Dundalk today became the first Irish club to ever earn a point in the Europa League after their 10 man come-from-behind performance away to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.
But Stephen Kenny's men have another reason to celebrate. In just one evening's work, they earned more prize money than they received for winning the League of Ireland last season.
Dundalk were overwhelmingly the best team in Ireland last season. The Lilywhites won the league at a canter, finishing 9 points ahead of closest rivals Cork City. Their dominance, though, earned the team just €110,000 in prize money - €10,000 less than they were awarded for their away draw in the Netherlands on Thursday evening.
The issue of compensation for Ireland's clubs has been a contentious subject for months. Back in July, headlines were made when the Football Association of Ireland announced a financial injection into Irish club football - to the tune of €5,000 per club in the top flight.
While this may have seemed like a good idea at the time for FAI brass, the announcement caused more consternation than they anticipated when, according to some, the Association and John Delaney were roundly criticised for their lack of financial investment in the indiginous game in Ireland.
St. Pat's were among those who roundly criticised the move by the FAI, stating:
The board of St Patrick's Athletic FC has decided that it will not accept the offer of 5,000 euro made by the FAI towards the expenses of each club in preparing a 5 year plan.
The board of SPAFC wants its decision to serve as a clear message to the FAI that it has utterly failed in its responsibility to the domestic game and to those clubs who, in spite of its indifference, have managed to keep some semblance of professionalism within football in Ireland.
Dundalk's coffers have considerably swelled since embarking on their European journey this season. Kenny's men earned the club in the region of €2.4 million just for qualifying for the group stage and if they manage to pick up three points, UEFA will write them a cheque for €360,000.
Unfortunately for the rest of the League of Ireland, this will likely just serve to increase the chasm that is already extending between Dundalk and everyone else. Serious investment is required in Irish football and it is an unfortunate reality that Dundalk are achieving in spite of the FAI, rather than with their help.
