Rugby now more popular than football AND GAA?!

[tetsujin1979]

on the participation issue, today's Independent has this article about rugby's increase in popularity worldwide: http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/a-triumph-of-hype-and-good-marketing-2615101.html

The study also looks at participation levels by country. The top ten nations in terms of participation in 2008 were the traditional Six Nations and Tri Nations sides plus Argentina. But this picture is changing as Japan, Sri Lanka and the USA all feature in the top ten for 2010.

Ireland figures at fourth in the list, behind England, South Africa and France, and ahead of New Zealand. (Ireland has 153,080 registered players at all ages, versus 137,835 in New Zealand and 2,549,196 in England.)
First of all, more registered players than New Zealand is astonishing, given the relative popularity of the game here and there.

Are there any figures from the FAI on registered players in the country?

[BonnieShels]

on the participation issue, today's Independent has this article about rugby's increase in popularity worldwide: http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/a-triumph-of-hype-and-good-marketing-2615101.html

First of all, more registered players than New Zealand is astonishing, given the relative popularity of the game here and there.

Are there any figures from the FAI on registered players in the country?

That's a spectacular statistic about our reg players v New Zealand's. And they don't have the sort of competition we have with other sports.

[DannyInvincible]

New Zealand has a population of 4.4 million people whereas I assume the Irish figure includes registered players both north and south, so within a population of about 6.2 million people. For a better comparison, about 2.4% of the Irish population are registered as players whilst about 3.1% of the New Zealand population are registered as players, although you might still expect that to be a bit higher considering it's their national sport.

[BonnieShels]

New Zealand has a population of 4.4 million people whereas I assume the Irish figure includes registered players both north and south, so within a population of about 6.2 million people. For a better comparison, about 2.4% of the Irish population are registered as players whilst about 3.1% of the New Zealand population are registered as players, although you might still expect that to be a bit higher considering it's their national sport.

Well I'd say the figures are island-wide as the IRFU is an all-Ireland association.
Nice take on the figures Danny.
Still, though as their national sport it's bizarre. Maybe kids are tired of breaking their balls all the way to senior grades only for clubs and NZRU to nick some lads from Tonga et al.

[Charlie Darwin]

Some New Zealanders get quite upset when you assume that they all love rugby. They're big into the cricket and soccer too and sailing is big among the richer classes. It's also possible they record players differently, or that the sport is so much more accessible that players don't need to join a club to play. League is also a very popular working class sport there - I'm not sure if that's factored in.

I studied some alternative maps of Europe a few months back, where people from particular countries would rename the others according to their national stereotype. Most countries called us "Guinness" or "potatoes" but, interestingly, the Italian map called us "rugby."

[gspain]

Proper football fans in New Zealand too much n=better than their neighbours. Experienced both on comsecutive days during the world cup. Aussies queueing for beer with their backs to the game for most of the first half. Kiwis much smaller in numbers but louder, passionate and much more into the game. They take their shirts off for the final ten minutes as a message to rugby fans that football is a 90 minute game. Not a rugby shirt in sight too in the Kiwi support but too many in the Aussie fans.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Sounds about right. Pal of mine covers NZ games for the media (sorry, no links Dodge), but if helps, most of Kiwis I've experienced (through playing soccer) love both sports, but football first.

Though on visits have encountered locals, mainly the older generation or 'man mountains', who described soccer as, erm, a poof's game. Make of that what you will.

[elroy]

They take their shirts off for the final ten minutes as a message to rugby fans that football is a 90 minute game.

Ha ha funny but in reality the physical 'abuse' a body takes over a rugger match is well in excess of either Gaa or football. I think this could be a major problem in their game in years to come. We are only now starting to see players reach the end of their career who have played rugby entirely in the professional era i.e. what condition are these lads going to be in by the time they are 50. Genuniely think it is a serious issue for their game. Look at American football for example and how crocked many ex players and even more seriously the long term effects concusion has had on them.

[Macy]

They take their shirts off for the final ten minutes as a message to rugby fans that football is a 90 minute game.
Fair enough, when football introduces "time off" for hold ups and injuries.

[punkrocket]

Okay so the atendances for the home games have been pretty poor lately but how about fans travelling to the away games. I haven't been to one since Bari which is a while ago now. Any regular travellers think it's dipped much if at all?

[ArdeeBhoy]

Only went to Armenia, whose distance and cost meant it was more one for the 'diehards'.

Slovakia didn't appeal (as for a long time it looked like the game would be in Bratislava) and neither do most of the other trips (Macedonia is a total kip, the 2nd. worst country I've been to in Europe;Moscow for personal security reasons;Andorra, only of interest if it gets played there, rather than Barcelona).
That said it doesn't mean would go to any, but financial issues are also a concern for many.....myself included.

However, credit to anyone who does go, know a few people going to most games.

[Kingdom]

I go to at least one away match in a campaign; two if practical. Going to Macedonia, and if we're still in with a shout then I'll be off to Andorra. Will see what happens re the Play off.

[pineapple stu]

I go to at least one away match in a campaign; two if practical[...] If we're still in with a shout then I'll be off to Armenia.
Will you be borrowing mypost's tardis for that one?

[Crosby87]

Ardee you sound like a 3 year old. Whaw I dont like this I dont like that. Moscow is perfectly safe, no difference in being aware than Dublin, London or NYC.
Dont be scared by what people tell you to try to scare you. Macedonia is fine. Why didnt you like it? Expected Paris? I understand the financial part but just to live your life scared like that? Why bother at all?
Going to places like Macedonia and Slovakia to watch Ireland are fun as hell.
2 Sundays ago in the New York Times, their respected travel writer wrote a long article about how he decided to go to countries and cities that for 20 years of writing he has avoided based on others negative comments. HE ended up liking some of them the best of anywhere he has ever been! And he's been everywhere.

[Kingdom]

Will you be borrowing mypost's tardis for that one?

Of course that should read Andorra.....it does now!

[gspain]

Our away crowds are well down in recent years imo.

[paul_oshea]

One thing that has always helped GAAs popularity is the fact that kids "heroes" can be seen walking through the town any day of the week or whatever, so they were accessible and seen locally. I think rugby has somewhat taken that route though with the likes of heaslip and kearney and the likes in niteclubs like krystal etc, and the limerick crowd going to local pubs and what not. I think if soccer can start to emulate that it will go a long way the likes of coleman, doyle, hunt, long going to their local GAA dinner dances for example or just supporting local events and what not goes a long way to this. Reconnecting with the people, if you want to call it that.

[Kingdom]

When the National football players go out and socialise they get lamped for doing so. There is no comparison amongst them. Reconnection has nothing to do with poor crowds at home or abroad.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Ardee you sound like a 3 year old. Whaw I dont like this I dont like that. Moscow is perfectly safe, no difference in being aware than Dublin, London or NYC.
Dont be scared by what people tell you to try to scare you. Macedonia is fine. Why didnt you like it? Expected Paris? I understand the financial part but just to live your life scared like that? Why bother at all?
Going to places like Macedonia and Slovakia to watch Ireland are fun as hell.
2 Sundays ago in the New York Times, their respected travel writer wrote a long article about how he decided to go to countries and cities that for 20 years of writing he has avoided based on others negative comments. HE ended up liking some of them the best of anywhere he has ever been! And he's been everywhere.

What are you on about???
Been to 30 countries in Europa. Including Macedonia and Slovakia to watch Ireland!
I think at this stage, I know what I'm talking about. Just

And Moscow, yeah know what you mean, but short of going in and out of there in a protective bubble, thanks but no thanks.
There are additional security issues for some people, I'm unlikely to risk.

[paul_oshea]

When the National football players go out and socialise they get lamped for doing so. There is no comparison amongst them. Reconnection has nothing to do with poor crowds at home or abroad.

Well I know keane has been out over here in the last few months to Irish places, and the places have been packed because he has been in there. And you would be surprised how many people have come out saying how sound he is and this and that. People who would normally give out about players. Do you think now they will still do that? No they wont.

Its always been a very strong element of the GAA - community - and it has worked wonders, its why you always see huge homecomings for County teams upon success(bar kingdom and dublin :D not looking ay anyone ;p), it keeps them in the minds of the locals. And yes it does mean they get greater support.

[gspain]

Ardee you sound like a 3 year old. Whaw I dont like this I dont like that. Moscow is perfectly safe, no difference in being aware than Dublin, London or NYC.
Dont be scared by what people tell you to try to scare you. Macedonia is fine. Why didnt you like it? Expected Paris? I understand the financial part but just to live your life scared like that? Why bother at all?
Going to places like Macedonia and Slovakia to watch Ireland are fun as hell.
2 Sundays ago in the New York Times, their respected travel writer wrote a long article about how he decided to go to countries and cities that for 20 years of writing he has avoided based on others negative comments. HE ended up liking some of them the best of anywhere he has ever been! And he's been everywhere.

I didn't find Moscow to be as safe as Dublin, London et al. The local police supplement their income by either fining tourists for not having their passports or charging them to return their passports. Skinhead gangs attacked Irish fans in 2002. I'm still going but won't be wearing colours. Judging by the people I know it will be a really
small travelling contingent. Of our 6 in Yerevan I'm the only one going to Moscow.

My own experience of Skopje in 1999 was not good either and I'm unsure what to expect this time. I know there were problems in 97 too but I wasn't there. On balance I think it will be fine and do plan on wearing colours but am still a little concerned.

In general I'd accept your point because cities such as Yerevan, Tirana, Podgorica and Bursa were great to visit and much better than Paris. :-)

[gustavo]

Well I know keane has been out over here in the last few months to Irish places, and the places have been packed because he has been in there. And you would be surprised how many people have come out saying how sound he is and this and that. People who would normally give out about players. Do you think now they will still do that? No they wont.

Its always been a very strong element of the GAA - community - and it has worked wonders, its why you always see huge homecomings for County teams upon success(bar kingdom and dublin :D not looking ay anyone ;p), it keeps them in the minds of the locals. And yes it does mean they get greater support.
Sligo Rovers and I'm sure many other clubs have a very strong community presence so it exists for football too in this country

[Stuttgart88]

Stephen Ireland really likes Cork.

My mate in Wexford says he regularly sees Kevin Doyle, and he bumped into Stephen Hunt in Rosslare. I agree with what PO'S says to a large extent though, but it's back to the same point - it is totally unrealistic to expect our best players to be able to earn a living in Ireland.

[peadar1987]

Stephen Ireland really likes Cork.

My mate in Wexford says he regularly sees Kevin Doyle, and he bumped into Stephen Hunt in Rosslare. I agree with what PO'S says to a large extent though, but it's back to the same point - it is totally unrealistic to expect our best players to be able to earn a living in Ireland.


Maybe not our best players, but definitely some solid players, or players at either end of their careers, which would still attract interest. I'd say a lot more people would go to LOI games if they could see the stars of tomorrow, aged, 18-22, and some older heroes finishing off their careers. Imagine if Roy Keane had decided to finish his career with Cobh, instead of Celtic, for example. St. Colman's Park would have been packed to the rafters all season. Same for Robbie Keane, or Duffer, if they went to Shams, or Shay Given at Finn Harps. And then there's no reason why the league couldn't afford the same wages as a decent Scottish club like Hibs or Aberdeen, if it were better supported, and provide fringe players of the quality of a Stokes, or a Miller.

[Stuttgart88]

I guess it's a circular argument. Better players = better standard & profile = better supported = more revenue = better players....

However, I think it's a hell of a leap from where we are today to being able to support the likes of a Liam Miller financially. Even a Ronnie O'Brien.

I do think that it'd be great if the ex-internationals would see out their last year or two in the LOI, out of a sense of charity or duty almost, but it's probably naive.

[Charlie Darwin]

Realistically it would only happen with more money. I know there are a few Shamrock Rovers fans about (Keane, Dunne) but there's no way we could compete with Celtic for their affections. To be fair, lads like Colin Healy and Gareth Farrelly have come back after short international careers.

[SwanVsDalton]

David Kelly's brief pre-retirement sojourn at the Brandywell is still fondly remembered by City heads everywhere. Helped us to the FAI Cup and, even at his age, was clearly a class above in his touch and awareness. Was also, simply, a really, really gracious guy.

They can earn a living in Ireland, if they're willing to take a massive pay cut and actually live here. It remains to be seen whether the likes of the biggest players - Robbie, Duffer, Shay etc - would be willing to do either. Also it would be more likely to happen if these guys had much of an affinity with the LOI, and I don't think that's true of most Irish internationals either (perhaps another debating point for the pyramidisation of Irish football and the Junior leagues).

But it remains true these players can make a living if they think the benefits are worth the pay cut - and I think it's the middling players, perhaps those who've gone backwards, who could have the most to gain. These guys should be looking at Colin Doyle, Paddy McCourt and, in particular, Keith Fahey to see the benefits of a return to LOI.

These players shouldn't see it as a lesser league only fit for lesser players or over-the-hill jobbers - they should see it as fiercely competitive, physical and a showcase for a genuine talent. If that happened then maybe it could happen more often.

[DannyInvincible]

One thing that has always helped GAAs popularity is the fact that kids "heroes" can be seen walking through the town any day of the week or whatever, so they were accessible and seen locally. I think rugby has somewhat taken that route though with the likes of heaslip and kearney and the likes in niteclubs like krystal etc, and the limerick crowd going to local pubs and what not. I think if soccer can start to emulate that it will go a long way the likes of coleman, doyle, hunt, long going to their local GAA dinner dances for example or just supporting local events and what not goes a long way to this. Reconnecting with the people, if you want to call it that.

You could argue that League of Ireland clubs are fairly well rooted in their respective local communities but that hasn't really given rise to any substantial widespread popularity relative to, say, the local county GAA sides or the provincial rugby team or whatever. If Irish people wanted a local connection with their footballers, surely they'd attend League of Ireland games in their droves.

[peadar1987]

David Kelly's brief pre-retirement sojourn at the Brandywell is still fondly remembered by City heads everywhere. Helped us to the FAI Cup and, even at his age, was clearly a class above in his touch and awareness. Was also, simply, a really, really gracious guy.

They can earn a living in Ireland, if they're willing to take a massive pay cut and actually live here. It remains to be seen whether the likes of the biggest players - Robbie, Duffer, Shay etc - would be willing to do either. Also it would be more likely to happen if these guys had much of an affinity with the LOI, and I don't think that's true of most Irish internationals either (perhaps another debating point for the pyramidisation of Irish football and the Junior leagues).

But it remains true these players can make a living if they think the benefits are worth the pay cut - and I think it's the middling players, perhaps those who've gone backwards, who could have the most to gain. These guys should be looking at Colin Doyle, Paddy McCourt and, in particular, Keith Fahey to see the benefits of a return to LOI.

These players shouldn't see it as a lesser league only fit for lesser players or over-the-hill jobbers - they should see it as fiercely competitive, physical and a showcase for a genuine talent. If that happened then maybe it could happen more often.


I've always said that the LOI should look to loan players from the UK to try and raise its profile. If 10,000 people turn up to watch Liverpool reserves play a friendly, maybe they'll turn up when one of their young stars is getting some competitive game time. The whole thing is a circular process though. Raise interest >> get crowds up >> more money >> reinvest >> raise interest... The problem is that most LOI clubs have tended to self-destruct before they can get through one cycle of this.

[DannyInvincible]

Stephen Ireland really likes Cork.

My mate in Wexford says he regularly sees Kevin Doyle, and he bumped into Stephen Hunt in Rosslare. I agree with what PO'S says to a large extent though, but it's back to the same point - it is totally unrealistic to expect our best players to be able to earn a living in Ireland.

Andy Reid is doing his bit too for the Irish contingent in Manchester. According to a friend who works in Mulligan's Irish pub, he can be seen there regularly guzzling down the Guinnesses.

[DannyInvincible]

I've always said that the LOI should look to loan players from the UK to try and raise its profile. If 10,000 people turn up to watch Liverpool reserves play a friendly, maybe they'll turn up when one of their young stars is getting some competitive game time. The whole thing is a circular process though. Raise interest >> get crowds up >> more money >> reinvest >> raise interest... The problem is that most LOI clubs have tended to self-destruct before they can get through one cycle of this.

Rather bleak that piggy-backing off the affections Irish people have for British clubs might be a way forward, but I guess that's how desperate the situation is and what the League of Ireland is competing with.

[peadar1987]

Rather bleak that piggy-backing off the affections Irish people have for British clubs might be a way forward, but I guess that's how desperate the situation is and what the League of Ireland is competing with.


The main challenge is getting the punters through the gates for a couple of games. After that, the majority of football fans see that the league really isn't that bad, and that it's fun to cheer on a team in person, as well as in a pub. It's getting over the mental block some people have that we need to deal with.

[pineapple stu]

To be fair, lads like Colin Healy and Gareth Farrelly have come back after short international careers.
Curtis Fleming, Alan Moore and Liam O'Brien too. Though two of them had started in the LoI. And I think it's debatable how much the likes of those players have really boosted the LoI unfortunately. (Though that's not to say it isn't good to see them play in the league)

[Dodge]

I've always said that the LOI should look to loan players from the UK to try and raise its profile. If 10,000 people turn up to watch Liverpool reserves play a friendly, maybe they'll turn up when one of their young stars is getting some competitive game time.
They're going to see the 'brand' Liverpool. They don't care about any of the players.

There's been plenty of loan signings in the LOI and none have added to the gate.

[punkrocket]

It's covering some ground this thread.

People here have shown that they aren't interested in journeymen types coming back mid career no matter how much they help drive up the standards of play, they just want to see the stars off the telly. There used to be atradition of the auld fellas coming back to see out their careers at home, they've got too much in the bank by that stage these days and can't be ar*ed.

[Charlie Darwin]

Keith Gillespie going to Longford generated a bit of buzz from my non-LOI-supporting circle, but I'd have doubts about whether the interest would be enough to get people through the gates.

[Dodge]

I asked this of a couple of lOngford fans, and certainly his debut didn't see any extra in the gate

[Macy]

I asked this of a couple of lOngford fans, and certainly his debut didn't see any extra in the gate
Didn't get down, but my impression was the crowd was up. Hard to tell, as it's the best start to a season in a while. And also he hasn't even started yet! Hopefully he'll improve results to an extent we won't know whether it's the promotion push or him that has lead to the increase.

Just on the point about Premiership loanee's - most of them go to championship level, if not other premiership clubs. I don't see the LoI ever getting the quality loan players to make a difference. I'd also have reservations that a few quality players is going to be enough to change the mindset of the general football following population tbh. It'd just be some other excuse.

[paul_oshea]

I don't think its in the remit of a "supporter" of a football club to encourage others to go to games or promote their club, nor even a LOI fan, but those of you who are, just smack of defeatism, annoyance and indifference at non LOI football fans, and that attitude in itself will not encourage others to come along, it probably wont deter them either mind, because they aren't aware.

[Dodge]

I don't think its in the remit of a "supporter" of a football club to encourage others to go to games or promote their club
Thats because, as I've always told you, you simply don't get what being a supporter of a club is.


but those of you who are, just smack of defeatism, annoyance and indifference at non LOI football fans, and that attitude in itself will not encourage others to come along, it probably wont deter them either mind, because they aren't aware.
And again, the people who get annoyed becuase supporters of clubs have the temerity to call them out on their phoney reasons for not going to games, aren't the people who'd ever go toa game in the first place.

I'm deadly serious. Nobody who'd have even the remotest idea of maybe attending an Irish club's game would let the views of a few people on a message board deter them. For all the 'defeatist' stuff there's many multiples of that saying that supportinga team is a brillaint thing.

Only people looking for excuses look for the negative.

[paul_oshea]

Ya exactly, and ye guys sound so negative.

Btw - can you edit the "club" above please, I'm sure you'll understand why ;-)

[peadar1987]

I don't think its in the remit of a "supporter" of a football club to encourage others to go to games or promote their club, nor even a LOI fan, but those of you who are, just smack of defeatism, annoyance and indifference at non LOI football fans, and that attitude in itself will not encourage others to come along, it probably wont deter them either mind, because they aren't aware.

The thing is, as soon as someone steps through the turnstiles at an LOI ground, they're usually no longer a barstooler in the eyes of the supporters. Sure, most of us don't even mind if you turn up in a Liverpool or Celtic shirt. And we all give out about people who follow other leagues to the disadvantage of our own from time to time, but if we're actually having a conversation with you, it's far more likely to be along the lines of "ah come on down to the next game, it'll be great craic", as opposed to "you are the barstooling equivalent of Stalin, Pol Pot, and Louis Walsh all rolled into one".

You'll only find the odd crank who thinks that anyone who has ever watched football on the telly should be permanently barred from all LOI grounds. Everyone else would be more than happy to have you. If you ask nicely, they'll probably even let you buy them a pint in the bar after the game!

[Junior]

Its an interesting point, I've always sensed that there is a little 'under current' among some LOI supporters that post on here (by no means a lot I might add) that in some way, whilst they want the league to flourish and in the process have bigger crowds, more money, keep hold of homegrown players for longer etc, part of them may actually quite like the way it is. Perhaps akin to supporting a lower league English Team, you know more faces in the crowd, that sense of camaradarie, 'Punk Football' I think they were calling it when FC United were formed.

... I wonder if LOI crowds doubled overnight for all clubs, would there be a bit of a 'look at all these fecking johnny come latelys - remember the good old days!' reaction.

Not looking to stir anything here, just wondering would there be a bit of underlying resentment to the bandwagoners? Perhaps as it is more likely to be a very gradual change it would never be an issue.

My chances to attend LOI games are extremely rare. Bascially I come over for the International games and Holidays only but reading this forum over the years has meant I look out for it much more, read about it much more and appreciate it much more. If I can catch a game when I'm over then I would certainly try and do so, the quality really wouldnt be an issue for me (be it better or worse than I expected).

[pineapple stu]

Perhaps akin to supporting a lower league English Team, you know more faces in the crowd, that sense of camaradarie, 'Punk Football' I think they were calling it when FC United were formed.
That's one of the things I like about the league anyway. Thing is, any club's crowds could double and that would still apply, so I don't think anyone's wanting crowds to stay the same just because they prefer it that way.

[Dodge]

... I wonder if LOI crowds doubled overnight for all clubs, would there be a bit of a 'look at all these fecking johnny come latelys - remember the good old days!' reaction.
You'll get that everywhere. There are Manchester based united fans who lost interest whent ehy start winning everything. They are cranks though.

Without stirring, 3/4 years ago Rovers had average crowds of about 1,500 (and before that it'd have been less) but now its 3 times that. I don't think you'll find a single one of the 1,500 who wants to go back to those days. You might have the odd one moaning if they can't get an away ticket but again, overall they see the benefits

If it was Pats, I'd be more than willing to put up with 2,000 paul O'Sheas if it meant we could do more than barely survive... ;)

[Macy]

I think the only annoyance at cup finals with the bandwagoners is that they won't be back, rather than that they were there in the first place. As others have pointed out, we're many multiples of current crowds away from a situation where people can't get tickets with their mates, prices rises, having to sit down etc which would lead to resentment imo.

[Charlie Darwin]

Its an interesting point, I've always sensed that there is a little 'under current' among some LOI supporters that post on here (by no means a lot I might add) that in some way, whilst they want the league to flourish and in the process have bigger crowds, more money, keep hold of homegrown players for longer etc, part of them may actually quite like the way it is. Perhaps akin to supporting a lower league English Team, you know more faces in the crowd, that sense of camaradarie, 'Punk Football' I think they were calling it when FC United were formed.
There was a discussion along these lines in the LOI forum a few months back and a few people said more or less exactly that. They were the minority though.

[DannyInvincible]

You'll get that everywhere. There are Manchester based united fans who lost interest whent ehy start winning everything. They are cranks though.

I think the United situation is somewhat different. When clubs become a plaything for profit on the global market - or a mere brand, in essence - they invariably lose what might be viewed as their local soul. The fans probably couldn't connect with the marketing ambitions of the club, nor with the celebrities who were now purporting to represent them on the field. When what was once your club in every way begins purchasing token South Koreans and selling Fred the Red lamp-shades en masse in Japan, it's probably high time you had a re-think of what it's really all about. The gentrification and sanitisation of top-flight English football has understandably put many die-hards off. All-seater stadia have killed the atmosphere at games and rising ticket prices have made it unaffordable for the old stalwart working-class fans to attend. English football is sold to the affluent middle-class nowadays. Its values no longer share anything in common with those with whom it was traditionally associated. See, for example, Wayne Rooney receiving a two-match ban for swearing into a camera during an explosion of energy after scoring a goal. I mean, seriously?

From personal experience, League of Ireland support can tend to get somewhat "cliquey", but maybe that's a natural consequence of seeing the same heads at the games every week; it would only be expected that bonds be formed. Note the whole "real football, real fans" thing, however. I think that's indicative of a superiority complex which could very easily make those perceived as "outsiders" somewhat uncomfortable. I suppose you could also view it as pride. In saying all that, when I first travelled to Derry away games, I travelled alone, for want of a better word, on buses with supporters' clubs of which I wasn't a member and where I might have vaguely known one or two people, if even, but had no problem joining in or being made feel like I was part of it all.

Nor was there any heed passed if I ever started throwing up on the return journey, although the less said about that, the better. :embarrassed:

I suspect everyone else might have been either asleep or doing the same, mind. :p

I suppose most "established fans" don't mind just so long as you're supporting the club in some way. The real antipathy is reserved for those who seek to remain on the "outside", or, in other words, the infamous barstoolers.

[DannyInvincible]

What I write isn't an attack on those who attend LOI games week in and week out, by the way, but just an observation of sorts, as I have a huge deal of respect and admiration for those who support their clubs through thick and thin. One guy I know, a student living in Edinburgh, is so dedicated that he flies back and forth regularly - sometimes weekly - just to go to Derry games.

[Macy]

From personal experience, League of Ireland support can tend to get somewhat "cliquey", but maybe that's a natural consequence of seeing the same heads at the games every week; it would only be expected that bonds be formed. Note the whole "real football, real fans" thing, however. I think that's indicative of a superiority complex which could very easily make those perceived as "outsiders" somewhat uncomfortable. I suppose you could also view it as pride. In saying all that, when I first travelled to Derry away games, I travelled alone, for want of a better word, on buses with supporters' clubs of which I wasn't a member and where I might have vaguely known one or two people, if even, but had no problem joining in or being made feel like I was part of it all.
My experience would've been the complete opposite (or more like your away trip experience), even from going to none Longford games as a neutral. I would see it more welcoming than many other "events" I've been too over the years anyway that I've been sad enough to go alone/ be split from my mates.

Being outright hated by many match going fans doesn't stop lots going and/ or following United - and there's nowhere near that antipathy in the LoI, if any.