THOSE GLORY GLORY NIGHTS
Dundalk so often regarded as the Liverpool of Ireland might not have a
record to match the mighty Reds but by Irish standards it is second to none.
Jimmy Hasty was at his formidable best in Dundalk's sensational 2-1 win
over FC Zurich in Switzerland in our first foray into European Football in 1963
thus recording a first away win for an Irish club and the start of many record
breaking nighs to come for Dundalk. With Oriel Park unsuitable for European
football, Dundalk's first round 1st leg game against the Swiss Champions took
place at Dalymount Park were the the brilliance of the left winger Ruhr was
instrumental in Zurich's 3-0 win in front of an estimated 22,000 crowd. The large
crowd had an unnerving effect on the Dundalk players and some froze on the
night but not so in the second leg. Labelled as no hopers by the local press
Dundalk set about the Swiss with an air of confidence led by one armed Jimmy
Hasty who had added curious Zurich fans to the gate. Francie Callan converted
a Hasty cross to surprise the home fans and it was Hasty himself who made
it 2-0. There was no holding the Belfast born striker and he caused hearts to
skip a beat when he hit the crossbar from 15 yards but a late goal from Zurich
put the game beyond doubt.
Dundalk player Jimmy O'Meara made headlines in the Swiss newspapers
but not for his on the field activities. On a day trip to a small village in the
Alps Jimmy brought things to a standstill with his efforts to become a backing
bronco on one of the cows being driven through the streets. Not only was he
trying to become a cowboy but he was also trying to introduce the poor beast
to the delights of Irish Whiskey. A crowd of several hundred villagers and local
pressmen cheered as the cow finally wrested itself from Jimmy's grasp.
There was a four year break before our next European adventure when
Dundalk took on the might of Vasus of Hungary who were sprinkled with
internationals who had done so well in the 1966 World Cup.
FIRSTS
It was to be a night of firsts for Dundalk under the guidance of Alan Fox.
It was the first European game played in Oriel Park, the first Continental team
to play in Dundalk and the first floodlite game in Oriel Park. As it was Dundalk
played out of their skins and only went down 1-0 but worse was to come in the
second leg. In front of 100,000 fans Dundalk were part of a double bill with
Ferenvaros taking on the Russian Cup holders in the Cup Winners Cup. Danny
Hale scored from the penalty spot to give some cheer for the 60 fans who had
made the long journey but after Mick Millington was sent-off Dundalk crumbled
and Vasas won 8-1.
The following year Dundalk progressed to the second round in Europe for
the first time. They were paired with D.O.S. Utrecht of Holland in the old Fairs
Cup. Derek Stokes scored in a 1-1 draw in the away leg but the game was marred
after Tootsie McKeown broke his leg an injury which was to end his career. The
2nd leg in Oriel Park was a nailbiting affair. Dundalk lost keeper Lawless who
was injured in a collision and was replaced by Kevin Blount who had only
returned from a 6 months suspension the previous day. Stokes finally made the
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