Drogheda United Extends Not Around Us Campaign
Drogheda United has extended its partnership with Healthy Louth and Louth County Council for the Not Around Us campaign, which will run through the 2026 season. The club will host a Not Around Us Blitz for local U10 teams on Saturday 19 September at Sullivan and Lambe Park.
The Healthy Ireland‑funded initiative returns to Sullivan and Lambe Park after a programme at the club in 2025. Not Around Us seeks to reduce children’s exposure to second‑hand smoke and make smoking and vaping less visible around young people. Supporters are asked to avoid smoking and vaping in areas where younger fans are likely to gather, including close to food outlets and family areas.
Young Fans Shape the Message
Aoife Burns, Social and Environmental Sustainability Officer with Drogheda United, said:
> “Our younger fans expressed a wish to experience match nights at Sullivan and Lambe Park in a smoke‑free and vape‑free setting, and the introduction of the Not Around Us campaign certainly helped with that last season. As a club, we are proud to stand for a healthier matchday experience, and we are grateful to Healthy Louth and Louth County Council for their continued support in delivering such an important programme for our supporters and community.”
The campaign will also be visible during matchdays, with young players taking part in under‑age half‑time games wearing Not Around Us branded bibs.
Healthier Spaces for Children
Rachel Finegan, Healthy Louth Coordinator with Louth County Council, explained:
> “Children and young people are especially vulnerable to the effects of second‑hand smoke because their lungs are still developing. The Not Around Us campaign is about creating healthier spaces where young people can enjoy matches and activities without being exposed to smoking or vaping. Drogheda United has shown great leadership in helping to make matchdays healthier, cleaner and more family‑friendly, and Healthy Louth is delighted to continue working with the club on this important initiative.”
The wider Not Around Us campaign also highlights the impact of discarded cigarette butts and vapes on public spaces and directs people who want help to stop smoking or vaping towards HSE Quit services.
Community Support
Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda, Cllr Declan Power, welcomed the continuation of the campaign:
> “Drogheda United plays an important role in our community and reaches people of all ages. The Not Around Us campaign is a positive initiative that helps create a healthier and more welcoming environment for children, young people and families attending matches. I am delighted to see the club continue this work, and I encourage supporters to get behind the campaign and help make matchdays smoke‑free and vape‑free around areas where young people are present.”
The initiative is another example of Drogheda United using its role in the community to support wider health and wellbeing programmes.
Upcoming Blitz
The Not Around Us Blitz for local U10 teams will take place on Saturday 19 September at Sullivan and Lambe Park, where young players will showcase the campaign’s message in a family‑friendly setting.
