Norn Iron rubbish part 23452346526

[bwagner]

Can anyone answer my question ? without having a cheap shot like Not Brazil

[Gather round]

Can anyone answer my question ? without having a cheap shot like Not Brazil

Do you mean 'are these players Roman Catholics'? If so, I think the ones you mentioned are/ were. Maybe others too. Who cares?

[ArdeeBhoy]

Yes, unlike the current situation where everybody has a national team which they can feel is representative of them.

The merger would undoubtedly leave a sizeable number of NI citizens without any team which they feel represents them. You, apparently, have no problem with that.

Of course they do. Not.

And as if the current situation is any different to what you suggest.

[bwagner]

I care hence why im asking, right

[Gather round]

B Wagner- sorry, didn't mean that to sound so abrupt. I don't care and none of my friends who support NI care either, so I suppose we just get a bit surprised when other people who don't support the team care.

[Not Brazil]

I care hence why im asking, right

But why do you care where footballers say their prayers, or if they even bother with that malarky at all?:confused:

[Gather round]

Of course they do. Not

(I know I'm wasting my time but) any chance of you explaining that, AB? Osarusan's point was perfectly straightforward. Football fans in Ireland can support whichever team they prefer at present. With your preferred alternative, many wouldn't be able to.

[bwagner]

jesus lads its just a question :O)
I have mixed parents so it just interests me as im not from the area (and dont fully understand). I never go to mass.

I think its great to see mixed players and i wear my Norn Iron 82 jersey in Dundalk dispite the abuse :O)

[Gather round]

Good man, sorry about the abuse. Maybe you should shop in Newry instead ;)

[janeymac]

You're either looking at the wrong statistics, or misinterpreting them. In the last NI Assembly election in 2007 (past electoral behavior being the best, if hardly a 100% reliable indicator of future voting intention), nationalist parties got 42% of the vote. That's a long way behind the 58% who vote non-nationalist. You'd have to rely on some combination of

I thought it was a referendum that would decide the future of Northern Ireland - and if that is the case the breakdown of nationalist / unionist seats in Stormont would not be an indicator as to how the vote would turn out. For instance, Sinn Fein lost seats in the Dail last time around, but actually increased its overall vote.

If you want to look at it by seat percentages - aren't most the councils now controlled by nationalists at the moment?

Anyway, the way things are (not) going anywhere fast, will Stormont survive? Westminster mightn't be as tolerant with the cash to support a football team when they know their good pals down in Dublin could save them a few bob, just like we do with the rugby.

[Not Brazil]

jesus lads its just a question :O)
I have mixed parents so it just interests me as im not from the area (and dont fully understand). I never go to mass.

I think its great to see mixed players and i wear my Norn Iron 82 jersey in Dundalk dispite the abuse :O)

Strange that people who would wish to be "united" with the Northern Ireland team and it's supporters would abuse you for having the temerity to wear a Northern Ireland shirt.;)

Fair play to you for wearing it.

Genuinely not sure where some of the players say their prayers, but I think Damien Johnson is from a Catholic background - although, having sat beside him on a flight home from the West Indies tour, I would also be pretty certain that he isn't overly religious at all.

There are numerous kids from a Catholic background in the underage teams - so I'm told. I really couldn't give a flying one about that though.

[Gather round]

I thought it was a referendum that would decide the future of Northern Ireland

It could be, but if nationalists got a majority in an Assembly, Westminster or Euro election, that would maybe trigger a referendum. Maybe if the majority was big enough, the Brits and Unionists would just give up immediately and get on the first plane/ boat out ;)


and if that is the case the breakdown of nationalist / unionist seats in Stormont would not be an indicator as to how the vote would turn out

I didn't mention the breakdown of seats, merely that nationalists only got 42% of the vote. That's not going to change to 51% + in a referndum any time soon.


For instance, Sinn Fein lost seats in the Dail last time around, but actually increased its overall vote

Interesting in itself (I assume much of the increase was in Dublin and other cities where the quota to get elected is higher than in rural seats).

But not really relevant to a border poll for NI.


If you want to look at it by seat percentages - aren't most the councils now controlled by nationalists at the moment?

Many are, but that doesn't change the reality of 42% losing out to 58%. Ballycastle and Magherafelt councils may outnumber Bangor's, but since the latter's population is about twice the other two combined, it's not really that significant.


Westminster mightn't be as tolerant with the cash to support a football team when they know their good pals down in Dublin could save them a few bob, just like we do with the rugby

Aye, that's right. The cost saving on the IFA is a top priority for Gordon Brown.

[janeymac]

Not sure about the Republic's fanbase, but the vast majority of Northern Ireland fans I know aren't regular worshipers - in fact, a lot of them are atheists.


Nothing whatsoever to do with how often you attend church/chapel but what religion you were brought up in does have a bearing. For instance, the north of Germany would be culturally protestant, the Bavaria/south catholic and France would be culturally catholic. England would be culturally protestant, Ireland culturally catholic. Northern Ireland is culturally both - and the easiest way of describing these different cultures is to do so by religion.

So, enough of this nonsense about whether you go to church or not as it is irrelevant.

[Not Brazil]

Nothing whatsoever to do with how often you attend church/chapel but what religion you were brought up in does have a bearing. For instance, the north of Germany would be culturally protestant, the Bavaria/south catholic and France would be culturally catholic. England would be culturally protestant, Ireland culturally catholic. Northern Ireland is culturally both - and the easiest way of describing these different cultures is to do so by religion.

So, enough of this nonsense about whether you go to church or not being irrelevant.

Well, it's not for me to tell you if it's relevant to you or not.

It's not relevant to me, whatsoever.

I think the problems in Northern Ireland centre on nationality, and national identity. You may hold a different opinion. That's fine.

The "easiest way" isn't always the correct way.

I have absolutely no beef whatsoever with where anyone chooses to say their prayers.

[Gather round]

Nothing whatsoever to do with how often you attend church/chapel but what religion you were brought up in does have a bearing. For instance, the north of Germany would be culturally protestant, the Bavaria/south catholic and France would be culturally catholic. England would be culturally protestant, Ireland culturally catholic. Northern Ireland is culturally both - and the easiest way of describing these different cultures is to do so by religion

I lived in Germany (fairly equidistant between north and south) for only six months as a student in the 80s, Herr/ Frau Janeymac may have much more experience of the country. I've also visited Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne and Munich (the four largest German cities), some many times. I never really felt the country's culture was particularly religious at all, or had any sense it changed broadly from one part of the country.


So, enough of this nonsense about whether you go to church or not being irrelevant

It's irrelevant to NB, me, and most of the NI fans we know. If it's relevant to you, fine, but I suspect we're a bit more representative of NI fans than you are.

[bwagner]

Good man, sorry about the abuse. Maybe you should shop in Newry instead ;)

No way mate Newry has been over run by the dubs hehe.
They have ruined it with all the traffic.

But back to subject - I am excited about the up coming youth from both teams.

I think the reason I was asking is because if we were more aware that their are catholic players in the northern team - more southerns would sopport the team. As it is a team for all backgrounds.

[janeymac]

Well, it's not for me to tell you if it's relevant to you or not.

It's not relevant to me, whatsoever.

I think the problems in Northern Ireland centre on nationality, and national identity. You may hold a different opinion. That's fine.

The "easiest way" isn't always the correct way.

I have absolutely no beef whatsoever with where anyone chooses to say their prayers.

I agree with you about the identity of Northern Ireland / unionists. I don't think that is a problem though for NI nationalists. They know who they are.

But its not about saying prayers! Its how you behave. For instance protestant culture would be to shut down on a Sunday and not play games etc. whereas that would not be in the catholic psychic who would regard sport as being a celebration of life.

[third policeman]

By merging the FAI and IFA and having one team, you'd be creating another international team where a sizeable proportion of the population purportedly represented by the team don't actually support it.

Maybe, but we dont have any data on that do we. That's why in an earlier post I suggested that the issue of merger should be the subject of proper consultation in both jurisdictions. If a merged football team did not succeed in commanding broad support then, I agree, from my perspective it would not be a sensible way forward. This is not a scientific poll, but interestingly none of my Unionist friends and relations in the North would have any problem supporting a merged football team, in the same way that they support the Ireland Rugby and cricket teams

[janeymac]

I lived in Germany (fairly equidistant between north and south) for only six months as a student in the 80s, Herr/ Frau Janeymac may have much more experience of the country. I've also visited Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne and Munich (the four largest German cities), some many times. I never really felt the country's culture was particularly religious at all, or had any sense it changed broadly from one part of the country.

Nothing got to do with church going. Did you not notice that the southern German's were much better crack? I think its something to do with knowing if we confess we will be forgiven for our sins.


It's irrelevant to NB, me, and most of the NI fans we know. If it's relevant to you, fine, but I suspect we're a bit more representative of NI fans than you are.

Being culturally a catholic, I wouldn't be representative of NI fans whatsoever probably!

[jinxy lilywhite]

jesus lads its just a question :O)
I have mixed parents so it just interests me as im not from the area (and dont fully understand). I never go to mass.

I think its great to see mixed players and i wear my Norn Iron 82 jersey in Dundalk dispite the abuse :O)

what abuse?????

not saying it doesn't happen but just asking. also don't let the b*stards get you down.

Man I hate religion

[Gather round]

But its not about saying prayers! Its how you behave. For instance protestant culture would be to shut down on a Sunday and not play games etc. whereas that would not be in the catholic psychic who would regard sport as being a celebration of life

Come on, apart from voting differently and going to different churches, there are few broad differences between Catholic/ nationalist and Protestant/ unionist Sunday cultural behavior. Both groups go shopping at Sprucefield before sitting time to watch Man U on TV, and so on.

You might have mentioned the IFA's long-term (and embarrassing) unwillingness to sanction Sunday matches. There are a few dinosaurs about, of course.

[Not Brazil]

I agree with you about the identity of Northern Ireland / unionists. I don't think that is a problem though for NI nationalists. They know who they are.

But its not about saying prayers! Its how you behave. For instance protestant culture would be to shut down on a Sunday and not play games etc. whereas that would not be in the catholic psychic who would regard sport as being a celebration of life.

As a "Unionist", I can assure you I know exactly who and what I am - I can't speak for other Unionists though.

I genuinely don't mean to be disrespectful, but I don't give a flying one about stereotypical differing expressions of religious cultures.

I play/watch sport on a Sunday - it's got nothing to do with "culture" to me.

I do so because I enjoy doing so - if others choose not to, that's entirely up to them. "Culture" will never stop me playing/watching sport on a Sunday.

Perhaps I'm a Protestant with a Catholic phyche?

[Not Brazil]

You might have mentioned the IFA's long-term (and embarrassing) unwillingness to sanction Sunday matches. There are a few dinosaurs about, of course.

Aye, dinasaurs who aren't adverse to playing on a Sunday if the dosh is right.;)

If the USA say the proposed friendly will be played at Craven Cottage on a Sunday, and it's worth a million bucks to the IFA (as reported), do you think the dinasaurs will say no?:eek:

Anyway, didn't the IFA relax the rules on Sunday football recently... there's been a few IL games played on a Sunday recently? And rightly so.

[Gather round]

Maybe, but we dont have any data on that do we. That's why in an earlier post I suggested that the issue of merger should be the subject of proper consultation in both jurisdictions. If a merged football team did not succeed in commanding broad support then, I agree, from my perspective it would not be a sensible way forward

An abolished NI team wouldn't command ANY support among NI fans.


This is not a scientific poll, but interestingly none of my Unionist friends and relations in the North would have any problem supporting a merged football team, in the same way that they support the Ireland Rugby and cricket teams

If your anecdotal friends and relations (want to) support NI, that's great. If they, conversely, want the team to be abolished, quite obviously they don't, er, support NI. (As you may have read above, I support the Ireland cricket team, but that's as far as the parallel goes).


Nothing got to do with church going. Did you not notice that the southern German's were much better crack? I think its something to do with knowing if we confess we will be forgiven for our sins

Actually, I didn't and in my experience they weren't. Maybe because I wouldn't generalise about a huge country based on a short time living there plus a few later holidays. Have you actually ever been there, or just drunk in a theme Hofbrauhaus somewhere outside the country?

[janeymac]

Come on, apart from voting differently and going to different churches, there are few broad differences between Catholic/ nationalist and Protestant/ unionist Sunday cultural behavior. Both groups go shopping at Sprucefield before sitting time to watch Man U on TV, and so on.

You might have mentioned the IFA's long-term (and embarrassing) unwillingness to sanction Sunday matches. There are a few dinosaurs about, of course.

It is said that the GAA saved this country after the civil war when neighbour fought with neighbour. Sport was used to get over political differences and play gaa together for the good of the parish.

Interesting that you only describe British cultural things in common (shopping & Man U). I get the impression from most unionist representatives that they despite Irish culture (music, sport & language). Am I right?

[Not Brazil]

It is said that the GAA saved this country after the civil war when neighbour fought with neighbour. Sport was used to get over political differences and play gaa together for the good of the parish.

Interesting that you only describe British cultural things in common (shopping & Man U). I get the impression from most unionist representatives that they despite Irish culture (music, sport & language). Am I right?

Are we not straying from the subject matter somewhat here?

[Gather round]

Interesting that you only describe British cultural things in common (shopping & Man U). I get the impression from most unionist representatives that they despite Irish culture (music, sport & language). Am I right?

Janey, I've tried to answer all the points where I disagree on this thread, but yours are just off the wall. Manchester United are the first or second best supported football club in Ireland. Shopping isn't a British cultural phenomenon, it's going to the shops and buying things. It's Worldwide. You're bonkers :confused:

I guess most unionist politicians are indifferent to much fiddle diddle music, Gaelic sports and the Irish language. A few are hostile, a few others enthusiastic. None of those things are the sole examples of Irish culture in their areas, of course.

[janeymac]

Actually, I didn't and in my experience they weren't. Maybe because I wouldn't generalise about a huge country based on a short time living there plus a few later holidays. Have you actually ever been there, or just drunk in a theme Hofbrauhaus somewhere outside the country?

I've had a few beers in Germany alright - but I'm not basing my opinion completely on that - more so on German music and literature.

[janeymac]

Are we not straying from the subject matter somewhat here?

Subject matter is how do you unite a country behind a team. GAA did that in the republic.
IFA are not doing that in NI.

[janeymac]

Janey, I've tried to answer all the points where I disagree on this thread, but yours are just off the wall. Manchester United are the first or second best supported football club in Ireland. Shopping isn't a British cultural phenomenon, it's going to the shops and buying things. It's Worldwide. You're bonkers :confused:

I guess most unionist politicians are indifferent to much fiddle diddle music, Gaelic sports and the Irish language. A few are hostile, a few others enthusiastic. None of those things are the sole examples of Irish culture in their areas, of course.

There is nothing wrong with following Man Utd (or shopping) as far as I'm concerned (I get a bit annoyed when Irish people start referring to them as 'we' though!).

The point is, that nationalists are not hostile to British culture in the same way as most unionist politicians (who are elected by protestants/unionists) are downright hostile to Irish culture. Is it any wonder nationalists get ****ed off?

[Not Brazil]

GAA did that in the republic.
IFA are not doing that in NI.

The GAA are not "uniting" anything up here - but, that's by the by.

Given the differences of nationality, politics, and expression of same, in Northern Ireland, there is only so far the IFA can go. By nature (ie. team called "Northern Ireland") it ain't going to be everyone's cup of tea. Fair dues.

Denying the existance of the IFA, and supporters of it's International representive team, err, their team, will not solve anything constructively.

[Not Brazil]

The point is, that nationalists are not hostile to British culture in the same way as most unionist politicians (who are elected by protestants/unionists) are downright hostile to Irish culture. Is it any wonder nationalists get ****ed off?

Aye - Nationalists/Republicans are "champions" of British culture on the island, right enough.:rolleyes:

[The Fly]

For those who oppose the place called Northern Ireland, they can elect to play for the FAI team, and support it's representative sides.


Those fans/players don't have a sense of statehood/national identity with Northern Ireland. It is big leap in 'logic' to suggest that they also, by extension, oppose it's existance.

[janeymac]

Aye - Nationalists/Republicans are "champions" of British culture on the island, right enough.:rolleyes:

Less of the rolling of the eyes there - British originated sport is played right throughout the island of Ireland. We're also rather good at writing in a British language (especially Seamus Heaney). In fact it would say that Irish writers have done more than anyone else for the English (British) language.

I'm scratching my head to think of any British person who has done anything to champion Irish culture (nor do I expect them to!).

[Not Brazil]

Those fans/players don't have a sense of statehood/national identity with Northern Ireland. It is big leap in 'logic' to suggest that they also, by extension, oppose it's existance.

They are free to express their sense of "statehood/national identity" by playing for the FAI team, if they so wish.

They will not be seeing the end of our team in consequence.

Those who see their identity better expressed by playing for/supporting Northern Ireland are wholly entitled to that right.

It's about choice.

Perhaps, given they don't oppose it's (Northern Ireland's) existance (as you suggest), they will respect the right of Northern Ireland to have an International football team, called Northern Ireland? That wouldn't be a big leap in "logic", would it?

[janeymac]

The GAA are not "uniting" anything up here - but, that's by the by.

Given the differences of nationality, politics, and expression of same, in Northern Ireland, there is only so far the IFA can go. By nature (ie. team called "Northern Ireland") it ain't going to be everyone's cup of tea. Fair dues.

Denying the existance of the IFA, and supporters of it's International representive team, err, their team, will not solve anything constructively.

The IFA were in a position to do something about uniting the two traditions as soccer was already played by both communities. The IFA messed up big time by being political at a time when it should have been neutral.

[Not Brazil]

Less of the rolling of the eyes there - British originated sport is played right throughout the island of Ireland. We're also rather good at writing in a British language (especially Seamus Heaney). In fact it would say that Irish writers have done more than anyone else for the English (British) language.

I'm scratching my head to think of any British person who has done anything to champion Irish culture (nor do I expect them to!).

Enjoy your music, enjoy your sport, enjoy your language, enjoy your culture...let others who don't share your enthusiasm be different from you.

None of the things you mentioned do I despise - some I enjoy too.

[Not Brazil]

The IFA were in a position to do something about uniting the two traditions as soccer was already played by both communities. The IFA messed up big time by being political at a time when it should have been neutral.

In what way?

[The Fly]

If one were to take Northern Ireland as an entity, and ask each person "do you think that the two football associations in Ireland, the FAI and IFA, should amalgamate and as a result, produce one representative international football team?", then I would say there would be a good chance of the overall result being - Yes!
But, that is not the point.
If you were to put the same question solely to Northern Ireland fans, in particular NB's block bookers, then the answer, at this time, would be a resounding - No!
Why?
Because, the Northern Ireland international team is one of the only outlets for people of the 'Irish' unionist persuasion in NI, and for the purposes of this discussion - on the island as a whole, to follow or support in any kind of competitive arena.

There is a certain ignorance* on the part of people in the Republic towards NI issues and society in general. If there were a united all-island side tomorrow, almost a sixth of the population within this new jurisdiction would have little or no allegiance to the team and would struggle to identify with it. More importantly, the same applies on the issue of national, political reunification. Is that something desirable? Not to me, it's better to just let things take their course naturally.

* I wouldn't feel much guilt, as in this case - ignorance is most definately bliss! ;)

[The Fly]

I'm scratching my head to think of any British person who has done anything to champion Irish culture (nor do I expect them to!).

James Connolly? :rolleyes:

[The Fly]

Perhaps, given they don't oppose it's (Northern Ireland's) existance (as you suggest), they will respect the right of Northern Ireland to have an International football team, called Northern Ireland? That wouldn't be a big leap in "logic", would it?

Have I ever suggested anything to the contrary?

[Not Brazil]

Have I ever suggested anything to the contrary?

No - and, I'm happy to say we're in agreement on that.

[EalingGreen]

No problem. Hopefully the big man from Fermanagh will revisit the thread soon.


Due to personal reservations about the lack of objectivity displayed recently by some of the Moderators, I am not inclined to continue posting on this Board at present (though that's another story).

However, I do still browse from time-to-time, including this thread, where I've noted that you and NB (and others) are "fighting the good fight" entirely without need for my input!

That said, I will this once break my own "self-denying ordinance" to make one salient (imo conclusive) argument against an AI side, which has been totally overlooked by everyone in this whole debate.

Various posters have alluded to the existence (illogicality?) of eg the UK having four international teams. However, any understanding of FIFA, and how they organise international football, explains why this should be so, and conversely, why it would prevent any merging of the two Irish Associations (at least before political unity).

Basically, FIFA's concept of "footballing nationhood" is an entirely separate construct from that of political/constitutional nationhood. Which explains why, for instance, FIFA has 208 Member Associations, whereas the UN only has 192 Member States. This disparity is accounted for not only by the UK, but also by Palestine/Israel and Denmark/Faroes etc.

Anyhow, FIFA is a Member-led organisation, which can and does operate outwith any political interference which it does not like (eg PR China and Taiwan, Israel and the Arab world, Basque Country and Spain, the two Koreas etc). It also receives its income, directly and indirectly, from its Associations, rather than from Governments.

Therefore, it is always minded to maintain its own structures and organisation, entirely as it sees fit. And key to this is the principle that every Association, no matter how big/successful or small/unsuccessful, has an equal vote in the running of the organisation.

The corollary of this, however, must be that each National Association must compete on its own resources/player pool, however small that may be i.e. if the likes of the Vanuatu FA is to have its own separate vote in Congress etc, then it must make do with entering a team solely from its own Association's resources. Consequently, whenever countries like the USSR or Yugoslavia have broken up, their former constituents have always been recognised as separate (footballing) nations, even though this might be expected to make them less "successful" etc.

Moreover, for historical and other reasons, FIFA has occasionally been prepared to recognise that one (political) country may have more than one Football Association, even though that splintering usually means that the (political) nation's footballing effectiveness may be fractured.

However, whilst FIFA may permit one Nation to have more than one team, they have never allowed two or more separate Nations to combine to make one international football team, nor would they ever (imo).

For if you think about it, such a concept negates the very basis of the organisation and the way it has always administered the international game. Moreover, any proposal eg by the Benelux countries to recognise their historic shared heritage and enter a single team in the World Cup etc (i.e. in place of Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg) would undoubtedly be blocked on practical grounds by the likes of Germany, France and Italy etc, on the basis that such a new team could conceivably go all the way to winning the World Cup, rather than merely reaching two finals (Netherlands 1974 and 1978).

Of course, I am not suggesting that a single "Ireland" team would ever be likely to win it instead(!), but there is no way imo that FIFA could allow such a precedent, for fear that eg Spain and Portugal might apply to merge, thereby producing a team that could eg knock Brazil off their perch as the "biggest" team in world football.

So there you have it - there is no way that FIFA would, or even could, countenance two separate political entities deciding to combine into one international football team before any political unification.

And even then, political unification need not automatically presage a merger of the two pre-existing Football Associations, as the continued existence of
the Hong Kong FA and international team demonstrates - even after HK's reabsorption into the PR China!

In which case, those people who dream of seeing my international team disbanded to make way for a single Irish international football team will have to wait until there is political unity - and even then, might have to wait some more! :)

"Irish Football Association - Original and (George) Best!" :p

[The Fly]

However, whilst FIFA may permit one Nation to have more than one team, they have never allowed two or more separate Nations to combine to make one international football team, nor would they ever (imo).

So there you have it - there is no way that FIFA would, or even could, countenance two separate political entities deciding to combine into one international football team before any political unification.
:p

A good, articulate post EG.
However, the point you are making here, in relation to this discussion, would apply more to the UK and the Republic of Ireland, as political entities, deciding to combine to form one international football team.

[Not Brazil]

An good, articulate post EG.
However, the point you are making here, in relation to this discussion, would apply more to the UK and the Republic of Ireland, as political entities, deciding to combine to form one international football team.

Northern Ireland, politically, is part of the United Kingdom.

[SkStu]

why are posters who support the Republic of Ireland so keen to have a combined team? It makes no sense to me on any level.

I never want NI to be amalgamated with the Republic, at least not unless there is no longer a Northern Ireland. Aside from the fact that they would likely not add to us in any way whatsoever, they have their own proud history in football. We have ours. I feel no affinity to Unionist Northern Irish folk, they are completely different people to me, in my opinion, and i have no desire to have them play for my country. Im sure they feel the same.

All this crap about religion, culture, GAA etc is redundant as is this thread. It just gives the usual parties a soapbox for their own beliefs and prejudices.

[seanfhear]

It would be interesting to see the effect if one or two players from the six counties became big stars for the Republic.

Would this encourage more young players to declare for the Republic and if this were to happen would the NI team begin to wither on the vine.

Hopefully Darron Gibson and Marc Wilson do make a big impression for the Republic. This may encourage young Duffy at Everton to play for the republic.

I think the opportunity for International players to strut their stuff at home matches in a ground like the new Landsdowne Road may also have a positive impact on players choosing to play for the republic.

So long as it is within the rules I see nothing wrong with players taking their choice.

[The Fly]

Northern Ireland, politically, is part of the United Kingdom.

Err........I know!

[Not Brazil]

It would be interesting to see the effect if one or two players from the six counties became big stars for the Republic.

Would this encourage more young players to declare for the Republic and if this were to happen would the NI team begin to wither on the vine.


I think it's inevitable that some players from Northern Ireland make it big for the Republic - Gibson has every chance of becoming a top class footballer.

Obviously the current eligibility rules don't help the IFA - however, them's the rules, and we've got to get on with it.

In the hypothetical situation that every "nationalist" youngster in Northern Ireland decided to play fror the Republic Of Ireland (not going to happen, as decisions "for footballing reasons" will come into play), it would be a terrible shame. However, the IFA will always have a pool of players ready, willing, and able to play for the Association's International representative teams with pride, honour, and dignity.

The basic rule of thumb is this - if you don't want to play for us, good riddance.

Wounded, but not killed, would be the outcome for the IFA.

I think that such a scenario would serve to further strengthen the determination of Northern Ireland supporters to see their team remain autonomous - in any eventually.

[The Fly]

I think it's inevitable that some players from Northern Ireland make it big for the Republic - Gibson has every chance of becoming a top class footballer.

Obviously the current eligibility rules don't help the IFA - however, them's the rules, and we've got to get on with it.

In the hypothetical situation that every "nationalist" youngster in Northern Ireland decided to play fror the Republic Of Ireland (not going to happen, as decisions "for footballing reasons" will come into play), it would be a terrible shame. However, the IFA will always have a pool of players ready, willing, and able to play for the Association's International representative teams with pride, honour, and dignity.

The basic rule of thumb is this - if you don't want to play for us, good riddance.

Wounded, but not killed, would be the outcome for the IFA.


An honourable position NB.