MARTLETS-THEY HAVE BRANCHES EVERYWHERE.

Dundalk FC, became the first Irish side to reach the play off round of the  UEFA Champions League after beating Bate Borisov of Belarus 3-1. Last night they bowed out of the competition losing to
Legia Warsaw 1-3 on aggregate, but maintaining some self respect when drew 1-1 away in the second match.

They regard themselves as one of the best team in the SSE Airtricity League. Originally turning out in white kit they are still known as the Lilywhites though their colours are yellow and black now.

Robbie Benson smashed in a first goal after 19 minutes and Dundalk players will have had that twang of excitement as they thought a turn over was possible in this tricky away leg. But it was not to be as Legia pulled one back and that was that. Here is Robbie's goal, though the commentary is in Polish but there is a sending off  and they equalise.....which is self-explanatory.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVnxm4e2FGk

Dundalk have been one of the leading FAI clubs after foundation in 1903. There was a side playing in the town in 1892 and the team known as  Dundalk played the Institution 2nd XI in a friendly on the 17th December. There was a team from the town known as the Rovers but by 1903 influenced by the local military and railways, Dundalk GNR was founded in September 1903 which spawned the present club. Dundalk FC officially took its name in 1930.
Dundalk now plays at Oriel Park and following the week's BIRD theme, they have three red martlets on their club badge. See them before, have we?

Main rivals are neighbours Drogheda United, the Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers. Dundalk has had some considerable interest in the various European competitions over the years. In 1969-70 the were beaten by Liverpool FC 10-0 and 4-0 in the UEFA Cup and in 1981 in the European Cup Winners Cup Tottenham thumped them 1-1 and 1-0.

In 2015 the club won the League of Ireland, The FAI Cup, President's Cup and were voted best "Team" in the RTE Awards.