Shelbourne F.C. Tolka Park milestone moment!

Article posted by Coliseum, May 21^st, 2024

Image: Shelbourne FC

The Irish association football club Shelbourne F.C. announced on May 13^th that the Dublin City Council has voted in favor of granting the club a 250-year lease for their home pitch – the Tolka Park in Dublin, Ireland.

‘SHELBOURNE FOOTBALL CLUB’ stated that the above decision marks a significant milestone in the club’s history and secures the future of the club’s home for generations to come.

The Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish association football club based in Drumcondra, Dublin (Ireland) who play in the League of Ireland Premier Division. The Tolka Park serves as their home stadium.

The 5,700-capacity Tolka Park is an Irish football ground located in the North Dublin suburb of Drumcondra, on the Northern banks of the River Tolka (Ireland). It is currently the home ground of the League of Ireland club Shelbourne F.C.

The League of Ireland Premier Division, also known as the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division for sponsorship reasons, is the top level division in both the League of Ireland and the Republic of Ireland football league system. The division was formed in 1985 following a reorganization of the League of Ireland.

The League of Ireland is a league of professional football clubs from the Republic of Ireland plus Derry City F.C. from Northern Ireland. It is one of the two main governing bodies responsible for organizing association football in the Republic of Ireland, along with the Football Association of Ireland.

Dublin (Ireland)-based the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the governing body of football in the Republic of Ireland. Today, over 450,000 people are involved in Irish football either playing with the clubs and schools or being involved as coaches, officials and volunteers. The role of the association is to promote, foster and develop this activity.

‘SHELBOURNE FOOTBALL CLUB’ further stated in a statement that the club extended its heartfelt thanks to the Executive and the Councilors of the Dublin City Council for their support and recognition of the importance of the Tolka Park to the Shelbourne F.C., the local community and Irish football as a whole – “This long-term lease provides us with the stability and foundation needed to continue to build the Shelbourne F.C. on and off the pitch. Our commitment as part of the agreement to investment in community-based full-time roles underscores the club’s ambition to further grassroots football development and community engagement in the Drumcondra area and beyond.”

A statement by the club further read, “The Tolka Park holds a special place in the hearts of our supporters, players and staff and we are excited about the opportunities this long-term agreement brings for further investment and enhancement of the facilities, details of which will be communicated in due course. The Tolka Park is one of Dublin’s most storied sporting venues and all at Shelbourne F.C. are proud to be entrusted as custodians and to build upon the rich history and heritage of the ground, which this year celebrates its centenary, as we strive for success both on and off the pitch. We look forward to working closely with the Dublin City Council and our community partners to ensure that the Tolka Park will be a vibrant hub for football and a source of pride for the entire community for the future generations of Dubliners.”

“This evening’s (May 13^th) historic vote will be celebrated by many who have played their part in making it happen. The Shelbourne F.C. extends its gratitude to everyone involved in reaching this crucial juncture, our supporters, staff, shareholders, Board members, players, and volunteers. We would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to all those involved in the Save Tolka Park campaign for their immeasurable contribution.”

“The Shelbourne F.C. and Tolka Park’s fate have been intertwined for many decades and tonight’s (May 13^th) decision heralds a new chapter in the 129-year history of our club and one of the City’s most treasured and hallowed sporting arenas.”

Dublin (Ireland)-based the Dublin City Council is the local authority of the City of Dublin in Ireland. As a City Council, it is governed by the Local Government Act 2001. Until 2001, the authority was known as the Dublin Corporation. The Council is responsible for public housing and community, roads and transportation, urban planning and development, amenity, and culture and environment. The Council has 63 elected members and is the largest local Council in Ireland.

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