It's all systems go. Dundalk swung into action yesterday ( Tuesday) to prepare to host Barcelona and stage a footballing feast over the August bank holiday featuring a match between the Lilywhites and Barcelona, the Champions League winners, and a second challenge involving the Spaniards and another leading side.

The games will form the centerpiece of a five-day training camp by Barcelona, anticipated to be based at Oriel Park, which will substantially enhance the profile of the area and ease the the club's financial worries.

The income boost will ensure that Dundalk manager Sean Connor can go ahead with his squad building during the mid-season break.

Club secretary Kevin Holland confirmed the news that was exclusively broken by 'The Argus' on June 3rd.

Dundalk received confirmation on Monday night, and began plans for the visit, and arrangements to carry out a supporting programme.

This will entail arranging tours of the area and some leisure activity, possibly golf,as well as perhaps a dinner and reception in conjunction with the match.

Mr Holland said the Lilywhites will play Barcelona on either Saturday, August 1st or Monday, August 3rd.

'The final details have to be agreed. They are coming on July 31st and will spend five days in the Dundalk area. We hope to arrange another game for them in and around the same time, and all the better if we get it at Oriel Park.'

Connor's close contacts with the Spanish club played a big part in their decision to head to Co Louth.

'Hopefully they will train in Oriel, and the children will be able to come and see them,' Mr Holland said.

'If it goes as well as we expect it will help us big time,' the club secretary concluded.

- Terry CONLON