"the brand which is Limerick FC"

[harpin]

Taken from the statement on the club site re Trappatoni night.

Realistically this has to be created to attract bigger crowds, more money, new players etc, sounds awful though.........are we the new Munster!!!

[GenerationXI]

Wait, what? Is this gonna turn into one of those threads where we talk about the vicious circle? Y'know: More fans = More Money = Better Football and Stadium, which are needed to attract? = More fans = More Money = Better Football + Stadium which are needed to attract? = . . .
:rolleyes:

[Monkfish]

are we the new Munster!!!

The day we all sit down at a game and clap along to another teams song is the day I die. :o

[GenerationXI]

The day we all sit down at a game ... is the day I die. :o

I know I couldn't get used to proper seating either. . . it just feels wrong.

[Monkfish]

I know I couldn't get used to proper seating either. . . it just feels wrong.

Of course! why would you want to sit in an ugly mecano set (filty from the outside btw) when you can stand with a bag of cans at your feet! :cool:

[GenerationXI]

Is that a record? Gone off topic in 5 posts.:p

Sorry, harpin, what was it you wanted to know? Do all the band wagon jumpers who follow Munster represent a target for us? Well that's how we lured Jack McCarthy in but it's just not true. These people demand a certain standard of football and a brand and all the clubs in this country are a long way away from that. Look, they go to their five United Games a year - maybe less now, thanks to the BIG C - (credit crunch) - and watch the Heinken Cup from the semi-final stages onward. They're happy with that...that and sex once a month. Just like I'm happy being cynical and basing all of my arguments on two-dimensional stereotypes.

Next Question.

[harpin]

No more questions just think the use of the word "brand" is a bad way in which to describe the club

I agree with Monkfishs' sentiments about Munster, all these alickadoos with their feigned interest, if they self implode(which they probably won't)then you'll be lucky to fill quarter of that place in Mayorstone . There was a big crowd for Shannon and Garryowen there last week and most of them were there just to see how nice the toilets were

[joeSoap]

I agree with Monkfishs' sentiments about Munster, all these alickadoos with their feigned interest, if they self implode(which they probably won't)then you'll be lucky to fill quarter of that place in Mayorstone . There was a big crowd for Shannon and Garryowen there last week and most of them were there just to see how nice the toilets wereI've been going to rugby matches in Thomond Park and all over Europe for as long as I can remember. I've also been going to League of Ireland football for over 30 years. Does that make me an 'alickadoo'? I would hardly describe my interest as being feigned. Comments about Munster are not really fair. Its human nature to support something that little bit more when its successful. If Limerick FC get promoted next season their attendances will probably quadruple because they will be playing better teams that the public want to see. Will you criticise and judge these people when they jump on the Limerick FC bandwagon? I doubt it. And if the club has any sense it will adapt similar marketing policies as addressed by the egg chasers.

[Monkfish]

just think the use of the word "brand" is a bad way in which to describe the club


Been called worse in fairness. :)

[sadloserkid]

Been called worse in fairness. :)

And Limerick Brand FC is one of the few names left unused by us too. :)

[Jofspring]

I've been going to rugby matches in Thomond Park and all over Europe for as long as I can remember. I've also been going to League of Ireland football for over 30 years. Does that make me an 'alickadoo'? I would hardly describe my interest as being feigned. Comments about Munster are not really fair. Its human nature to support something that little bit more when its successful. If Limerick FC get promoted next season their attendances will probably quadruple because they will be playing better teams that the public want to see. Will you criticise and judge these people when they jump on the Limerick FC bandwagon? I doubt it. And if the club has any sense it will adapt similar marketing policies as addressed by the egg chasers.

Agree with you totally. I'd be similar in supporting, Limerick, Munster and Shannon at every possible chance so i don't agree with calling all Munster fans bandwagoners or whatever as i certainly am not one.

[sadloserkid]

The ovewhelming majority of Munster fans are the worst type of sports fan, people who never darkened the door of an AIL club or who, even worse in my opinion, have totally abandoned the AIL because there's a newer, bigger, brighter, cooler show in town.

I doubt that anybody here has any negativity to bestow upon genuine rugby fans. It's the other 90% or so that are beneath contempt.

And I probably will look think a little less of those who hop onboard our own wagon if and when it stops moving. I won't make a big deal about it because their money would certainly be welcomed but somebody who is only willing to support a local team when they're succesful doesn't deserve the same respect as somebody who follows them regardless of form and profile irrespective of the sporting code we're tlking about.

[jebus]

Remember when Young Munster vs Garryowen was the biggest show in town? Good times and I have a lot of respect for those that continue to support their AIL side (most Munster fans probably don't even realise that this league still exists), but I'll never have respect for Munster, any of their achievements or their non-AIL supporting fans.

Similarly back in the 90s I remember when the hurlers were playing Offaly in the Final up in Croke Park and one of the old lads who came into our bar (sadly has passed away since) and went to all Limerick games (league and cup)found it very difficult to get his hands on a ticket for the match because of all the families in their shiny new Limerick jerseys grabbing them. Luckily one of the lads in the bar was able to get a spare for him, but for a while it was looking like he'd be watching on the telly with us.

Irish people in general are shocking when it comes to jumping on and off bandwagons (Chelsea and Arsenal jerseys popping up out of nowhere back when they were winning leagues, the Ole Ole brigade that watch Ireland, the rugby crowd that followed the highs and lows of Drico's life), but Limerick people do seem to have the edge on the rest of the country in this respect

[Jofspring]

The ovewhelming majority of Munster fans are the worst type of sports fan, people who never darkened the door of an AIL club or who, even worse in my opinion, have totally abandoned the AIL because there's a newer, bigger, brighter, cooler show in town.

I doubt that anybody here has any negativity to bestow upon genuine rugby fans. It's the other 90% or so that are beneath contempt.

And I probably will look think a little less of those who hop onboard our own wagon if and when it stops moving. I won't make a big deal about it because their money would certainly be welcomed but somebody who is only willing to support a local team when they're succesful doesn't deserve the same respect as somebody who follows them regardless of form and profile irrespective of the sporting code we're tlking about.

I agree with you there as the majority of Munster fans are bandwagoners and have abandoned or never supported an AIL club, it is very frustrating going to matches and listening to these "Munster Fans" talking ****e or losing out on tickets to matches to these people. I just don't like when all fans are thought to be this way( i know thats not what your saying but alot of people think of all Munster fans as bandwagoners and it can be frustrating).

They can all come to Jackman Park on friday though and spend their money if they want :p ....... no seriously though i know there will be alot of people jumping on to the limerick boat if they start becoming successful but i suppose thats the majority of the Irish sporting public for you and their is nothing can be done about it. There are also lots of genuine fans out their that probably need that push to go to matches aswell or that supported them years ago and for whatever reason stopped going to matches. Hopefully Limerick can tap into these kinds of fans and not the ones that only want to watch Limerick if they are in the premier playing top teams week in week out and won't go to the lesser matches. :ball:

[Dark Horse]

TBH there are people in Limerick born and breed that have been to Old Trafford more times than go and watch Limerick play and I for one think its a disgrace.

[LK37oldskool]

have to agree with all the above comments.having spent years going to Garryowen matchs and the inter pros(remember those!) when success came along for Team Munster i could not get a Heiniken Cup ticket for love or money. I hope when Limerick FC get success they wont forget those few hundred that turned up every week these last few years.

[KevB76]

No more questions just think the use of the word "brand" is a bad way in which to describe the club


Agreed thats a terrible way for the club to refer to itself.

Most of us see Limerick FC as a club, in other words something we are a part of, ours. (In reality its not I suppose, but the word club gives us that feeling anyway).

If its going to be referred to as a brand, thats a cold, exclusive kind of term. Gives off the impression that you are just a consumer of a product, nothing more or less. That may be closer to the reality, but I'm not taking days off work and driving 5, 6 hours to Ballybofey, Monaghan etc etc every couple of weeks to purchase a product.

:mad:

[KevB76]

If Limerick FC get promoted next season their attendances will probably quadruple because they will be playing better teams that the public want to see. Will you criticise and judge these people when they jump on the Limerick FC bandwagon? I doubt it.

I'd be very surprised if most of the regulars on here did not criticise and judge any newbies, have you not seen the stick they give some of the exisitng fans!!!

To be fair, most people on here have been following Limerick all over the country for years, even in times when there were only 50 people at home games, and that in my opinion gives them every right to consider themselves better fans than the new supporters who will hopefully be attracted when we become more succesful.

Dont get me wrong though, I look forward to the day when the club is successful and can attract all these new people, who are essential for the club to progress. I for one wont be making any judgements or critcisms.

[KevB76]

And I probably will look think a little less of those who hop onboard our own wagon if and when it stops moving.

:eek: You serious? Who'd have thought ! :p :D

[Lim till i die]

Most posts here hitting nail on the head so not gonna dwell.

Just on the "brand" thing, it's probably a much easier way for Jack Mac to get his head around things as he would have little concept of a club, coming as he does from franchise land.

l37oldskool - Garryowen?!?! FOR SHAME!!

Also, alickadoo is now officially one of my favourite words ever :D

[GenerationXI]

Will you criticise and judge these people when they jump on the Limerick FC bandwagon? I doubt it.

Yes I will. Happily. Fans are the most important part of making a team - well, one without a Russian sugar-daddy - successful. The reason the majority of us go and buy a jersey or several every year, take part in half-time draws and buy programmes and merchandise is to support the club. If, for example, we battle along all year next year and officially win the league (in Cobh and invade the pitch *looks into the distance and weeps gently*) then I'll be fukkin pi55ed if I come into a packed shed the following March to listen to snotty prats in their United or, worse yet, Munster Jerseys, talking about how we need to tighten up at the back. If those people care at all they need to climb on now and help build something. But that's not the Irish way clearly.


I'll never have respect for Munster, any of their achievements or their non-AIL supporting fans.


Similarly, if the government decided to pump millions into provincial football teams and a 'Munster' football team went all the way to winning the champioins league or uefa cup I wouldn't want to know. What the hell is 'Munster' anyway? I mean how can people a) feel like they belong to a province; and b) feel represented by a side like that?

[joeSoap]

Yes I will. Happily. Fans are the most important part of making a team - well, one without a Russian sugar-daddy - successful. The reason the majority of us go and buy a jersey or several every year, take part in half-time draws and buy programmes and merchandise is to support the club. If, for example, we battle along all year next year and officially win the league (in Cobh and invade the pitch *looks into the distance and weeps gently*) then I'll be fukkin pi55ed if I come into a packed shed the following March to listen to snotty prats in their United or, worse yet, Munster Jerseys, talking about how we need to tighten up at the back. If those people care at all they need to climb on now and help build something. But that's not the Irish way clearly.



Similarly, if the government decided to pump millions into provincial football teams and a 'Munster' football team went all the way to winning the champioins league or uefa cup I wouldn't want to know. What the hell is 'Munster' anyway? I mean how can people a) feel like they belong to a province; and b) feel represented by a side like that?

Clearly some of the most narrow minded opinion I have read here in ages. You have gone on in another thread about how every one should have the right to post their opinions on this forum, and it doesn't matter if they haven't been to as many games as others etc etc. Fair point. By the same token everyone should have the right to support Limerick 37/FC whether they get promoted or not, and support Munster just because its the cool thing to do. Thats as much their right as the ones you were calling for in the other thread.

And the revenue these 'alickadoos' bring to Munster enables them to sign players like Doug Howlett. Enough said. People don't have to care that much to support a team. The majority of fans of every successful club don't care-thats a fact. They just want to feel they're a part of something big. But they're still the ones that bring in the much needed dosh, so even if you have no respect for it, you shouldn't criticise it either.

[harpin]

with calling all Munster fans bandwagoners or whatever as i certainly am not one.

That was not my intention. I am aware there are devout rugby supporters who follow them.......a lot of them are know nowt gimps though

[Jofspring]

That was not my intention. I am aware there are devout rugby supporters who follow them.......a lot of them are know nowt gimps though

I know that wasn't your intention and i agree in a later post that most fans are bandwagoners.

[Jofspring]

but I'll never have respect for Munster, any of their achievements or their non-AIL supporting fans

Can't agree with the part about not respecting Munster for their achievements, its not the players fault that most fans are bandwagoners. The players on the pitch know who the real fans are and most the players have come from local AIL clubs and still help out with their clubs and know the people that support the AIL clubs, they put in 100% on the pitch for the real fans. Agree though about not having respect for people that will only support Munster and not AIL clubs.

[GenerationXI]

Clearly some of the most narrow minded opinion I have read here in ages. . . everyone should have the right to support Limerick 37/FC whether they get promoted or not, and support Munster just because its the cool thing to do. Thats as much their right as the ones you were calling for in the other thread.


True. The question was whether I'd be critical of people jumping on the L37FC bandwagon and the truth is I would. I can't help that, it would just bother me.

Don't get me wrong, increased interest in the club can only be a good thing, and the more the merrier by all means. But, to run with the promotion thing, if we do go up and then come straight back down and then crowds dwindle (as they do) are we all still gonna be talking about how great all those people who came to our first 8 or so games in the premier were? Hardly.

Equally, if we go up and all the nubes create a great atmosphere and push the team on then I'll hold my hand up and say "I'm glad you people jumped on, you all made a difference."

Don't misinterpret me, I respect fandom in all it's forms. I appreciate that some people feel about Munster, Celtic, United, Liverpool, Fernando Alonso as most of the posters on this site feel about their teams and I respect that. I don't question that. I do question people who change the channel when the team they allegedly support go a goal down, or get knocked out of the Heiniken cup.

[sadloserkid]

You hopped on just in time GXI it would appear anyway. :p

[GenerationXI]

You hopped on just in time GXI it would appear anyway. :p

I was just thinking that myself. If this all goes bad I could always borrow an Irish Cricket jersey.

[sadloserkid]

I was just thinking that myself. If this all goes bad I could always borrow an Irish Cricket jersey.

That one is running out of steam too... no you'll just have to stick with Charlton if this doesn't work out... oh... wait... :eek:

[LK37oldskool]

Most posts here hitting nail on the head so not gonna dwell.

Just on the "brand" thing, it's probably a much easier way for Jack Mac to get his head around things as he would have little concept of a club, coming as he does from franchise land.

l37oldskool - Garryowen?!?! FOR SHAME!!

Also, alickadoo is now officially one of my favourite words ever :D

wtf? Have i missed something LTID:confused:

[JohnD]

Don't Worry Ireland will be playing in the Twenty 20 World Cup next Summer and I will be sporting my Irish Cricket Jersey :)

JohnD

[Monkfish]

wtf? Have i missed something LTID:confused:

LTID is one of these guys who now thinks it trendy and cool to follow Young Munsters like all the hundreds of fans who now go back there since the promotion campaign of last year. :p

We all know Thomond are the only working class club in the town left! :)

[LK37oldskool]

So is following a club in whatever code really about class distinction. Wow what a forum! We've moved into a philosophy debate.:rolleyes:

[Monkfish]

So is following a club in whatever code really about class distinction. Wow what a forum! We've moved into a philosophy debate.:rolleyes:

No its called a joke, what a way to play up to the humourless Garryowen rugby toff stereotype.

[LK37oldskool]

humourless Garryowen rugby toff :p
Stop your killing me! First time i've ever been called a toff. not sure if i'm pleased.But thank you anyway.
mr.Monkfish your humour is growing on me.:eek:

[Monkfish]

mr.Monkfish your humour is growing on me.:eek:

It takes time. :p you might not like me shouting on 'the mighty bucks' come 5 on sat though. :)

[LK37oldskool]

I did'nt realise your from Galway :D

[Lim till i die]

Clearly some of the most narrow minded opinion I have read here in ages.

No harm Joe he isn't here a wet weekend.

[Monkfish]

I did'nt realise your from Galway :D

Not from Athlone either! :o:o

[Lim till i die]

You hopped on just in time GXI it would appear anyway. :p

Hasn't much right talking down to the JoeSoaps of this world in fairness man.

I've actually devised a pecking order for snideness man.

It goes:

JoeSoap
Gael
Me
Mr. Fish
You
JohnD
Jebus
GenXI

So let it be written etc etc :p

[LK37oldskool]

Athlone/Galway...same diff

[Lim till i die]

So is following a club in whatever code really about class distinction. Wow what a forum! We've moved into a philosophy debate.:rolleyes:

All together now:

"Garryowen are the boys in blue, W@N$ERS!!"

Lighten up for jaysus sake! :)


We all know Thomond are the only working class club in the town left!

Cmereanitelluref, you're only a HANNNNNNNNNNNNNNDIIIIIIIIICAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!

The Old Belvedere pavillion it aint :D

[sadloserkid]

Hasn't much right talking down to the JoeSoaps of this world in fairness man.

You see you play a dangerous game when you decide that it's ok for certain people to dismiss other people's opinions as they see fit. :) Obviously, if one is to take your scale of expertise that is ones' opinion times the period one has supported the club multiplied by the % of games one has been to in the last year then GXI is right down there with the newest of newbies and obviously he shouldn't be talking down to the JoeSoaps of this world. That said there shouldn't be any talking down to anybody on a systematic basis.

What actually happens on this internet forum is that everybody gets to express an opinion and as long as it is within the forum rules and doesn't fall afoul of my good self or the super mods it is deemed acceptable. It's almost right wing enough that Monkfish should approve on some level. :D

[Football MaD]

LTID is one of these guys who now thinks it trendy and cool to follow Young Munsters like all the hundreds of fans who now go back there since the promotion campaign of last year. :p

We all know Thomond are the only working class club in the town left! :)
Actually Richmond is! :D

[L37Ultra]

The ovewhelming majority of Munster fans are the worst type of sports fan, people who never darkened the door of an AIL club or who, even worse in my opinion, have totally abandoned the AIL because there's a newer, bigger, brighter, cooler show in town.

I doubt that anybody here has any negativity to bestow upon genuine rugby fans. It's the other 90% or so that are beneath contempt.

And I probably will look think a little less of those who hop onboard our own wagon if and when it stops moving. I won't make a big deal about it because their money would certainly be welcomed but somebody who is only willing to support a local team when they're succesful doesn't deserve the same respect as somebody who follows them regardless of form and profile irrespective of the sporting code we're tlking about.


Could you not use the same argument that many Limerick fans are involved/support with a Junior club in town so therefore they are not genuine football fans?

Genunie question, I just don't understand the whole rugby thing (even though I played it for a short while)

[joeSoap]

Genunie question, I just don't understand the whole rugby thing (even though I played it for a short while) Rugby in Limerick has always been parochial, and was always very strongly supported at club level until Munsters sucess in the Heineken Cup came along. Now, clubs have been decimated as Munster recruit all of their talent and forbid them playing club rugby. Shannon, the most successful club in the history of Irish rugby have lost the services of players such as Marcus Horan, Jerry Flannery, John Hayes, Mick Galwey, John Langford, Eddie Halvey, Alan Quinlan, Anthony Foley and Peter Stringer over the past few years, and with that, they lost a lot of their crowds. Young Munster and Garryowen were similarly hit in such a way if not to as great an extent. Thomond Park was packed to the rafters for any game involving these three, and one of the most soughtafter rugby trophies, the Munster Senior Cup has become a joke in latter years. All of this has been a result of Munster success and while it is great for all involved, it too is worrying because in years to come, a kid won't want to play under 8's for Shannon or Munsters, he'll want to play it for Munster and there won't be a structure for him to play in. The game will suffer.

Football fans generally are resentful of Munsters success for a variety of reasons; the crowds attracted to rugby, the trophies, the apparent glamour and media hype, and so on. I personally would be resentful of it, but only slightly for what they have done to my club, Shannon, and to guys from Garryowen and Munsters and Crescent like me who grew up in a club environment that is dying. But I appreciate the world class rugby team it has brought to Limerick and admire all it has done for the city, both on and off the field.

Bottom line is that Limerick people are the most stubborn, proud and arrogant supporters of their teams, no matter who they are. But everyone has a right to call themselves a supporter if they support. I am a Limerick 37, Munster, Shannon, Manchester United, Limerick hurling and Ireland(both codes) supporter as I go to games involving all of them whenever I can and want them all to do well. I don't really care what slagging I get for it...I give as good as I get back. Thats what it should be all about...banter, good craic and a desire to see your team or teams win, and fcuk the begrudgers!!:ball:

[L37Ultra]

Rugby in Limerick has always been parochial, and was always very strongly supported at club level until Munsters sucess in the Heineken Cup came along. Now, clubs have been decimated as Munster recruit all of their talent and forbid them playing club rugby. Shannon, the most successful club in the history of Irish rugby have lost the services of players such as Marcus Horan, Jerry Flannery, John Hayes, Mick Galwey, John Langford, Eddie Halvey, Alan Quinlan, Anthony Foley and Peter Stringer over the past few years, and with that, they lost a lot of their crowds. Young Munster and Garryowen were similarly hit in such a way if not to as great an extent. Thomond Park was packed to the rafters for any game involving these three, and one of the most soughtafter rugby trophies, the Munster Senior Cup has become a joke in latter years. All of this has been a result of Munster success and while it is great for all involved, it too is worrying because in years to come, a kid won't want to play under 8's for Shannon or Munsters, he'll want to play it for Munster and there won't be a structure for him to play in. The game will suffer.




But sure the same happens in GAA when players play for their clubs and also play with their countys if choosen.

Would you not consider Munster as a club? They play against club sides in the Heiniken Cup and Celtic League?

[sadloserkid]

Would you not consider Munster as a club? They play against club sides in the Heiniken Cup and Celtic League?

One of the things that really bothers me about Munster is precisely that they're not clubs but basically an artificial creation, inflated by IRFU money, that is competing against actual clubs. Why weren't our clubs allowed to enter the Heineken Cup anyway? Because they weren't good enough? The same argument could be made of LOI clubs in Europe but I'd be utterly appalled to see it happen in football.

[Green_Hoop]

You can hardly call Munster a club, If you look at it they get automatic qualification into the Heineken cup every regardless of how they do,whereas English/French teams have to field full teams the following week after a Heineken cup game to ensure they have a chance to qualify for the competition the following year, whilst Munster send out a bunch of 2nd string players against Newport so that their 1st team get a "rest".

I agree with the majority of posts above me, only thing that was missing was a post about the "Munster Supporters Club", which is in my Opinion the biggest joke of a " Supporters Club" going, the vast majority didn't attend a game until Circa 2000/01 or so, I remember the days when 60 or so lost souls attend the Inter Provence fixture between Munster and Leinster in a wind swept Garryown,and that was only 9/10 years ago. They should introduce some sort of ticketing system where you qualify for Munster tickets through your attendance to AIL games with you local club.

Back on Topic its as easy as this,the more successful you are the bigger the crowds, the more the money you get. I've been the few games out in Thomond park so far and am of firm belief that the "Munster" brand is losing touch with the people who were there when they played because it was an honour to do so, the corporate brand is quickly taking over.. Would be a shame to see Limerick FC to follow suit..

[joeSoap]

But sure the same happens in GAA when players play for their clubs and also play with their countys if choosen.m Wrong. And a very different scenario. Inter-county fixtures rarely if ever clash with competitive club games in counties, so a club side is rarely down its county contingent for any competitive game it plays.


Would you not consider Munster as a club? They play against club sides in the Heiniken Cup and Celtic League? Munster now has become a club I suppose, in so far as its a fully professional entity, yet you'll never see real Munster born talent play for Leinster and vice-versa. They play against club sides from England and France who are also professional. Welsh sides bar Cardiff are also provincially drawn such as the Ospreys and the Dragons. Scottish clubs are just pure muck and don't merit consideration.

Munster will never be a club in the true meaning of the word, but I'll still support them as I love the game they play and they're my local professional rugby team.