Drogheda United buy stadium from FAI

Drogheda United have completed the purchase of Weavers Park from the FAI, ending a 35-year period of not owning their own home.

United have opted to buy Weavers Park with a view to creating a new stadium for the club in the future.

Originally sold to the FAI in the late 1980s with a repurchase option, Weavers Park has served as the home ground for Drogheda United over the past several decades.

The purchase was made through a direct equity capital injection from Trivela Group, the American-based owners of United since last year.

The deal was completed with no debt incurred on the club.

United say they are committed to delivering a new home stadium in the Drogheda area "within a reasonable timeframe, highlighting the club's dedication to both its supporters and the local community."

Initial work is already underway on that project.

Co-chairperson Drogheda United, Joanna Byrne, said: "This is a momentous day for Drogheda United – we are now finally in control of our own facilities and our own destiny as a football club.

"We will continue to welcome supporters to the ground in the interim and work diligently to develop a new stadium for the club and community."

The club’s executive director Wesley Hill, an executive at Trivela Group, has promised short-term improvements to the current ground.

"This is a major step forward for the club," Hill said, "allowing us to plan for future stadium development while retaining control of our current home. In the short term, we will enhance the supporter experience at Weavers Park, while actively pursuing future developments.

"We also thank the FAI for their support in promoting further stadium infrastructure development for Drogheda United and the League of Ireland."

United host Bohemians tonight in