Security concerns lead to Louth derby kick off times being brought forward
There was even some support for the Bank Holiday games to be played as early as midday, but a 1pm start time was ultimately agreed.

The decision to move forward the kick off times of the first two league Louth derbies of the season was taken on security grounds, after consultation with Drogheda United, Dundalk and the League of Ireland’s security team.
The league announced details on Tuesday that both the first two Louth derby encounters of the season - both scheduled for Bank Holiday Mondays - were to kick off at 1pm, having originally been scheduled for 5pm on each day.
Drogheda travel to Oriel Park on Monday April 1 and then host Dundalk at Weavers Park on Monday May 6.
Based on advice and opinion offered by a number of stakeholders, the decision has been made to bring the kick off times of both games forward by four hours - a move that was supported, but not determined by An Garda Siochana.
The decision is understood to have come as part of a wider drive across the league to bring forward kick-off times of games deemed ‘higher profile’ and is not necessarily related to specific recent incidents involving supporters of the two Louth clubs.
Love Is The Drog understands there was even support from within Drogheda United for the Bank Holiday fixtures to be played as early as 12pm, but this was rejected in favour of 1pm start on both dates.
The move has been made as both clubs, the league and the Gardai are keen to avoid the prospect of clashes between rival supporters. Incidents have marred recent matches between the two teams - culminating at the most recent league encounter last September when supporters of both clubs clashed behind the goal at the Carrickmacross Road side of Oriel Park after the Lilywhites 3-1 win over their rivals.
A United supporters bus received a Gardai escort en route to Dundalk last Friday night ahead of the Leinster Senior Cup/Jim Malone Cup game, which Drogs won 2-1.
The third Louth derby of the campaign takes places on July 12 at Oriel Park before the sides meet again in Drogheda on the final matchday of the Men’s Premier Division season on November 1.
That fixture could not be moved given all final matchday fixtures must be played concurrently.
Last season, the first league Louth derby of the campaign was played at Weavers Park on Thursday March 16, having been originally scheduled for 24 hours later on St Patrick’s Day.
It is understood neither club are particularly enamoured with the scheduling of the derby across the last two seasons, given three of five recent fixtures have or will fall on public holidays, which is felt increases the possibility of disorder.
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