Dundalk dismiss reports that Ed Sheeran is to attend tonight’s Champions League game

Dundalk FC have denied reports that Ed Sheeran is set to attend tonight’s Champions League clash against BATE Borisov at Oriel Park.

LMFM reporter Gerry Malone broke the news yesterday that the ‘Thinking Out Loud’ singer was set to attend the sell out game in the build-up to his sold out shows at Croke Park this Friday and Saturday night.

However, while not ruling it out entirely, the club insist it is most unlikely.

Reports originated after the club was contacted by Sheeran’s tour manager for tickets but it is not believed that he will be attending.

Meanwhile, it has still not been officially confirmed whether tonight’s game will be shown live on the big screen at the Market Square.

This was posted on what turned out to be an unofficial Dundalk FC Instagram account yesterday and reported in various quarters, including on Talk of the Town, but general manager of Dundalk FC Martin Connolly said the club have not confirmed the matter.

“We did not confirm that the match is to be shown on the screen at the Square as this has got nothing to do with us. I was interviewed on Dundalk FM on Saturday and someone sent a text in to say that it was being shown and I said that was great.”

Tonight’s game is live on RTÉ Two with a kick-off of 7.45pm.

Campaign launched to screen Dundalk’s Champions League clash on big screen in the Market Square

A campaign is being launched to screen Dundalk’s Champions League second qualifying round second leg tie with BATE Borisov on Wednesday on the large screen at the Market Square.

Due to UEFA restrictions the capacity of Oriel Park has been reduced to 3,200 for the crunch tie. With the game already sold out, that will leave hundreds of fans disappointed in their attempts to see the game.

While RTÉ announced yesterday it will be showing the game live on the night, many supporters want to enjoy the atmosphere of collectively on what could be an historic night in the club’s history.

As a result, Jay Mac Eoin has launched an appeal for the game to be shown live at the Market Square with a number of councillors contacted about the matter.

It remains to be seen whether his attempts are successful or not but if you can assist in any way please contact him via his Facebook page.

Plenty of events lined up for the Giro’s arrival in Dundalk

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few weeks, you’ll be well aware that the Giro d’Italia comes to Ireland today, with a visit to Dundalk pencilled in for Sunday.

Dundalk is a designated stop for the official Giro Carnival Cars which will descend on the town approximately 60-90 minutes before the race and reward the awaiting crowds by handing out free goodies.

You can keep up to date on all the cycling action live on the Big Screen at the Market Square.

Meanwhile, Sinéad from Dundalk Tourist Office has sent in the following details of various other events taking place to mark the race’s arrival on Sunday:

• The party will get underway Sunday at the Market Square from 11.30am, with the approximate arrival time of cyclists into Dundalk between 1.30pm and 1.50pm.
• There will be a cycling time trial competition on the Market Square hosted by Halfords Dundalk who are sponsoring a top of the range bike worth €800.
• Keep an eye out for the stilt walking, unicycling street performers who will entertain the crowds as they await the race and there will be lots of fun for younger cycling enthusiasts, including free face painters who will be joining in the carnival atmosphere.
• Many local businesses will be celebrating inside and outside their premises in town and along the Giro route so remember the 3 P’s…

1. Pick your viewing point in advance
2. Plan how to get there – how far away you will need to park etc. (official road safety closures from 12 noon)
3. Pink apparel, plenty of photos and enjoy the party!!

Giro d’Italia to be broadcast on big screen at the Market Square on Sunday

Spectators at the Market Square will be able to watch the Giro d’Italia on the big screen

The Giro d’Italia will be broadcast to the waiting crowds at the Market Square in Dundalk on Sunday, big screen owner Martin McElligott has confirmed.

This means that while Dundalk crowds gather in the main streets to welcome the Giro d’Italia to the town centre, they will be able to see how the race is progressing from its start that morning, including the sprint from the Armagh Road, finishing at the Green Church, before enjoying the historic spectacle of the hundreds of top cyclists speeding through the Square, out of Dundalk and on towards Dublin.

The screening of the Giro d’Italia will continue through to the race’s arrival in Dublin.

Speaking of the broadcast, Martin said: “Many people are playing their part in welcoming Giro d’Italia to Dundalk and Photospeed in the Long Walk Shopping Centre is happy to play its part in sponsoring the live broadcast, which we are sure will add to the atmosphere of what is going to be a fantastic day for Dundalk.”