A group of investors friendly to St Patrick's Athletic have purchased McDowell's Public House on Emmet Road and will take control of what has been the de-facto club house of Pat's for many years this coming Friday.
Club chairman Andrew O'Callaghan speaking exclusively to the Gazette said "We have a population of 250,000 on our doorstep and need proper facilities to attract and hold onto new supporters. The board are currently seeking investment and as part of our long term development, McDowell's Public House on Emmet Road has been purchased for the club patronage from the Ward family. From Friday, 14 July, 2006, all profits from McDowell's will go towards the club. It is a very special occasion for the club and we are really excited about the opportunity this creates for Dublin's greatest football club."
Andrew paid tribute to Mrs Ward, her family and staff for their generosity over the years saying "The Ward family have been very generous to St Pat's over the years and the consortium were delighted that we were the preferred bidder.
"I would urge all Saints fans to use McDowell's not only on match days but for birthdays, anniversaries or any gathering of friends - the costs of operating an eircom League club are colossal and only one third of income derives from gate receipts. We need to broaden our revenue base and McDowell's is an ideal venture to aid the club while still being part of
the community".
Ownership will transfer on Friday, July 14, the day on which St Patrick's face Dublin rivals Bohemians, kicking off at 7:45pm.
