A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up by the organisers of the Save Tolka Park campaign to assist with campaigning costs.
One of Ireland’s most significant sites of sporting culture and history, since 1924 Tolka Park has been enmeshed in the cultural life and sporting traditions of Dublin City.
As a stadium, Tolka has a proud legacy; hosting the first floodlit football match in the Republic of Ireland in 1953, being the venue for the first televised League of Ireland game in 1997, becoming the first all-seater stadium in domestic football in 1999, and most recently, being the venue for the first televised Women’s National League match in 2021.
Tolka Park is, and always has been, an asset to Irish football and to the local community – acting as a home for Drumcondra, Home Farm, Shamrock Rovers, and since 1989, Shelbourne.
It has hosted games for men and women, at every level, from local and junior football, right up to the top European competitions.
The Save Tolka Park campaign say they have refrained from fundraising directly thus far, relying on merchandise sales and volunteer expertise to run the campaign.
However, to cover the costs of printing and ambitions to launch a modest advertising campaign, the organisers are hoping to raise a small sum.
The organisers write:
“We are only seeking to cover what is required and any excess leftover upon the conclusion of the campaign we propose to donate to Uplift (www.uplift.ie) and the National Homeless & Housing Coalition.”
The Save Tolka Park campaign is a coalition of local residents, football fans and activists united in opposition to the sale of the stadium to private developers.
The organisers continue:
“We believe, that with the right investment and planning, Tolka Park can be so much more.
“We are currently focused on retaining Tolka Park’s Z9 zoning and would ask that you please visit savetolkapark.com/support and make a submission to Dublin City Council’s Development Plan in support of this aim.”
Any readers who would like to contribute can go to: www.gofundme.com/f/save-tolka-park-printing-and-avertising-fundraiser