Supporters’ Club Notes (01/03/15)

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

The long wait is over. Now we look forward to playing the big boys. Our opener on this Friday night just doesn't get any bigger. Dundalk are still flying high and already have won the first of this year's trophies against St Pat's in the President's Cup. And after that we entertain Shamrock Rovers at home. Writing those big club names is still a novelty but our old foes Cobh and Finn Harps are now behind us and it's really time to look forward.

Of course the season ahead is daunting but it's where we've battled to be over seven long, frustrating seasons. The squad is strengthened but we haven't gone mad. Facilities at the City Calling Stadium have been improved and Emmet Ryan has done trojan work on our Clubhouse.

Some so called experts expect us to go straight back down but we're not even entertaining that sort of nonsense It's certainly a league which is well spread over the entire country and the inclusion of Galway and ourselves has certainly added to the national league feel. There may be no Athlone but we can look forward to the N4 Derby against Sligo Rovers.

There's just so much to look forward to this season but for supporters of the red and black it all boils down to supporting our own through thick and thin....C'mon De Town.

AGM

There was a very healthy turn out for our AGM last week. As per usual we started on time and all was done and dusted within an hour. We're nothing if not efficient. Liam Healion expressed his confidence in last season's executive and his motion to return them all en block was passed without a murmur. Although we had an outstanding season in 2014 as regards fundraising and supporting the Club, we know we have to improve again this time round. For starters we want to double our membership. When we were last in the top flight, it cost €20 to be a member, now it's only €10 with junior members half that.

By joining the Supporters' Club, you will qualify for a 10% discount on Club merchandise, you will be entered into a free monthly draw to present the Player of the Month trophy as well as a monthly draw for a free drink and snack in the Clubhouse. And we're in negotiations regarding some other offers also. At the end of this season, only paid up members can vote for the Player of the Season award. But apart from all those goodies, you will be supporting local sport locally and that's what we really want.

Membership envelopes will be available in the Clubhouse at our game against Shamrock Rovers and also on the buses to Dundalk.
And in case you wondering about the prices this season...we're keeping our cups of tea/coffee at the unbelievable price of just one solitary euro. Ryanair Prices with Emirate standards.

CAR BOOT SALE

St Patrick's day sees the first of our Car Boot Sales at the City Calling Stadium. For years now, these Car Boot Sales have proved both popular and successful with people travelling from all over Ireland to attend. As we always say, they just don't happen by magic. A lot of people put in a lot of effort and we would dearly like to see more helping out. You don't have to be out at the crack of dawn, we also need volunteers to tidy up afterwards at 3pm.It's not the most glamorous way of showing your support, but it's as vital as flag waving and chanting.

BUSES TO DUNDALK

The first supporters' bus to the game in Dundalk was booked out ages ago but, if you hurry there may be a few places left on the second bus. Again, it's Ryanair prices so don't delay and book straight away. One smart supporter did a small bit of research and reckoned it'd cost €16 on tolls and €30 on petrol before you even got your ticket or had a cup of tea, so she's obviously going by bus. Contact 083 1670304 if you want to join the smart crowd.