf pitches in the League of Ireland after Dundalk FC’s new surface was damaged by flares immediately after it was unveiled – while a 12-year-old child was left “shook” when hit by a missile, writes Brian Mahon. Flares were thrown onto the astroturf at Oriel Park by some Drogheda fans as the two Co. Louth sides faced off in a League of Ireland clash last Friday. Several scorch marks and holes w…

Funding for League Paused Over Crowd Disruption at Louth Derby

Minister Patrick O’Donovan has ordered a pause on “any and all” Government funding for astroturf projects at League of Ireland clubs after flare incidents at Oriel Park left a 12-year-old supporter injured and caused damage to a newly installed pitch. A visibly angry Minister speaking at the launch of the NFL Economic Value report today […]