When Drogheda United play Trabzonspor at Papara Park in Trabzon on Thursday evening it will be a reflection of the two clubs’ shared colours, historic Irish–Turkish relations, and a desire to further deepen ties.
The friendly marks the League of Ireland club’s first match in Türkiye and comes as the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. A delegation from Drogheda & District Chamber will also travel, using the visit to develop business connections with Türkiye’s Black Sea region.
Alongside the football, the Drogheda chamber is set to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Trabzon Chamber of Commerce to support future trading relationships, giving the trip a legacy that could extend well beyond the final whistle.
The clubs’ bond has grown through their supporters. Both teams wear claret and blue, while the star and crescent on Drogheda’s crest echoes the symbols on the Turkish flag. According to Drogheda United, Trabzonspor fans began recognising these connections in 2006, and Turkish supporters later donated money when the Irish club faced financial difficulties.
An earlier attempt to bring the teams together ended in disappointment. Their planned friendly at Dublin’s Tallaght Stadium in March 2013 was cancelled after torrential rain left the pitch unplayable.
Yet the visit still strengthened the relationship. Former Drogheda chairman Conor Hoey, who now heads its advisory board, recalled that “we did establish a real bond from the meals the clubs shared and the presentations that we made to each other.”
The wider friendship also commemorates Ottoman humanitarian assistance to Ireland during the Great Famine in 1847, a connection Trabzonspor highlights in its account of the sister-club relationship.
Ahead of the trip, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Ireland, Esra Cankorur, welcomed Drogheda’s players, coaching staff, club representatives and chamber chief executive Hubert Murphy to the Turkish Embassy in Dublin.
“We are two friendly nations, have much in common and we can show true solidarity through this visit,” she said.
Drogheda United also announced plans for a commemorative jersey paying tribute to the Ottoman aid associated with the town in 1847.
The match will feature in the independently produced documentary An Gorta Mór – The Star & The Crescent, which explores the historic relationship between Drogheda, Ireland and Türkiye and its continuing expression through football. The filmmakers intend to showcase it on Turkish television.
How to watch: Trabzonspor v Drogheda United kicks off at 7pm in Türkiye, 5pm in the UK and Ireland, on Thursday, 1 October 2026. UK and Irish audiences can watch live on LOITV for €9.99.
