Attendances 2018

[nigel-harps1954]

The far goal in City Calling is in very poor condition. Was up there a few years back hanging flags and it's in a very poor state. Wouldn't be usable at all.

It's a fine ground in Longford, but always will retain that unfinished feeling until a roof goes around the ground and a decent media area and gantry goes in the open side of the ground.

[Longfordian]

Yeah whatever bits of maintenance have been done since that end was taken out of use haven’t extended to that end. It’s not licensed for use. The terrace rows have big gaps in between them, which the other two sides had pre 2004. The stand also had to get extra beams into it at that point. I was reading in that blog John O’Connor did that we spent over €1m on the ground that time. It is unfinished but without grant aid it’s about making the most of what we have there at the moment and there have been some little improvements over the years with the facilities under the stand in terms of offices, media rooms, improved changing rooms and medical rooms, plus the clubhouse.

[ToberonaTornado]

4310 cork v dundalk

can report no dundalk fans left outside the ground that i could see and i was tthe usual late for the game

[trevy]

1603 at Waterford v Sligo last night which is one of our lowest home crowds this season . It was 1748 at Waterford v Bray last week.

[ger121]

1603 at Waterford v Sligo last night which is one of our lowest home crowds this season . It was 1748 at Waterford v Bray last week.

Shows how far Waterford have come in a short time when 1600 is a low crowd. Just a couple years ago you could have taken the 1 off that attendance and it probably would have been considered a good crowd.

[nigel-harps1954]

652 in Finn Park last night. Okay considering it was a dead rubber.

[Martinho II]

652 in Finn Park last night. Okay considering it was a dead rubber.

I am not sure of our attendance v UCD but it was considerably down on the Cork City game. If I find anything online I will post here asap.

EDIT:

courtesy of extratime 450 estimate

[ToberonaTornado]

Longford v UCD was 495


https://twitter.com/Longford_Leader/status/1043590319860862976

[Nesta99]

3176 announced in Oriel. Not so bad for a Tuesday night 4 days after Cork and 3 before a cup semi-final.

[CorribsideSteve]

Very good attendance. The players across the League definitely notice when a dozen men and their dogs are watching versus a full house. With Oriel nearly always at its capacity, must be a huge boost to the players.

[Nesta99]

It looks far from capacity even if thats the 'official' attendance! The best way to know that its a very good crowd in Oriel (on a dry night) is when there is a few hundred standing behind the town goal. If there are 3k+ there tonight then Rovers game would seem closer to 5k imo and there wasnt that many there. For all the flaws with Oriel one thing that ground improvements would do is it'd be far easier to guestimate the gate. On busy nights there seems to always be less than expected announced and on quieter nights its higher than most fans would estimate. Your point stands though, players want to play in front of a crowd. My own fear at times is that year on year crowd averages drop at Oriel regardless of success. I had hoped that having to fight to retain the title might buck that trend. The drop in average isnt that detrimental to atmosphere etc but over a season it is not insignificant financially.

[ToberonaTornado]

It looks far from capacity even if thats the 'official' attendance! The best way to know that its a very good crowd in Oriel (on a dry night) is when there is a few hundred standing behind the town goal. If there are 3k+ there tonight then Rovers game would seem closer to 5k imo and there wasnt that many there. For all the flaws with Oriel one thing that ground improvements would do is it'd be far easier to guestimate the gate. On busy nights there seems to always be less than expected announced and on quieter nights its higher than most fans would estimate. Your point stands though, players want to play in front of a crowd. My own fear at times is that year on year crowd averages drop at Oriel regardless of success. I had hoped that having to fight to retain the title might buck that trend. The drop in average isnt that detrimental to atmosphere etc but over a season it is not insignificant financially.

I know there is a good crowd in Oriel when both arms of the shed out side the shed are packed.(if you get my meaning?) and they were tonight.

3176 was a great crowd for a Tuesday night considering a lot of school kids wouldnt have attended.

[Nesta99]

There is plenty of hype for the cup game so tonights attendance could be topped.

[CorribsideSteve]

It looks far from capacity even if thats the 'official' attendance! The best way to know that its a very good crowd in Oriel (on a dry night) is when there is a few hundred standing behind the town goal.

In the mid-term future, would be nice to see a Longford (goal end side) style stand there. If Dundalk had Longford's seating arrangement one would like to think the attendances would be a fair bit higher, and easier to count for an official attendance.

[dundalkfc10]

€10 into the ground instead of the usual €15 will help

[oriel]

In the mid-term future, would be nice to see a Longford (goal end side) style stand there. If Dundalk had Longford's seating arrangement one would like to think the attendances would be a fair bit higher, and easier to count for an official attendance.

You mean the town end, where there is a small grass bank, if so yes totally agree, that area looks just dreadful for most games. Even a Pats style semi - perm stand would be perfect and wouldn’t cost the earth, things like these could be done in the short term while they get their long term plans in place.

[CorribsideSteve]

You mean the town end, where there is a small grass bank, if so yes totally agree, that area looks just dreadful for most games. Even a Pats style semi - perm stand would be perfect and wouldn’t cost the earth, things like these could be done in the short term while they get their long term plans in place.

That's what I meant, cheers. Would look very nice. Agree with the Pats style stand too, which suits them fine and is a nice addition to their ground.

[ToberonaTornado]

2926 Dundalk v UCD last night.

[outspoken]

2926 Dundalk v UCD last night.

Was chatting to a Dundalk fan after about the flat atmosphere. I know there was a few shed heads missing but bar That is it safe to say there’s a degree of expectation or complacency setting in among the locals? Not a great turn out for a semi final.

[holidaysong]

A 15 minute earlier than usual kick off time and a couple of bad crashes on the north bound routes out of Dublin definitely had an impact last night. I know two season ticket holders who didn't go up as they only arrived into Dundalk around 8pm and would have missed the whole first half. I'm sure this wasn't isolated.

[pineapple stu]

It's safe to say that had it been a different away side, the attendance would have been higher. Though 100 is an excellent away turn-out for us!

[White Horse]

It's safe to say that had it been a different away side, the attendance would have been higher. Though 100 is an excellent away turn-out for us!

There was a fair number of UCD fans among the home support in the stand. I think 100 may be on the low side.

Perhaps the atmosphere on the shed side of the ground was muted, but the stand was more vocal than usual.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Seemed a decent atmosphere on TV

[pineapple stu]

Thought it was a bit muted myself; didn't really feel like a Cup semi at times. I expected Dundalk to go at us with a higher tempo too to be honest.

It was more of an enjoyable game than an entertaining one, if that makes sense. Two sides playing very good football yet neither really creating that many clear-cut chances.

[ger121]

It's safe to say that had it been a different away side, the attendance would have been higher. Though 100 is an excellent away turn-out for us!

You could knock a 0 off the end of that figure and it would be an excellent away turn-out. 100 is a phenomenal away support. Must be like 50% of the UCD fan base.

[oriel]

Was chatting to a Dundalk fan after about the flat atmosphere. I know there was a few shed heads missing but bar That is it safe to say there’s a degree of expectation or complacency setting in among the locals? Not a great turn out for a semi final.

I wasn’t expecting too much over 3k for Dlk v UCD, so this wasn’t far off.

Pleasantly surprised to see well over 100 away fans there too and the unique sight of those in the away end actually sitting.

Also worth noting this was the second home game in 3 days, and for the previous one there was over 3k, plus a lot would have been in Cork also on the previous Friday.

[pineapple stu]

You could knock a 0 off the end of that figure and it would be an excellent away turn-out. 100 is a phenomenal away support. Must be like 50% of the UCD fan base.
The club tend to pull out the stops for the big games. The challenge is always getting them to Sligo at home. A lot of those on Friday were friends and family, underage players, etc - they'll all move on once they/their son does.

Still, made a nice change. First real away support since 100+ went to Luxembourg

[nigel-harps1954]

I wasn’t expecting too much over 3k for Dlk v UCD, so this wasn’t far off.

Pleasantly surprised to see well over 100 away fans there too and the unique sight of those in the away end actually sitting.

Also worth noting this was the second home game in 3 days, and for the previous one there was over 3k, plus a lot would have been in Cork also on the previous Friday.

Poor skinny underfed students can fit into those seats. That in itself is an achievement.

[marinobohs]

The club tend to pull out the stops for the big games. The challenge is always getting them to Sligo at home. A lot of those on Friday were friends and family, underage players, etc - they'll all move on once they/their son does.

Still, made a nice change. First real away support since 100+ went to Luxembourg

To be fair that applies to all clubs, not often the Jodi is sold out a week in advance (unfortunately). Most (if not all clubs) get a boost in support for a semi final, encourages lapsed fans to climb out of the arm chair .;) I thought UCD played some nice football but lacked a cutting edge, unearth a decent striker and they will ruffle more than a few feathers next season, and to be honest, most teams would not be unhappy to lose 1-0 in Oriel.


Dundalk, without hitting top gear are a difficult side to contain an have mastered the art of doing enough to win a game. The outstanding team of LOI of recent years and don't look about to abdicate any time soon.

[Shearer]

450 in Limerick tonight apparently.

[Lim till i die]

450 in Limerick tonight apparently.

Not a hope.

I counted (It was a riveting game) 376 about twenty minutes in. I might have been out by a dozen either way but not that much.

Also bear in mind I was counting everyone there. So take out the freebie kids and the army of steward the club has and it's worse again.

I'm amazed anyone at all watches it.

[Shearer]

Ah fair enough. I saw Mike Aherne tweeted it and his word is pretty good but you seem confident.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

2,347 in The Showgrounds. Free in for kids etc but great crowd regardless for third bottom against bottom with neither realistically having anything to play for.

[ToberonaTornado]

3417 Dundalk v Pats

[Kingswood Rover]

That sligo attendance is very impressive

[dong]

That sligo attendance is very impressive

Considering the muck being served up it really is a miracle.

[oriel]

2,347 in The Showgrounds. Free in for kids etc but great crowd regardless for third bottom against bottom with neither realistically having anything to play for.

Super crowd, and when you compare to one of the top sides in the IL, this would be a top attendance for likes of Glenavon / Coleraine, I`m not even sure Linfield get over 2k these days.

As you say, 3rd from bottom, and against a side waiting to be relegated, fair play to all at Sligo, heard it was good celebration event.

[EatYerGreens]

Does anyone be keeping that table of average attendances for both leagues and all the teams these days ?

[Shearer]

Extratime

[nigel-harps1954]

Does anyone be keeping that table of average attendances for both leagues and all the teams these days ?

I do yeah. Been a bit busy of late but plan to have it updated by this weekend.

[Martinho II]

I do yeah. Been a bit busy of late but plan to have it updated by this weekend.

cheers as I was going to wait until the season had ended for both divisions to see what the averages were for us!

[wonder88]

Any figure for Selbourne v Drogheda last night?

[ToberonaTornado]

Any figure for Selbourne v Drogheda last night?

1281 Shels v Drogs

[nigel-harps1954]

Finally caught up on this. Loads of official figures missing and not going to be chasing them up, but went with whatever estimates I could find, either through Extratime, figures on here, or on other club fora or social media pages.

PREMIER DIVISION

Bohs - 2,148 (2,006; 1,627; 1,724; 1,395; 1,597; 1,496; 1,488; 1,835)
Bray - 643 (966; 957; 769; 718; 891; 965; 1,121; 952)
Cork - 4,245 (4,559; 2,533; 3,263; 3,777; 1,965; 2,786; 2,128 FD; 1,693 FD)
Derry - 2,297 (1,517; 1,563; 1,124; 1,106; 1,446; 1,460; 2,135; 1,965 FD)
Dundalk - 2,738 (2,674; 2,738; 3,158; 2,534; 1,997; 949; 1,355; 1,877)
Limerick - 931 (1,610; 1,131 FD; 1,206; 757; 1,649; 734 FD; 569 FD; 598 FD)
Pat's - 1,621 (1,504; 1,088; 1,321; 1,386; 1,687; 1,474; 1,346; 1,756)
Rovers -2,749 (2,809; 2,041; 2,890; 2,269; 2,763; 3,127; 3,779; 3,794)
Sligo - 1,853 (1,717; 1,750; 1,750; 1,959; 2,342; 3,007; 2,103; 1,807)
Waterford - 2,329 (1,550 FD; 314 FD; 460 FD; 470 FD; 478 FD; 453 FD; 466 FD; 619 FD)

FIRST DIVISION

Athlone - 130 (154; 156; 314; 653 PD; 754; 271; 200; 354)
Cabinteely - 261 (346; 352; 610)
Cobh - 236 (358; 403; 366; 223; 439; 2008 - 1,122 PD; 681; 368)
Drogheda - 377 (850 PD; 583; 813 PD; 1,064 PD; 817 PD; 977 PD; 811 PD; 859 PD)
Galway - 746 (1,376 PD; 1,169 PD; 1,290 PD; 975)
Harps - 708 (1,202 PD; 1,216 PD; 784; 449; 479; 429; 433; 644)
Longford - 449 (342; 488 PD; 803 PD; 567; 379; 365; 315; 230)
Shels - 654 (496; 554; 596; 713; 1,114 PD; 1,187 PD; 781; 737)
UCD - 365 (236; 297; 216; 397 PD; 487 PD; 506 PD; 558 PD; 610 PD)
Wexford - 181 (338; 585 PD; 553; 331; 227; 302; 216; 343)

PREMIER AVERAGE: 2,170 (1,902; 1,476; 1,681; 1,502; 1,566; 1,630; 1,547; 1,512)
FIRST DIVISION AVERAGE: 413 (477; 476; 486; 495; 391; 372; 578; 682)

OVERALL AVERAGE: 1,249 (1,387; 1,117; 1,249; 1,160; 1,140; 1,125; 1,110; 1,095)


OVERALL PREMIER ATTENDANCE: 316,515 (376,627; 292,204; 332,805; 297,334)
OVERALL FIRST ATTENDANCE: 55,756 (53,461; 52,807; 54,474; 55,408)

OVERALL COMBINED ATTENDANCE: 372,271 (430,088; 345,011; 387,279; 352,742)

[Nesta99]

I know its probably too much work but attendances this season adjusted against previous seasons with the change in the number of home games, especially against either competing teams or those that traditionally gets number through the turnstiles would be interesting.
There is a steady fall in the average year on year going to Oriel for the last 3 years anyway and that 949 shows how poor things got in 2012 - only so many 6-0 hammerings people can take obviously:(. Cork have significant increases the last 2 years but that 2533 is a bit of a surprise in contrast to general perception while challenging but the level to aspire to overall. Shamrock rovers' average should be better back imo, I'd have thought there'd be an average closer to the 4k 2011 or so tbh. Sligo's is good and very constant and if challenging can certainly grow. Derry have benefitted with the revamp of the Brandywell and Bohs stock is growing. Wateford obviously getting promoted has kicked them on. Looking at the 1st Division its only Harps and Galways that look like they'd grow overall Premier division attendances, maybe Drogheda too.

[placid casual]

Get your excuses in early it seems..
The league winners and yet the apathy amongst fans in the "detown" is palpable. Perhaps making it a better experience to visit oriel pk would improve attendances?
Then again, what do I know.

[ToberonaTornado]

Get your excuses in early it seems..
The league winners and yet the apathy amongst fans in the "detown" is palpable. Perhaps making it a better experience to visit oriel pk would improve attendances?
Then again, what do I know.

**GROAN**

we should all be proud of our attendance records this season :rolleyes:
Dick is the 1st one to point out another teams.

[placid casual]

Hope Nesta doesn't get offended by you calling him a dick

[nigel-harps1954]

I think that study would have too many mitigating factors involved to make it any way accurate Nesta.

Do you add in extra games for other seasons? Do you take out a round of games this season? Games against relegated/promoted sides? Extra/less derby games?

I think the average attendance is as good as you get in this regard. Obviously someone chasing a title, or change in league, or drop down the table would have a difference on your average. I think in this regard, Bohs and Pats are the only ones showing a relatively decent organic growth, for want of a better word. Seeing as their league performances haven't really improved to a major extent this past two or three years, the steady rise in their average attendance's are probably the most impressive of the lot.

[Straightstory]

I've been pretty regular at Drogheda this season and last, and find it hard to believe that the attendance has more than halved in 2018. It doesn't seem like that from the terraces. I don't think the club gives official attendances.