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Tolka Park is one of Ireland’s most significant sites of sporting culture and history. Since 1924, the stadium has been enmeshed in the cultural life and sporting traditions of Dublin City. As a stadium, Tolka has a proud legacy; hosting the first floodlit football match in the Republic of Ireland in 1953, being the venue for the first televised League of Ireland game in 1997, becoming the first all-seater stadium in domestic football in 1999, and most recently, being the venue for the first televised Women’s National League match in 2021.

Tolka Park is, and always has been, an asset to Irish football and to the local community – acting as a home for Drumcondra, Home Farm, Shamrock Rovers, and since 1989, Shelbourne. It has hosted games for men and women, at every level, from local and junior football, right up to the top European competitions.

The Save Tolka Park campaign is a coalition of local residents, football fans and activists united in opposition to the sale of the stadium to private developers. We believe, that with the right investment and planning, Tolka Park can be so much more.

Our alternative proposal sets out our vision for a bright, new future for Tolka Park, with community facilities such as a gym, crèche, café, enterprise centre and public toilets becoming part of a reimagined stadium. You can read the proposal here.
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I was given permission to stay on in Dublin and to train in Tolka Park on my own. Tolka had so many memories for me, from the days when we'd all come home from Ormond Square to see Drums playing, to when my father became manager and started to bring me into the world of football men. Not to mention the wall that he had built around the pitch. Tolka was a spiritual home for me, and I savoured those days before the big match.
John Giles
Former Republic of Ireland international player, manager and pundit
It would be very sad if Tolka wasn’t used as a football amenity. Kids could play there, schoolboy football, junior football...it definitely is a landmark of what we could call the 'rare auld times' for me. I have very, very beautiful and fond memories of seeing amazing things there. The first floodlight match in Ireland was played there in 1953, I think. St Mirren came over from Scotland and it was like being on another planet to see floodlight football.
Eamon Dunphy
Former Republic of Ireland international and journalist
Tolka exists far beyond its role as a place to kick ball. It lives in people’s hearts. It’s a ground that connects families through generations and brings people together to form undying bonds. For me and mine, Tolka is a place for us to connect with the memory of our best friend whom we lost a few years back, and I know it serves that same role for so many more. Tolka is more than a ground, it’s a home.
David Balfe, For Those I Love
Musician
Tolka is so significant historically and culturally, and no storyteller could ever do justice to the extraordinary tales it has witnessed on so many occasions. The FAI must not allow this treasure to disappear. Every Irish player has a Tolka tale and Jonathan Hill (FAI CEO) must be educated on its history.
Pat Dolan
Former footballer and pundit
When stepping out onto Tolka Park donning the famous red we are Shels, no longer Shelbourne’s WNL. We are one with the men’s side and finally feel somewhat on par with them. If we lose Tolka Park it will be a huge step back in the women’s game.
Pearl Slattery
Shelbourne WNL Captain and Republic of Ireland Women's U17 Coach
We have to value amenity land more and I get a sense in Dublin that hasn’t happened historically.
Micheál Martin TD
An Taoiseach
Spent my youth following Drums, it’s vital for sport in Dublin that Tolka stays.
Jim Fitzpatrick
Artist