Longford's Flancare fanfare! - December 19, 2000
Eircom Premier newboys Longford Town have stolen a march on Shelbourne by becoming the first Irish club to sell the naming rights for their ground.
At the start of this season, reigning champions Shels announced plans to sell the naming rights to Tolka Park to a major sponsor - but little Longford have beaten them to the punch, clinching a deal with a top logistics firm.
From now on - and for the next three years at least - Longford's home at Strokestown Road will be known as "Flancare Park".
The deal, believed to be worth £75,000 over the three years, will help to finance the ground improvement programme ordered by the League when Longford won promotion to the top flight.
Manager Stephen Kenny said: "This enables the club to finish off a half completed job. That's important, because the long-term implications will be visible."