Big hearted football fans are the latest recipients of a BD/Drogheda and District Chamber ‘Community Champions’ award for their sterling efforts in making Christmas a little bit better for thousands of people around the area.
In partnership with Drogheda Utd FC, the Famous 45 Ultras sparked a collection frenzy in the weeks before the festive season, with everything from foodstuffs to toys dispatched in almost 200 Christmas hampers to families and organisations.
Thomas Sullivan from the Ultras group said they were only too delighted to be part of the collection, the stories they heard now sparking them into action for 2026.
“We’d love to see more businesses coming on board for this year. There are families who need support out there and we just wanted to play our part in that,” he said.
The Ultras are famous for bringing the colour and noise to Drogheda United games, both home and away.
Their efforts at Christmas wasn’t the only community event they were part of and they helped bring in €10,000 as part of a charity match last May.
Sullivan and Lambe Park hosted the clash of SOSAD Ireland (represented by the Social Supporters Group) and Drogheda Women's and Children's Refuge Centre (represented by the Famous 45 Ultras).
Catherina McGuirk, Plant Manager at BD, said that it was a pleasure to meet the group and she praised their community spirit.
“Drogheda has always been a town with a big heart and at times you need to recognize those that go that extra mile for our people. The Ultras helped deliver something special for so many people last Christmas and hopefully that drive can gather even more momentum in 2026,” chamber CEO, Hubert Murphy, stated.