Thirty years ago today, on July 26th, 1991, Oriel Park played host to a pre-season friendly that saw Turlough O’Connor’s league champions meet a Celtic team under new management in the shape of Liam Brady.
The game was played just three days after Dundalk held a Liverpool team that contained Stephen Staunton scoreless and with the aftermath of Italia 90 in full swing, many of the estimated 10,000 people that packed into Oriel Park were there to see Irish heroes Packie Bonner, Chris Morris and unused sub, Tony Cascarino.
Celtic legends Charlie Nicholas and Paul McStay also lined out for the Hoops that day while Joe Miller – a future Dundalk assistant manager, played on the right-wing.
Celtic and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Packie Bonner presents Dundalk goalkeeper Alan O’Neill with a pair of gloves before the pre-season friendly at Oriel Park in July 1991
Dundalk’s Terry Eviston holds off Celtic’s Chris Morris in the pre-season friendly at Oriel Park in July 1991
Just like they did earlier that week against Liverpool, Dundalk stood firm against their illustrious opponents with Alan O’Neill producing a number of wonderful saves to deny both Nicholas and Mick Galloway.
Fans spilt onto the roof of The Shed, with some even scaling the floodlights for a better view, and Gino Lawless almost brought the full house down with a pile driver which Bonner had to tip over the bar.
DUNDALK FC: Alan O’Neill, Dave Mackey, Mick Shelley, Ronnie Murphy, James Coll, Peter Hanrahan, Tom McNulty, Ricky McEvoy, Terry Eviston, Gino Lawless, Mick Kavanagh. Subs: Paul Brady, Paul Johnston, Tommy Dunne.
CELTIC: Packie Bonner, Chris Morris, Anton Rogan, Peter Grant, Derek Whyte, Dariusz Wdowcyzk, Joe Miller, Paul McStay, Gerry Creaney, Charlie Nicholas, Mick Galloway. Subs: Tony Cascarino, Alan McInally, Andy Walker, Tommy Coyne.
