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Following a successful programme in 2025, Louth County Council and Healthy Louth will once again support Drogheda United FC to deliver the Not Around Us campaign.
Funded through Healthy Ireland, Not Around Us is a national awareness campaign that encourages people not to smoke or vape in places where children and young people are present.
The campaign aims to create healthier environments for young people by reducing their exposure to second-hand smoke and helping to make smoking and vaping less visible and less normalised.
The campaign also highlights the environmental impact of discarded cigarette butts and vapes, which can cause litter, pollution and unnecessary clean-up costs in public spaces. In addition, it promotes awareness of HSE Quit services for people who want support to stop smoking or vaping.
Children, in particular, are vulnerable to the effects of second-hand smoke because their lungs, airways and immune systems are still developing. Exposure to second-hand smoke can increase the risk of asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and ear infections.
As part of the campaign, Drogheda United asks supporters to avoid smoking and vaping in areas of Sullivan and Lambe Park where children and young people are likely to gather, including near food outlets and family areas.
The club has also incorporated the campaign into matchday activities, including underage half-time games where young players wear Not Around Us branded bibs. These initiatives help to promote positive health messages and create a more family-friendly matchday experience.
Drogheda United will also host a Not Around Us Blitz for local U10 teams at Sullivan and Lambe Park on Saturday, 19 September.
With thousands of supporters attending League of Ireland matches each season and hundreds of young people participating in academy and community programmes, Drogheda United is uniquely placed to promote healthy behaviours and positive role modelling among children and young people.
Cllr Declan Power, Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda, said: "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. Small actions can make a big difference, and together we can help create a healthier future for the next generation."
Aoife Burns, Social and Environmental Sustainability (SES) Officer, Drogheda United FC, 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."
Rachel Finegan, Healthy Louth Coordinator with Louth County Council, said: "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.”
