Does anyone on here actually go to the away matches. [Archive]

pineapple stu

11/09/2009, 12:58 PM

Find it hard since I changed job; only got to the Italy game this time.

The Cyprus roll call was very quiet; maybe the recession, maybe the fourth trip there this decade, maybe YBIG stealing custom.

NeilMcD

11/09/2009, 1:11 PM

gspain

11/09/2009, 1:43 PM

Yeah I was a bit wary of going to this one as I was there in 2005 and did not have a great trip, probably my only bad Ireland trip. Had a ball there with lots of people who are known to this site. Great craic and a great trip. Glad I stayed in Aya Napa, I think when there is over 10,000 going to a Cyprus Aya Napa is a disaster but when it was only about 2.500 then Aya Napa was a good spot to be based.

2006 was an awful lot worse.

Spent a night in Aya Napa in 2005 but not impressed. I'd much prefer Larnaca.

No desire to go back to Cyprus anytime soon.

So did you buy the ring?

MariborKev

11/09/2009, 2:12 PM

All them, bar Cyprus, this campaign.

All them, bar Cyprus, last campaign(can you see a pattern here......)

Sligo Hornet

11/09/2009, 2:32 PM

Not much activity after the away games on here. Is there many from the site going to the away games. If so how would you rate the away trips so far.

I do......we must meet up on the next one;)

Sligo Hornet

11/09/2009, 2:35 PM

2006 was an awful lot worse.

Spent a night in Aya Napa in 2005 but not impressed. I'd much prefer Larnaca.

No desire to go back to Cyprus anytime soon.

So did you buy the ring?

Saint Tom did

http://i26.tinypic.com/fctjrt.jpg

NeilMcD

11/09/2009, 2:39 PM

Saint Tom did

http://i26.tinypic.com/fctjrt.jpg

The calm before the madness.

NeilMcD

11/09/2009, 2:42 PM

I do......we must meet up on the next one;)

I heard you are a sarcy ******* though with a cute daughter.

shakermaker1982

11/09/2009, 2:50 PM

dublinred

11/09/2009, 3:01 PM

Didn't get to any this time , TBH not bothered anymore since Paris maybe its cause I am getting older now and have a family that I don't care about the away trips anymore expect its just a phase and might get interested again in a few years time.I think another factor might be that beacuse everyone else is older and more senisible now there isn't much new crazy stuff happening and you get sick of the same old stories.

pineapple stu

11/09/2009, 3:03 PM

zenokelly

11/09/2009, 3:03 PM

Only missed Bari and Sofia this time around.

All the activity seems to have transferred to ybig.

MariborKev

11/09/2009, 3:09 PM

Best thing to do is to think of it as a holiday (often to somewhere different) with a football game thrown in, instead of a week-long p!ss-up.

It's easy enough to get away from the Irish crowds at an away game for a couple of days if you want.

That's my attitude exactly Stu.

I've no interest in sitting in an Irish bar in <insert City here> with leprechauns and the usual stories.

This attitude has seen us end up at an Italian tupperware convention in Bari(Richard Dunne was also there, but that's another story),meeting Marco Tardelli and Manuela at the Ski Jump in Oslo, dunno who was more surprised there and the conversation that ensued. Or the visit to the military museum in Sofia that saw us get our photos taken with MIG fighters and inadvertently end up on an actual army base.

Ireland trips give me the excuse to go somewhere I wouldn't otherwise, the Faroe Islands being the perfect example.

NeilMcD

11/09/2009, 3:16 PM

I haven't been to an away trip this campaign (well Fulham doesn't really count) but have 'travelled' to all our home games. Buying a crazy labrador has limited my away game voyages. Fingers crossed I can make the away play off game if we qualify.

Man that is the worst excuse ever, Wives, Babies, losing yoru job, lack of funds, but a fecking dog. Roy Keane did not even use that as an excuse.

EastTerracer

11/09/2009, 3:32 PM

Due to a temporary reloaction to Amerikay they are all away trips for me at the moment but have made it to Bari, Sofia and all the home games. I think Bari was the highlight - Robbie's late goal and the 20 minutes singing in the ground (and on the tram/bus) afterwards were reminiscent of Ibaraki.

I will be at the last two home games and, assuming we make it, at both playoff games.

It does look like ybig has much more focus on the away trips, photos and stuff but I do find foot.ie to be better for analysis and debate. It's a bit like watching a game on Sky (for the glitz, hype and HD) and then switching back to RTE to see what the grumpy 'oul lads have to say about things.

NeilMcD

11/09/2009, 4:29 PM

Obviously when you say grumpy oul lad you cant mean youngirish. :)

philliyk

11/09/2009, 11:26 PM

Made Sofia + Bari, couldn't make the first 2 cause was on a weeks hols the week before(seriously bad planning cause booked a lads hol well before the qualifying draw was even made). Couldn't make cyprus cause couldn't get time of work but I have met one or two of here on the trips - just generally have that 1 shandy to many lots of the time - I did meet loads of you in Cardiff but couldn't remember names now at all.

As its only me & my mate that go away we generally latch on to some crowd of fans(always seems to be dubs or nordies for some reason) + he usually takes the pics + posts on ybig cause for some god damn reason I can't get logged in to it - i know its my PC but can't fix the problem!!

When we go back to Lansdowne & I lose my home tickets as on the WL I think i'll mainly just go to away matches as can't stand the 'home' fans that go along sit there & moan cause they expect to be entertained as though they where at the Bernabeau or Camp Nou - at least on away trips everyone is always up for supporting the team!!

newrynyuk

12/09/2009, 9:11 AM

Best thing to do is to think of it as a holiday (often to somewhere different) with a football game thrown in, instead of a week-long p!ss-up.

It's easy enough to get away from the Irish crowds at an away game for a couple of days if you want.

Spot on. I've always said football is an excuse to travel, not the other way round. No point in sitting in a generic Irish bar the whole time when you can go and see the sights, try something different on your dinner plate, sample the local beer, even chat with the locals (9 times out of 10, they're happy you are visiting). Often in places you wouldn't normally visit like Podgorica or San Marino.

Me? Cyprus last week was the first game I missed this campaign (didn't go in 2006 either after a horrible journey there in the previous year). Was hugely relieved about the win because the only matches Ireland have lost under Trapattoni (v Poland and Australia) were games I didn't attend.

NeilMcD

12/09/2009, 11:34 AM

There is no right way to to the trips, there is just whatever way you fecking want. I love seeing new countries, trying new beers, having good food, meeting locals, generally local girls to be honest and having the craic with the friends that I have met from a lot of the games over the last year or so. Must say Cyprus in 05 I was just with my brother this time I was with about 12 people from this site and what a trip. Power in numbers etc esp if you get a sound buch of people and Sligo Hornet.

gspain

12/09/2009, 1:11 PM

Me? Cyprus last week was the first game I missed this campaign (didn't go in 2006 either after a horrible journey there in the previous year). Was hugely relieved about the win because the only matches Ireland have lost under Trapattoni (v Poland and Australia) were games I didn't attend.

So we need to have a collection to make sure you attend the next 2 home games and possible playoffs. :D

Beavis

12/09/2009, 9:11 PM

Missed Bulgaria (in Australia) and Cyprus (cashless).

Without wanting to count my chickens, I'm saving for the play-off.
Sarajevo is the dream location. I'd love to leg it down Sniper's Alley dodging imaginary bullets !:o

Superhoops

12/09/2009, 9:16 PM

Apart from one 'refusnik' who declined Cyprus, full attendance for our crew of 4 for all games home (Croke Park and Thomond Park) and away.

ArdeeBhoy

13/09/2009, 12:34 AM

All them, bar Cyprus, this campaign.

All them, bar Cyprus, last campaign(can you see a pattern here......)

Ditto. Well almost, except Georgia!
But only because was already in Croatia!

Claret Murph

13/09/2009, 4:43 AM

Good to put a face to the name Neil in Cyprus , I see that your leg is still not 100%

newrynyuk

13/09/2009, 10:12 AM

So we need to have a collection to make sure you attend the next 2 home games and possible playoffs. :D

Save your pennies. Ireland won in Cyprus without me, so the curse has been lifted.

As I said, was at all the qualifyers except away to Cyprus. Will be at both home matches in October and very likely the two play-off games. I too would like Sarajevo. With Stockholm or Athens the next best.

NeilMcD

13/09/2009, 12:19 PM

Good to put a face to the name Neil in Cyprus , I see that your leg is still not 100%

Likewise Claret. Always great to meet sound heads who have a passion for football. Ahh leg is coming a long. More operations due but could be a lot worse.

AidoM

13/09/2009, 1:46 PM

Likewise Claret. Always great to meet sound heads who have a passion for football. Ahh leg is coming a long. More operations due but could be a lot worse.

That operation is not on the leg it's to get his wallet opened :rolleyes: :D

shakermaker1982

13/09/2009, 2:57 PM

Man that is the worst excuse ever, Wives, Babies, losing yoru job, lack of funds, but a fecking dog. Roy Keane did not even use that as an excuse.

Keane wouldn't have said a word at that meeting if he had to go home to my dog back in 2002!!!

To be fair I get plenty of passes out for the home games and going back to see Mayo in the football so I haven't dared try and take the mick by going to all the away games as well this time around :D. I used to bring her along to the away games and make it a holiday (go for at least 5 days) but those days are long gone with the arrival of the canine. Somebody has to look after it and I wouldn't put it in kennels.

NeilMcD

13/09/2009, 3:18 PM

Keane wouldn't have said a word at that meeting if he had to go home to my dog back in 2002!!!

To be fair I get plenty of passes out for the home games and going back to see Mayo in the football so I haven't dared try and take the mick by going to all the away games as well this time around :D. I used to bring her along to the away games and make it a holiday (go for at least 5 days) but those days are long gone with the arrival of the canine. Somebody has to look after it and I wouldn't put it in kennels.

I suppose different strokes for different folks but I save my looking after the dogs, for the football trips themselves. :)

shakermaker1982

13/09/2009, 3:25 PM

I suppose different strokes for different folks but I save my looking after the dogs, for the football trips themselves. :)

you won't be saying that about the local woman if we draw Sweden in the play offs!

I'd sell my dog to go to that away game!!!!

gufct

13/09/2009, 5:10 PM

made all bar montenegro this time. has to be the best qualifying group for class trips ever.

3rd time in Napa and its a dead on spot loved it.

Keen2win

13/09/2009, 6:17 PM

When I'm older I intend to go to a lot of the away matche and very few home ones!

Sligo Hornet

14/09/2009, 6:56 AM

Likewise Claret. Always great to meet sound heads who have a passion for football. Ahh leg is coming a long. More operations due but could be a lot worse.

The next one is to give you a limp wrist to go with your Gay foot!;)

JT,New'09

14/09/2009, 12:35 PM

The next one is to give you a limp wrist to go with your Gay foot!;)

Went to bulgaria and was in Limassol for cyprus game , good craic except been stranded in Franfurt for 32 hours , but we got there !! 400 Yagabombs later :)
Just hoping i can afford the play offs now , has anyone any idea of what dates were talking am i correct in saying it should be the 2-3 week in November?? ;)

Sligo Hornet

14/09/2009, 12:57 PM

Went to bulgaria and was in Limassol for cyprus game , good craic except been stranded in Franfurt for 32 hours , but we got there !! 400 Yagabombs later :)
Just hoping i can afford the play offs now , has anyone any idea of what dates were talking am i correct in saying it should be the 2-3 week in November?? ;)

JT.....the dates are 14th and 18th November

NeilMcD

14/09/2009, 10:15 PM

Claret Murph

15/09/2009, 6:29 AM

Leave poor old Hornet alone Neil , he spent far to long in the sun it plays tricks on the the brain I have been told .

AidoM

15/09/2009, 9:15 AM

Leave poor old Hornet alone Neil , he spent far to long in the sun it plays tricks on the the brain I have been told .

Are you sure you know who you're talking about Claret :rolleyes:

JT,New'09

15/09/2009, 12:32 PM

JT.....the dates are 14th and 18th November

Im screwed if the away leg is the 18th have no holidays left in work to take :confused: hopefully i can swindle something though ,

paul_oshea

15/09/2009, 1:01 PM

You always have sick days JT ;)

I realised this weekend, jaeggerbombs are not that nice, when you are sober.

seanfhear

15/09/2009, 1:06 PM

Man that is the worst excuse ever, Wives, Babies, losing yoru job, lack of funds, but a fecking dog. Roy Keane did not even use that as an excuse.The real reason Roy left Saipan was to see Triggs.

The rest was just a cover story. No grandmas died so it was not so bad.

jbyrne

15/09/2009, 1:14 PM

usually do 2 or 3 a campaign but only Bari this time. Will go to the play-off if we get there and SA if we qualify. money just too tight these days

JT,New'09

15/09/2009, 2:22 PM

You always have sick days JT

I realised this weekend, jaeggerbombs are not that nice, when you are sober.
Nope there not good . I got a major turn off them from Cyprus , it was like 2 times the yagamister than red bull yuk !! :mad:
As for my sick days Mr O Shea, i have only had 2 in a year in here !!
Employee of the year :)
Ah should be able to take them at own expense :rolleyes:

Claret Murph

15/09/2009, 3:20 PM

Are you sure you know who you're talking about Claret :rolleyes:

Now I did say the sun plays tricks Aido , my problem was alcohol and underground resturants , I still have the bruises :(

jaykay

15/09/2009, 3:37 PM

Made it to Montenegro and Bari this time (I ran into you on both occassions Neil!). Had a great time on both trips - just reminded now of Stephen Reid's performance in Podgorica and how much we have missed him since.

Was in Cyprus in 2005 - vowed to never go there again!!!

I think myself and the auldfella will go anywhere except Moscow if we get the playoff spot.

IsMiseSean

15/09/2009, 8:41 PM

I haven't been to an away game since Tel-Aviv in 2005...
Will try and make the playoff trip, if not then its the Euro 2012 campaign..
South Africa (if we make it) will just be way too expensive... The Dole doesnt pay that well :)

NeilMcD

15/09/2009, 9:05 PM

I kinda guessed that there was a few that did go to the games that were on the site but its been pretty quiet in relation to talkinga bout the trips etc. There is only so much you can take of talking of how Andy Reid should be in the squad etc. I know its the craic and the memories that I will always remember from the trips rather than the tactics etc although the results and the craic and tactics are part of the same thing.

DeLorean

16/09/2009, 2:10 PM

I've always said football is an excuse to travel, not the other way round

Yeah this is the way I look at it too. I won't spend hundreds going somewhere I don't want to go just to support the team. I went to Mainz because it was so convenient (ie. Kerry-Frankfurt Hahn). There's no way in the world I would have made it to Tblisi that time. Went to Bari (Rome) becuase it was an attractive trip, in fact, I was really hoping to get the Italians before the draw was made. I would have liked to have made Sofia but the timing wasn't great and Montenegro and Cyprus were a bit too much trouble as well this time round. Missed the Cyprus home match too, midweek trips to Dublin are a bit more trouble than their worth if I'm honest, although I did go to the Georgia one.

Green Tribe

16/09/2009, 2:41 PM

Has been quiet after the games. Made all but Sofia this time.
Will definitely go to the playoff away if on Saturday, if it midweek don't think work will allow the time off.
Playoffs are ballbreakers anyway with the nerves