Drogheda in line to face Salah as Trabzonspor await

Drogheda United have confirmed that they will travel to Türkiye to face Trabzonspor in a match scheduled for Thursday, 1 October 2026, at the 40,000-capacity Papara Park. This will mark the first time the Louth-based club has played in Turkey. The fixture was announced by the club, which expressed excitement about the opportunity to engage with Turkish football supporters and strengthen bilateral ties between Ireland and Türkiye, celebrating their 75th year of diplomatic relations. The match will occur during the three-week international break, serving as a late-season mini-camp for Drogheda United ahead of the final stretch of the League of Ireland season. Trabzonspor, who recently signed Mohamed Salah from Liverpool, will host the game. However, it remains uncertain whether the Egyptian forward will participate, as he is expected to be involved with the national team in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola on 23 September and South Sudan on 27 September. The encounter is part of a broader initiative aimed at fostering cultural and commercial ties between the two nations. A documentary titled An Gorta Mór, The Star & The Crescent will accompany the match, highlighting the historical connection between Drogheda, Ireland, and Türkiye. The film traces the story of Ottoman humanitarian aid during the Great Famine and connects it to modern-day relationships between Drogheda United and Trabzonspor. The documentary is intended for broadcast on Turkish television. Drogheda United CEO Rían Wogan emphasized the significance of the trip, stating it would be an "incredibly proud day" for the club. He noted the strong bond between the clubs and the shared enthusiasm among supporters from both countries. Wogan also highlighted the potential for the visit to generate lasting business opportunities, with plans to involve local partners and the wider Drogheda business community in exploring new ventures in Türkiye. Details regarding ticketing and travel arrangements, including discounts from hotel and airline partners, are expected to be released soon. The relationship between Drogheda United and Trabzonspor dates back decades, with the clubs officially becoming sister clubs in 2011. According to former Drogheda player Roisin Philips, the connection extends further, rooted in historical ties dating to the Great Famine of 1845. During that period, the Ottoman sultan reportedly sent aid to Ireland, with boats arriving in Drogheda via the Boyne River. The gesture included a donation of £1,000, underscoring the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. Trabzonspor, known for its ambitious roster, has assembled a star-studded squad featuring Salah, Fabinho, and Andre Onana. The club's Super Lig campaign will resume the week following the match, with a trip to Samsunspor scheduled. While Salah's participation in the game against Drogheda is still under consideration, the presence of other high-profile players adds to the anticipation surrounding the fixture. The visit to Türkiye will also include cultural and social activities designed to deepen the bonds between the two communities. The club aims to ensure that both Irish and Turkish supporters have the chance to connect directly, creating a memorable experience for all involved. As preparations for the trip progress, the focus remains on delivering a meaningful and impactful event that honors the shared heritage and future aspirations of both nations.