The lights came on at Tolka Park more than seventy years ago and changed Dublin football forever.
Now, on the same ground in Drumcondra, Dublin City Council has unveiled a plaque to mark that moment, the first floodlit soccer match ever played in the Republic of Ireland.
On March 30, 1953, Drumcondra beat St Mirren 2-0 in a friendly that brought evening football to the capital for the first time and ushered in a new era for the game.
Families, supporters and local residents gathered outside the ground to mark the occasion, reflecting on a milestone that transformed how football could be experienced in the city.
The introduction of floodlights allowed evening matches for the first time, opening the game to people who could not attend during the day and helping to shape the matchday atmosphere that is now taken for granted.
Pictured is plaque proposer David Wynne from the Shelbourne Historical Committee, Robert Prole, son of Sam Prole who was owner and chairman of Drumcondra F.C. and Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam
The unveiling, which took place on Sunday, April 19, brought that history back into focus.
Among those in attendance were members of Sam Prole’s family.
Prole, owner and chairman of Drumcondra F.C. in 1953, was the man who introduced the floodlights to Tolka Park, a decision that would have a lasting impact on the sport in Ireland.
His grandson and great grandsons were present at the ceremony, connecting past and present in a very real way.
Members of Shelbourne Football Club, the Shelbourne History Committee, local representatives and residents also attended, underlining the strong ties between Tolka Park and the surrounding community.
Speaking at the unveiling, Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam said, “This plaque recognises not just a single match, but a turning point in Dublin’s sporting life.
“The introduction of floodlights at Tolka Park in 1953 opened the game to wider audiences and helped shape the vibrant football culture we see across our city today.
“It is important that we honour these moments and preserve them for future generations.”
The Lord Mayor also acknowledged the presence of Sam Prole’s family, including his grandson and great grandsons, describing their attendance as a fitting tribute to the man behind the innovation.
Councillor Donna Cooney, chair of the Dublin City Council Commemorations and Naming Committee, said, “The Commemorative Plaques Scheme allows the City to formally commemorate people, places or events that have made a significant contribution to the life of Dublin.
“We welcome suggestions from the public for people and events to be commemorated. Full details are on the Council website.
“Today’s unveiling marks the 76th plaque approved under the scheme.”
The plaque was proposed by David Wynne and the Shelbourne Historical Committee, with Shelbourne Football Club granting permission for it to be placed outside Tolka Park.
As people lingered after the ceremony, sharing stories and memories, there was a sense that this was about more than a single match played over seventy years ago.
It was about a ground, a community and a moment of innovation that helped bring football under lights and into the lives of thousands across Dublin.