Ardee Set for Louth’s NFL Return in 2026 After Fixtures Confirmed
By ArdeePost Reporter
Louth Coming Home to Ardee After Two-Season Disruption
Louth GAA are set to return to Ardee in 2026, with DEFY Páirc Mhuire confirmed once again as the host venue for the county’s National Football League home fixtures. The announcement follows two seasons of forced relocation after storm damage rendered the pitch unplayable in early 2025.
During that period, Louth were required to move their home games to Drogheda for clashes with Roscommon, Down and Monaghan, finishing the campaign with a high-profile derby against Meath in Inniskeen.
Repairs are now complete, allowing the county to return to their true home ground, much to the delight of both players and supporters.
2026 NFL Fixtures Confirmed for Ardee Páirc Mhuire
Louth will host three key Division 2 fixtures in Ardee next Spring:
- February 1st – vs Cork
- February 22nd – vs Tyrone
- March 15th – vs Derry
Manager Gavin Devlin will welcome the stability of having a consistent home venue again, with Ardee long recognised for its strong support base and match-day atmosphere.
County Board Thanks Inniskeen for Their Support
At this week’s County Convention, County Board Chairman Seán McClean expressed deep gratitude to the Inniskeen Grattans Club, who accommodated Louth during both the 2024 and 2025 campaigns. Their grounds proved a positive and productive setting, with Louth securing several important results during their temporary stay.
McClean described Inniskeen as “steadfast allies” during a difficult period, acknowledging their professionalism and generosity throughout.
A Radical Change: Louth’s 2026 Jersey Breaks 140 Years of Tradition
In a development that may prove just as impactful as the return to Ardee, Louth GAA’s 2026 county jersey has undergone a dramatic transformation — one that breaks with more than a century of tradition.
For the first time since the 1880s, and aside from a brief all-red spell in the 1970s, Louth’s primary colours will no longer be the iconic red and white. Instead, the upcoming jersey will feature red and black, a move many supporters have described as bold and unexpected.
While red remains dominant, the secondary colour has shifted from white to black. The O’Neills-manufactured design includes a black collar, black sleeve ends, and a thin white trim that subtly nods to the county’s traditional palette.
Why the Change? Questions Remain Unanswered
Black is not new to Louth’s overall aesthetic — it appears regularly in alternative jerseys, warm-up tops and training wear — but it has never before replaced white on the main county kit.
Given the significance of this departure from tradition, the County Board has been asked to clarify:
- the rationale behind the change,
- when and by whom the decision was made,
- and why the county has moved away from its historic colours.
At the time of publication, no response had been received.
The redesign is sure to spark debate among supporters, especially as Louth prepare for a major season back on home soil.
A Big Year Ahead for the Wee County And Ardee Páirc Mhuire
Between a return to Páirc Mhuire, a demanding Division 2 campaign, and a historic jersey change, 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the most significant years for Louth GAA in decades.
