On Monday night, council members formally accepted the club's application, as verified by the Save Tolka Park organisation and the municipality's management.

“This Dublin institution's destiny to serve the neighbourhood and next football-playing generations of young boys and girls is now formally assured.”

According to a statement from Save Tolka Park, “this historic vote marks a significant milestone for Irish football, Dublin city, and grassroots activism in this country.”

Since the movement's inception in June 2021, many have backed it, and the Shelbourne women's squad in particular has received special recognition from the organisation for “defying their own club's public position at the time and joining us as a crucial ally.”

“With Tolka Park now saved, we have together won a battle for equality for the women's game,” said the statement.

Claiming that Tolka Park and other League of Ireland facilities are “long overdue” for money, the group concluded, calling the outcome a “victory for the people against unfathomable odds” and adding “Saved Tolka Park.”

The council vote was also enthusiastically received by Shelbourne FC, stating that it "secures the future of our home for generations to come" and “marks a significant milestone in our club's history.”


“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the executive and the councillors of Dublin City Council for their support and recognition of the importance of Tolka Park to Shelbourne FC, the local community and Irish football as a whole,” the council's statement said.

Shelbourne added his “sincere thanks” to the Save Tolka Park movement "for their immeasurable contribution" and expressed gratitude to everyone who helped bring about this result.

“Shelbourne FC and Tolka Park’s fate have been intertwined for many decades and tonight’s decision heralds a new chapter in the 129-year history of our club and one of the city’s most treasured and hallowed sporting arenas,” the organisation stated.