Excitement building for charity match that binds supporters, ex-players and local charities
The Drogheda United Social Supporters Group and Famous 45 Ultras have come together for a major charity initiative that will support two vital local resources.
Two Drogheda United FAI Cup winners will make triumphant returns to Sullivan & Lambe Park at the end of the month as supporters embark on what is hoped to be the first of many annual charity matches in aid of local causes.
The Drogheda United Social Supporters Group and the Famous 45 Ultras have come together to organise a charity match on Saturday May 31 (KO 2pm) that will aid two vital local resources, SOSAD (Save Our Sons and Daughters) Ireland and Drogheda Women & Children’s Refuge.
Both teams will consist mainly of Drogs supporters but there will be guest players on both teams, including cup winners Graham Gartland with the DUSSG team and last year’s cup semi-final hero Adam Foley who will line out alongside the Ultras.
As well as those two club legends, Stephen Meaney - a First Division winner with the club in 2020 - and Ryan McEvoy will also take to the field for the DUSSG team.
With 10 days to go until matchday, interest in the game has already been significant with hundreds of tickets sold. Available for just €5, tickets not only provides entry to the ground but also automatically enters buyers into a raffle that will take place at the post-match afterparty in Sarsfields.
There will also be auction on the night and items available in the raffle include two signed Drogheda United jerseys. Additionally, this Friday night the Ultras will be running a half time raffle for a match-worn Adam Foley shirt. All proceeds from the charity match and associated events will be split between the two charities.
SOSAD was founded in 2007 and has an office in Drogheda - as well as in Dundalk, Navan, Cavan, Monaghan and Laois - which provides confidential counselling and therapy services and support for people going through suicidal ideation, self-harming, depression, bereavement, stress and anxiety.
“SOSAD was started by a man from Drogheda after his son sadly died by suicide. Out of that heartbreak, he wanted to do something to help others who might find themselves in the same dark place — to make sure support was there when people needed it most,” Gavin Lynch from SOSAD explains.
“Since then, SOSAD has helped so many people — just by being there, listening, and offering proper support when things get too much.
“Jake Davies got in touch with me about organising a soccer match between the fans and the Ultras, and straight away he said they wanted to support SOSAD — because it’s a great cause and they know the work we do matters.
“The match is also supporting Drogheda Women’s Refuge. They’re another local service doing really important work, helping women and children in very tough situations.
Lynch continued: “The match is not just about football — it’s about coming together for something bigger. It’s a way of giving back to two charities that are doing their best to help people, even with limited resources. It means a lot to see people getting behind it. Local people, helping local services — that’s what it’s all about.”
The Drogheda United Social Supporters Group was founded by fans Davies, Cormac Murphy and Dave Carabini in 2022 and has nearly 1,900 members of their Facebook group.
“We had this idea at the beginning of March to do a charity match at some point this year. We had talks of doing one before but it never materialised. It was then when I spoke to Dean O’Reilly from the Famous 45 Ultras and when we all came along to discuss the possibility of doing this, we knew that this would happen.
“I would like to thank Joanna Byrne as well for allowing us to be able to host a great event such as this as we know hiring the ground during the season is tough to do considering the amount of groundwork the pitch maintains.
“Joanna has been great in helping us whether that is finding dates for us to use this pitch or even helping us do photoshoots in the ground to be able to announce this game.”
On the decision to choose SOSAD as one of the match’s charity partners, Davies explained that the organisations work in helping people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts was paramount.
“SOSAD is an organisation that has been dedicated to supporting individuals and families across Ireland in overcoming their mental health and overcoming life’s challenges. As we know, suicide and mental health is a massive topic and is one that affects everyone. It also can affect the family members and friends of the individual that experience such problems.
“When the group heard about the issues that SOSAD are facing when it comes to funding and fighting every day to just keep their doors open, the group knew straight away we wanted to help because SOSAD.”
Dean O’Reilly, of the Famous 45 Ultras, says there has been a real community effort involved in organising this match and he is keen to see the wider Drogheda United fanbase and beyond come out to support efforts to fundraise for the two charities.
“The Famous 45 Ultras have always been about more than just football. We’ve built something that brings people together—standing side by side week in, week out, supporting our town, our club, and each other. But we also know that support shouldn’t stop at the terraces,” he said.
“Earlier this year, we were approached by Jake Davies and the Drogheda United Social Supporters Group with the idea of hosting a charity match. Straight away, we were on board. It was something we had talked about in the past, but the timing had never been right. This time, it felt different. The energy was there, the will was there, and most importantly—the cause was there.
“This organisation does vital work in our community, offering safety, shelter, and support to women and children in the local area,” he said of the Drogheda Women’s and Children’s Refuge Centre, a charity the Ultras have raised much needed cash for previously.
“It’s a cause that hits close to home for many, and it's one that deserves every bit of awareness and support we can give. When we heard about the challenges the Refuge Centre is facing—whether it's funding, resources, or simply being able to meet the growing demand for help - we knew this was the right charity to stand behind.
“From planning to promotion, it’s been a real community effort—and that’s what Drogheda is all about. We’re calling on everyone—locals, supporters, families, and friends—to come out, enjoy the day, and show what Drogheda can do when we come together. Whether you’re there for the football, the fun, or the cause—your presence matters.
“Let’s make this more than just a match. Let’s make it something people remember.”
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