Former Dundalk FC chairman Mike Treacy was back at Oriel Park to watch the game with Derry City last Friday. Treacy, who served as chairman for two trophy-laden seasons in 2018 and 2019, was accompanied by his mother, father, and two sisters for a poignant family trip to Ireland. In a piece that he wrote for the match programme below, Mike explained the reasons for his return to the Home of Football.
Good evening, and welcome to Oriel Park. It’s great to see so many familiar faces and friends from my time serving as chairman for two seasons.
I am here tonight with my family: Dad, Mom, and my younger sisters, Laura and Maureen (Laura once drilled a penalty past Ross Treacy on the schoolyard pitch in 2019!)
We are in Ireland because this may be my Mom’s final trip around the sun. She was tragically diagnosed with bulbar onset ALS (motor neurone disease) in December, a very deadly disease with a short life expectancy.
However, my Mom is not dying, she’s living every day to the fullest. Julie and her soccer teammates of 40 years visited Ireland last fall for the final away match of the season against UCD.
They also joined me at Vitality Stadium for a Bournemouth match against Burnley — Phillip Billing scored a match winner from 40 yards out. Phil, Steve Fletcher, and a few others at the club would credit the old ladies’ team as a good luck charm catalysing their remarkable turnaround!
She sat in front of Paul McCartney watching our Kansas City Chiefs (Swifts?) win another Super Bowl, and she is here tonight at Oriel for the first time watching a club we love.
My Mom introduced me to soccer as a child, she coached all five of her kid’s youth teams, and she instilled the belief in me that anything is achievable in life through hard work and dedication. If you see her tonight, please say hello. Her speech may be limited, but she will show you love through her smile and eyes. I love you, Mom!
Tonight also marks the return of a few club legends: The greatest goalscorer in Dundalk FC’s history, the Derry boys, Higgy, and the kid from Ringsend who wears a magic hat (go find his Pa in Enda McGuill for a pint, but don’t mention Leeds!). I’m honoured to have shared two years with these lads.
Former Dundalk FC chairman Mike Treacy, pictured with former Lilywhites Patrick McEleney, Michael Duffy and Daniel Kelly before the game with Derry City at Oriel Park. Top: Mike, along with his father, share a joke with Robbie Benson. Photos: Ciaran Culligan
It is now five years on from the historic 2019 season that saw us a penalty shootout away from winning a treble. Everyone at the club, both on and off the pitch, gave everything daily. We had a demanding culture of excellence seven days a week.
One of the most memorable moments for me was a quiet morning after we clinched the title against Rovers at home. I was sitting alone in the dugout and Stephen Folan approached me. Stephen was often injured and little used when healthy, but he was a dedicated professional every single day that season.
Stephen thanked me and said it was the best group he’d ever been a part of. We were both emotional as he knew his time was up at the club and, secretly, I had the same feeling. Stephen didn’t need to thank me. I thanked him as he was an embodiment of that entire group: togetherness, hard working, curiosity, and belief in the impossible.
The same group of players manifested their beliefs the following season by qualifying for Europa League Group Stages and playing Arsenal at the Emirates and Aviva.
Outcomes today are a manifestation of prior years’ hard work and preparation. Our success in 2019 started long before my arrival and will always be one of the greatest memories of my life. Thank you to everyone involved during my tenure as Chairman at Dundalk FC.
In the same vein, the outcomes today are suboptimal, and years prior aligns with my tenure at the club. I shoulder some responsibility and blame for where we currently reside in a relegation battle. There is no doubt I could have done a few bits differently that may have made a sustainable long-term difference versus the simple short-term obsession with winning every match and qualifying for group stages. I can only continue to offer my support and passion for the club. I am confident the ship will steady, and this group of players will rally, especially with the Town behind them.
Lastly, I would like to pay tribute to Chloe McLaughlin, the granddaughter of Dundalk and Derry City legend Jim McLaughlin. Chloe tragically passed away in 2020. She was a lovely woman who worked at The Ballymascanlon Hotel and had the biggest smile whenever we spoke about Dundalk FC. She was so proud of her family connection to the club. I wish she could be here tonight to see the reunion of so many faces. Rest in peace, Chloe.
I love Oriel Park. I’m so happy to be back.
C’mon the Town!
Mike Treacy
