Attendances 2019

[pineapple stu]

What's happening in Athlone btw - crowds have tripled this year. Is the fan protest/boycott over? Didn't think there'd been a change of ownership

[nigel-harps1954]

A more competitive 1st division this year, combined to the absence of UCD could be the reason for the increase of total figure?
The 4 times greater figure for Premier division underlines the problems of the second tier. The difference is too great for what is supposed to be the same league.

Thanks again Nigel for your work on this.

Attendances across the board were well up in the First Division this year. Seventeen 1,000+ attendances, compared to only three in 2018. Two of those were 2,000+, Galways first game of the season had 2,174 at it, while Droghedas final game of the league season had 2,596 at it.

7 of Shelbournes 13 home games had over 1,000 at them, with their final two home games the highest at 1,655 and 1,647 each.

I don't think UCDs promotion had anything to do with it to be honest. It just seemed to be a much more competitive and entertaining division this year.



What's happening in Athlone btw - crowds have tripled this year. Is the fan protest/boycott over? Didn't think there'd been a change of ownership


There seemed to be a bit of a lift about Athlone coming into the season, and they had a reasonable start to the season on the pitch, which led to decent crowds at their opening few games, two of their first three games had 600+ at them, a season high of 723 at their third home game.

They tailed off massively mid-season though, down to less than 200 for a couple of games in a row, picking up again for their last three games. Comfortable main stand and good location in a big enough town means they should have no trouble picking up a bit of a bandwagon support.

[EatYerGreens]

2,171, minus two figures I'm waiting on.

Final round of games includes Dundalk lifting the trophy, Bohs with another sold out Jodi, Shamrock Rovers at home, and Derry v Harps (although there'll be little in the away end with an away playoff on Monday). Derry v Pats tonight should have a decent crowd too.

I'd think the final average for the Premier will sit somewhere around 2,180.

It was good, but probably not as high as you'd think. I'd put it somewhere around 2,000-2,200 personally. Definitely nowhere near our above listed average for this season anyway.

[trevy]

642 on a miserable wet evening in Waterford.

[nr637]

Mooney speaking on Friday night on RTE 2, urging for a record crowd at next weeks FAI Cup Final. I think they have to get over the 36,000!

He was all talk about the changes being implemented in the FAI, but then again he will be moving on next month so how can you believe him!

[Nesta99]

Mooney speaking on Friday night on RTE 2, urging for a record crowd at next weeks FAI Cup Final. I think they have to get over the 36,000!

He was all talk about the changes being implemented in the FAI, but then again he will be moving on next month so how can you believe him!

He is getting out of Dodge before finances are made available at the proper AGM imo. If the various investigations in to finances are stark then who would blame him for a duck and run. He can say he came in and stabalised the association, initiated change and then leave others to deal with legacy issues. I'd believe him on that basis - saying nothing while talking a lot.

[Bohs11]

Updated:

Missing the following games, have estimates included for them at the minute.

Dundalk v Waterford - 1st July
Limerick v Cobh - 26th July
Bray v Drogheda - 21st Sept

PREMIER DIVISION

Bohs - 2,856 (2,148; 2,006; 1,627; 1,724; 1,395; 1,597; 1,496; 1,488)
Cork - 2,505 (4,245; 4,559; 2,533; 3,263; 3,777; 1,965; 2,786; 2,128 FD)
Derry - 2,891 (2,297; 1,517; 1,563; 1,124; 1,106; 1,446; 1,460; 2,135)
Dundalk - 2,761 (2,738; 2,674; 2,738; 3,158; 2,534; 1,997; 949; 1,355)
Harps - 1,153 (708 FD; 1,202; 1,216; 784 FD; 449 FD; 479 FD; 429 FD; 433 FD; 644 FD)
Pat's - 1,820 (1,621; 1,504; 1,088; 1,321; 1,386; 1,687; 1,474; 1,346)
Rovers - 3,522 (2,749; 2,809; 2,041; 2,890; 2,269; 2,763; 3,127; 3,779)
Sligo - 1,995 (1,853; 1,717; 1,750; 1,750; 1,959; 2,342; 3,007; 2,103)
Waterford - 1,653 (2,329; 1,550 FD; 314 FD; 460 FD; 470 FD; 478 FD; 453 FD; 466 FD)
UCD - 735 (365 FD; 236 FD; 297 FD; 216 FD; 397; 487; 506; 558; 610)

FIRST DIVISION

Athlone - 369 (130; 154; 156; 314; 653 PD; 754; 271; 200)
Bray - 798 (643 PD; 966 PD; 957 PD; 769 PD; 718 PD; 891 PD; 965 PD; 1,121 PD)
Cabinteely - 370 (261; 346; 352; 610)
Cobh - 280 (236; 358; 403; 366; 223; 439; 2008 - 1,122 PD; 681)
Drogheda - 928 (377; 850 PD; 583; 813 PD; 1,064 PD; 817 PD; 977 PD; 811 PD)
Galway - 795 (746; 1,376 PD; 1,169 PD; 1,290 PD; 975)
Limerick - 451 (931 PD; 1,610 PD; 1,131; 1,206 PD; 757 PD; 1,649 PD; 734; 569)
Longford - 611 (449; 342; 488 PD; 803 PD; 567; 379; 365; 315)
Shels - 1,075 (654; 496; 554; 596; 713; 1,114 PD; 1,187 PD; 781)
Wexford - 235 (181; 338; 585 PD; 553; 331; 227; 302; 216)

PREMIER AVERAGE: 2,171 (2,170; 1,902; 1,476; 1,681; 1,502; 1,566; 1,630; 1,547)
FIRST DIVISION AVERAGE: 586 (413; 477; 476; 486; 495; 391; 372; 578)

OVERALL AVERAGE: 1,496 (1,249; 1,387; 1,117; 1,249; 1,160; 1,140; 1,125; 1,110)


OVERALL PREMIER ATTENDANCE: 375,658 (316,515; 376,627; 292,204; 332,805; 297,334)
OVERALL FIRST ATTENDANCE: 79,115 (55,756; 53,461; 52,807; 54,474; 55,408)

OVERALL COMBINED ATTENDANCE: 454,773 (372,271; 430,088; 345,011; 387,279; 352,742)
Always enjoy these posts, and thanks for doing them. If it's not too much effort, could you post the 2019 median figures for the PD? Think the Dublin Derby games skews both clubs core numbers, and it'd be interesting to see how both clubs would fare if the effect of those outliers are minimised.

[Kingswood Rover]

Always enjoy these posts, and thanks for doing them. If it's not too much effort, could you post the 2019 median figures for the PD? Think the Dublin Derby games skews both clubs core numbers, and it'd be interesting to see how both clubs would fare if the effect of those outliers are minimised.
Not in Bohs case with the reduced capacity, the most impressive figure imo is Sligo at just shy of 2 k with an average team. Super support from a town on the edge of the Atlantic.

[Charlie Darwin]

Not in Bohs case with the reduced capacity, the most impressive figure imo is Sligo at just shy of 2 k with an average team. Super support from a town on the edge of the Atlantic.
I know they're estimates but Derry's figures compare very favourably with when they were doing decent at the old Brandywell. Getting more fans than Cork and possibly Bohs is impressive considering there aren't many teams local to them who'll bring big numbers.

[EatYerGreens]

I know they're estimates but Derry's figures compare very favourably with when they were doing decent at the old Brandywell. Getting more fans than Cork and possibly Bohs is impressive considering there aren't many teams local to them who'll bring big numbers.

Devine has got the town behind the club, and there is a decent buzz and vibe around these days. It was great to see social media quotes from a few relatively high profile newbies throughout the season saying it was their first time at the Brandywell. I'm sure there have been lots of ordinary folk making their first visit too. Long may it last.

[Charlie Darwin]

Devine has got the town behind the club, and there is a decent buzz and vibe around these days. It was great to see social media quotes from a few relatively high profile newbies throughout the season saying it was their first time at the Brandywell. I'm sure there have been lots of ordinary folk making their first visit too. Long may it last.
Definitely, the more teams with vibrant fanbases the better for us all. We've certainly benefited at Rovers from the buzz around Bohs, and hopefully Shels next year.

[Kingswood Rover]

Yea, Shels if they start well and are above mid table throughout will be a welcome addition, I would love to get them away for our first game, could be a full house in TP.

[Bohs11]

Not in Bohs case with the reduced capacity, the most impressive figure imo is Sligo at just shy of 2 k with an average team. Super support from a town on the edge of the Atlantic.
Agree that a median figure will have less of an effect for Bohs, but only the Rovers games have had sell-outs in the Des Kelly. My gut is that Derry had the best core support in the league, but it's hard to know with those outliers skewing the averages. Agree completely about Sligo support.

[seand]

Given the population of the town (and even the county) Sligo's support is always among the best in the country

[EatYerGreens]

What was the crowd for Drogheda Harps last night ?

[nigel-harps1954]

What was the crowd for Drogheda Harps last night ?

Wasn't good. Extratime has it estimated at 1,400. I didn't think there was that many myself, but can't really judge for sure. Only about 150-200 Harps, which I was disappointed by more.

[redarmyfaction]

I know they're estimates but Derry's figures compare very favourably with when they were doing decent at the old Brandywell. Getting more fans than Cork and possibly Bohs is impressive considering there aren't many teams local to them who'll bring big numbers.

Good to see Derry's figures up but Sligo is about a fifth of the size of Derry so it could be said they would have to be knocking on the doors of 10K per week to compare.

[Charlie Darwin]

Good to see Derry's figures up but Sligo is about a fifth of the size of Derry so it could be said they would have to be knocking on the doors of 10K per week to compare.
They're both doing great, to be fair, and hopefully both continue to grow along with the rest of the clubs in the league.

[marinobohs]

Great to see most Premier clubs numbers are up. With Shels likely to get bigger support than UCD (and have a stronger rivalry with Bohs/Pats/Shams) this should improve next season.
Imagine what we could do if the fixture scheduling worked ?

[Nesta99]

Good to see Derry's figures up but Sligo is about a fifth of the size of Derry so it could be said they would have to be knocking on the doors of 10K per week to compare.

What should Cork be getting in relative terms?

[redarmyfaction]

What should Cork be getting in relative terms?

15K our so, I believe crowds of that size were not unknown in Cork one upon a time. These figures assume all things are equal but they are not.

[nigel-harps1954]

****ed my hole laughing when I heard official attendance figure of 2,113 tonight in Finn Park. At minimum 3,500 there tonight, if not over 4,000.

[dundalkfc10]

****ed my hole laughing when I heard official attendance figure of 2,113 tonight in Finn Park. At minimum 3,500 there tonight, if not over 4,000.

Thats a great crowd

[thebronze14]

Yeah definitely more than that. Fullest since Derry first match of 2016. I know kids were free but still say at very least 2500 or 3000

[David BOHie]

Great crowd alright. Really think Harps are a 'sleeping giant' so to speak. Football is definitely the second sport, or maybe joint first (with Gaelic Football) up there. It's huge. They produce a lot of internationals per capita. Like a lot of LOI clubs their stadium holds them back though. You feel a lovely 2 or 3 stands up there in a 5 or 6 thousand stadium and crowds like that could become the norm imo. Would be a great spread for the league if the 3 north east clubs played in nice stadia.

Sligo are very nearly there. A lovely stadium but possibly need a roof on the end behind the goal and maybe a little development of the stand away fans are in.
Derry are there, imo. Not sure if there's any imminent plans to add to the Ryan McBride Brandywell.
Harps have had the right plans for over a decade but just need the finance.

You'd hate an east coast/ greater dublin league so it's important football grows in the North West.

[Martinho II]

Did Drogheda have much of a travelling support down last night? Any more progress on Stranolar?Very impressive crowd last night.

[EatYerGreens]

Good to see Derry's figures up but Sligo is about a fifth of the size of Derry so it could be said they would have to be knocking on the doors of 10K per week to compare.

You can take 25% off of Derry's population, as hardly any protestants in the city attend matches.

And Ballybofey is about a 10th the size of Sligo. Which by your reckoning therefore makes Sligo's figures look shiite.

In short - pointless comparing populations and trying to extrapolate from that.

[Nesta99]

Not pointless, just a whole load more variables to be considered. Population of an areas is a marker of an absolute max potential and then knock off numbers for whatever reason.

[nigel-harps1954]

Did Drogheda have much of a travelling support down last night? Any more progress on Stranolar?Very impressive crowd last night.

Decent traveling support up considering the weather and being out in the open. Probably about 200 of them, maybe 250.

As for progress on Stranorlar, I think there's a bit more mould growing.

[EatYerGreens]

I'd disagree that population of an area signifies absolute max potential. Especially on an island like Ireland, where everyone gravitates towards 2 cities - and also overseas. Most LOI clubs from outside Dublin would have a decent number of supporters in the Big Smoke. There are a lot of Derry people in Belfast, & especially when the team is doing well would make the effort tp get to games. I even know Derry fans in England with season tickets who get to a good few games.

[red bellied]

33,111 official attendance for the cup final.

[marinobohs]

It really is facile trying to base potential fan figures on population as there are numerous other factors that influence it. Given many of those factors vary from club to club and location to location (stadium, facilities, transport etc) cross comparisons are entirely pointless.

[Pablo Escobar]

15K our so, I believe crowds of that size were not unknown in Cork one upon a time. These figures assume all things are equal but they are not.
There’s about 400,000 people with a very short commute to Turners Cross. That’s close to 20 times what’s available to Sligo. We massively under index given that we’re a one club city.......I’m ignoring Cobh but it’s not like they steal many fans from us at this stage.

[redarmyfaction]

You can take 25% off of Derry's population, as hardly any protestants in the city attend matches.

And Ballybofey is about a 10th the size of Sligo. Which by your reckoning therefore makes Sligo's figures look shiite.

In short - pointless comparing populations and trying to extrapolate from that.

Nearly 5K in the twin towns and about 20k up the road in Letterkenny, but if you had read my post I utter the qualifier "all things being equal which they are not"

[redarmyfaction]

Nearly 5K in the twin towns and about 20k up the road in Letterkenny, but if you had read my post I utter the qualifier "all things being equal which they are not"

Also another 15K in the other twin towns of Lifford/ Strabane which are about equidistant with LK from FP.

[nigel-harps1954]

Also another 15K in the other twin towns of Lifford/ Strabane which are about equidistant with LK from FP.

Strabane is just as close to Derry. Many Strabane folk would support Derry.

[redarmyfaction]

Strabane is just as close to Derry. Many Strabane folk would support Derry.

It's a bit further to Derry but the Strabanonians are up for grabs for both clubs, it's a bit more Gah cuntra but you also have another 3K or so in the Donegal/Lahey Metro area which is a similar handy run over the Stacks, black ice allowing. Anyway the point being there is significant urban populations in the area of which BY/SR is the centre for FH to draw from. I know there were some pushing for a move to LK rather than SR for the new ground but the counter argument was that it would have a negative on crowds from other towns all of who might not be that fond of LK.

[nr637]

Delighted for Finn Harps who are "punching above their weight" as we are constantly being told!

Their biggest problem is competing against the "full-time" setups on offer at Sligo Rovers & Derry City in their area, being more attractive for players and youngsters showing potential!

You have got to Love Ollie Horgan, great character and a soccer legend!

[Martinho II]

Delighted for Finn Harps who are "punching above their weight" as we are constantly being told!

Their biggest problem is competing against the "full-time" setups on offer at Sligo Rovers & Derry City in their area, being more attractive for players and youngsters showing potential!

You have got to Love Ollie Horgan, great character and a soccer legend!

Ollie has to have the best work ethic for travelling to matches spying on matches. His petrol/diesel bill must be massive considering the mileage he does!

[SkStu]

He's always reminded me of Worzel Gummidge.

[D24Saint]

Delighted for Finn Harps who are "punching above their weight" as we are constantly being told!

Their biggest problem is competing against the "full-time" setups on offer at Sligo Rovers & Derry City in their area, being more attractive for players and youngsters showing potential!

You have got to Love Ollie Horgan, great character and a soccer legend!

Met him at our cup game v UCD , a gentleman and a credit to Harps.

[EatYerGreens]

Strabane is just as close to Derry. Many Strabane folk would support Derry.

There is definitely more of a link and affinity between Strabane and Derry than there is Strabane and Ballybofey.

[EatYerGreens]

It's a bit further to Derry but the Strabanonians are up for grabs for both clubs, it's a bit more Gah cuntra but you also have another 3K or so in the Donegal/Lahey Metro area which is a similar handy run over the Stacks, black ice allowing. Anyway the point being there is significant urban populations in the area of which BY/SR is the centre for FH to draw from. I know there were some pushing for a move to LK rather than SR for the new ground but the counter argument was that it would have a negative on crowds from other towns all of who might not be that fond of LK.

Where did you get the idea that Strabane is GAA country ? Maybe in Tyrone overall, but football is stronger in Strabane.

[redarmyfaction]

Where did you get the idea that Strabane is GAA country ? Maybe in Tyrone overall, but football is stronger in Strabane.

I didn't, where did you get the idea I did?.

[redarmyfaction]

There is definitely more of a link and affinity between Strabane and Derry than there is Strabane and Ballybofey.

Where did you get this idea?

[EatYerGreens]

I didn't, where did you get the idea I did?.

Because you literally said it :D

[EatYerGreens]

Where did you get this idea?

The fact you have to ask this shows that you don't understand the areas concerned as well as you seem to think you do :p

[Patrick Dunne]

258,000 was the population of County Galway (including the city) at last census. You could make the argument that parts of the county eg Clifden, Woodford, Portumna, are so far away from Eamonn Deacy Park that they are outside the catchment area of Galway United. Conversely, areas of North Clare and South Mayo are not as far from Galway city, 250,000 could be estimated as the population of the catchment area of the club.

1,673,000 overseas visitors came to Galway in 2017; a further target market for potential supporters. Even getting 1% of these people to attend a football game would result an increase of over 1,000 supporters per home match for the club. Galway United are seriously underachieving when it comes to a support base; should be attracting an average 2,000 people per match regardless of division or form.

[redarmyfaction]

Because you literally said it :D

Learn to read you don't understand the English language quite as well as you think you do, punctuation is significant to meaning, I said the Donegal/Lahey area was GAA country and I offer as proof of this that Donegal has its victory parades there despite the money grubbing attentions of Letterkenny COC, where as you are pullings opinions out of your asre just to contradict mine it seems.

[marinobohs]

258,000 was the population of County Galway (including the city) at last census. You could make the argument that parts of the county eg Clifden, Woodford, Portumna, are so far away from Eamonn Deacy Park that they are outside the catchment area of Galway United. Conversely, areas of North Clare and South Mayo are not as far from Galway city, 250,000 could be estimated as the population of the catchment area of the club.

1,673,000 overseas visitors came to Galway in 2017; a further target market for potential supporters. Even getting 1% of these people to attend a football game would result an increase of over 1,000 supporters per home match for the club. Galway United are seriously underachieving when it comes to a support base; should be attracting an average 2,000 people per match regardless of division or form.

The football tourists (or tourists taking in a football match) should be a market worth chasing given the tourist numbers in Galway. we regularly have groups at games at Dalymount and it is something that has been encouraged by advertising matches around the city (temple bar etc). they also tend to spend a few bob in the shop/bars.
I understand shams have also seen decent numbers of tourists visiting games in the SDCC stadium. Not sure if its as big a thing with other clubs.


Definately something we will be developing if we ever get to Dalymount Nua, as there would be great potential (especially with a football museum included in the proposal) to attract tourists.