Geographically confused Zenit fans arrive in Dundalk before kick off.
There is a high level of romanticism surrounding Dundalk's European journey. From putting three goals past Bate Borisov - in what seems like a lifetime ago - to Stephen Kenny picking up stranded supporters on the team bus. Without a doubt it's an inspiring tale gaining attention home and abroad. Yet no anecdote may be quite as charming as what unfolded hours before kick off on Thursday evening.
Two Zenit fans, Marina and Vera, landed in Dublin a few days prior to the game to take in the sights before heading northbound on the M1 to check in to accommodation conveniently located in the town.
After settling in, they go down to the lobby to inquire about directions to the match.... at Tallaght stadium.
Speaking to LMFM, the owner of Glenn Gat Guesthouse, Tim Mullins said:
The two lovely girls from Russia arrived with us today, Marina and Vera. Their first enquiry was ‘where in Dundalk is Tallaght stadium?’. I knew I had a problem. I obviously allocated a room to them and explained that Tallaght stadium is in Dublin.
When they got over the shock, they decided to stay over. I immediately went over to Oriel Park where I met Eilish in the office and she was more than facilitating.
Eilish, who was working in the office at the time, explain:
As soon as Tim came into the office and explained the situation, we rang Martin [Connolly] and we got a lift arranged for them to Tallaght and back that night.
The Zenit fans, Marina and Vera, gave their account of the ordeal:
When I found we were not in the right place, we were shocked. Because we checked out today from Dublin. We mixed up the stadium. We didn’t read carefully what was on the ticket.
We thought, as usual, when you go to the football match that it is in the city or town where the football team is.”
On @LMFMRADIO shortly about a pair from St Petersburg who arrived @glengat in Dundalk looking for @tallaghtstadium What happened next #LMFM pic.twitter.com/Cg9iVtiWYI
— Helena Ní Mhaoláin (@HelenaMullins) October 20, 2016
A rather comical affair but it certainly highlights the good nature of those who follow League of Ireland football. We just hope they didn't enjoy the result too much.
