Norn Iron rubbish part 23452346526

[EalingGreen]

I didn't see/have time to respond to your earlier, lengthy post which, inter alia, referred to me and since then, GR and NB have responded pretty much as I would have done.
However, a few particular points from your follow-up need to be answered, as below.



But as regards the anthem, I have to ask you honestly where is the leadership on this issue from either the Amalgamation of NISC or the IFA? As stated the IFA commissioned a report on this issue, and the recommendation was to change the anthem and they IGNORED it.

I am entirely in favour of seeing GSTQ being replaced by something peculiarly "Norn Iron".
And before you start excoriating members of OWC, after exhaustive debate(!), in two separate polls receiving hundreds of votes, a clear 2:1 majority wanted to see GSTQ replaced (fwiw).
Anyhow, despite my own, clear stance on this, I also recognise that it is a hugely divisive and emotive issue, which should not be addressed blithely or insensitively.
The Report commission by the IFA was one move in that direction, but even there, from the extract you quoted, they did NOT appear to say GSTQ must be abolished; rather they suggested a public competition be held to see if there was a more widely acceptable alternative.
I would like to see that pursued, but in the meantime, I would ask all those opposed to GSTQ (like myself), to do what I did when I used to go down to Lansdowne for Ireland rugby internationals and had to suffer the SS (twice!):
"Stand Up. Shut Up. Now get on with the bloody Game"

On which point, in order to be consistent, shouldn't the FAI replace the SS before ROI matches? After all, every ROI fan I've ever heard has insisted that any Irish player, North or South, Protestant or Catholic, Unionist or Republican etc, should (post-Gibson) be eligible to play for their team, without any barrier or discouragement etc.
If GSTQ is "unacceptable" to Northern Nationalists at NI games, surely the SS is "unacceptable" to Northern Unionists at ROI games?
(Btw, I am NOT proposing that the FAI replace the SS at their games, merely making the point to expose the double-standards of our critics)



That was some of the milder stuff that has been posted. It was chosen as an example because one of the posters on this forum was complaining about lack of objectivity on this forum yet was posting stuff like this.
As the poster in question, I would suggest you go back and read what I actually posted. I did NOT complain about the lack of objectivity on this Board.
Rather, I said I was disinclined to continue posting because of a perceived lack of objectivity of "some of the Mods" (two, actually).
The distinction is key, since only an idiot would join a football fans' website and expect to meet with widespread objectivity. :rolleyes:

As for what I posted on OWC, this was a spoof on a song composed by Scottish fans following Maradona's handball vs England, so fans of one team ripping the p ish out of their neighbours is hardly new to football, is it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOO42jHw3-Y&feature=PlayList&p=5CDC505F149748FE&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=10

That said, I will apologise unreservedly if you can assure me that you and your fellow ROI fans have never engaged in a touch of Schadenfreud on occasion...



Something arrangement needs to be made about future switches, as they will certainly happen.
Ii is not right that the IFA train a player and then he declares for the FAI without either compensation from the FAI to the IFA, or the FAI taking over the training of the player at an earlier age (ie getting directly involved with schools/clubs in NI).
On this point, I disagree fundamentally with GR on the topic of "compensation".
For me, representing your country should never be about financial considerations, neither should any hint of a "transfer market" be allowed to develop. In the end, FIFA's Regulations should decide how/when a player may switch Nationality on purely principled grounds, otherwise minor countries like eg Liberia would be tempted to develop the next George Weah for the highest bidder, and he might be tempted to comply, in the knowledge that he would not otherwise be able to play at the highest level for his native country.
Thereafter, the only country which would benefit would be whichever one (Spain? France? Italy? England?) which paid the most "compensation" for a player - wrong, wrong, wrong.
As for Gibson, you can keep him; speaking personally, I wouldn't want your money any more than I would the player himself.

P.S. If compensation were payable in such cases, never mind any present economic difficulties, the ROI would still be struggling to pay the English, Scottish and Welsh FA's compensation for the Jack Charlton era! :p



But I have to take issue with the term 'poaching' that is constantly applied to NI players declaring for the ROI. You would swear reading the OWC website that Delaney was travelling up at night and abducting the likes of Gibson/Duffy/Wilson/Ger Crossley from their beds! The players have enough intelligence to make up their own minds as to which path to choose. I don't think you need to be reminded of the reasons for this.
Three points about "poaching".
1. I, for one, have no problem with the FAI approaching the likes of Duffy or Wilson, since both have a parent/grandparent from the ROI, so must be perfectly entitled to play for the FAI team, should they choose;
2. However, when it comes to discrimination (true sense of the word, that is), it is the FAI who presently have more of a case to answer than the IFA (imo).
For it is notable that of all the players they have approached, none has ever been from the Unionist community.
Therefore, it is their recruitment policy which is leading to a de facto politicisation, even sectarianising, of football in Ireland, not that of the IFA who, after all, are only objecting to losing Nationalist kids whom they might select alongside their Unionist neighbours;
3. As to the extent of FAI poaching, if you read some more of OWC, you'd see one account by a poster of an incident a couple of years back. Basically, an Australian schoolboy team (U-16) was touring the UK and arranged a game against an NI Schoolboy team along the way.
This was to be played with an afternoon kick-off in midweek in Ballinamallard, when the weather intervened. At the last minute, it was switched to a Council pitch in Irvinestown, where it was played in the pouring rain.
By kick-off I would be surprised if there were more than a copule of dozen in attendance, when an ROI-registered car pulled up and out got two known FAI scouts, ROI tracksuits and all.
They weren't there to take notes on the Aussies, that's for sure...



I also concede that a lot of NI fans disagreed over the Darren Gibson case. I think it is settled now, and rightly so. It is time for the FAI to step up the plate and make sure that the IFA is sorted out adequately.
Speaking for myself, my attitude towards the FAI and their team (not their fans, I might add) has been greatly hardened by the Gibson case, since it is more than just a case of "disagreement".
What those in the FAI fail to acknowledge is that it is they who unilaterally broke the Gentleman's Agreement between the two Associations not to pick each others' players, an Agreement negotiated nearly 60 years ago, at the behest of the FAI.
Therefore, if they are now entitled to pick the likes of Gibson, what has changed from two or three decades ago, when they would have declined to pick Gibson's father or grandfather?
And then they have the brass neck to bitch about "fair play" over the Henry Handball...:eek:



A lot of good work has been done by coaches/players divorced from the decision making process of teh IFA. They just get that anthems issue sorted out and it'll be nearly there.
Who do you think it is employs/subsidises/administers/encourages all those coaches/players etc in doing their good work, if not the IFA (and its decision-makers)?
Despite being perenially skint, the IFA devotes a lot of scarce resources to FFA, such that people like Brian Kerr, when he was involved with SARI, has stated that the FAI could learn a lot from what the IFA is doing in this field.

P.S. If the IFA is "nearly there" (anthem aside), how do you reconcile that with your earlier description of them as being "orange-tinted"?



They have to decide, "Do we wish to bring more nationalist fans in at the expense of losing a few Loyalist knuckle draggers?" I hope they make the right decision.
Which comment betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of what FFA is all about.
For it is not a case of balancing eg Nationalist numbers versus those of Loyalists.
Rather, it is a case of ensuring as many people who wish to do so, may do so in an atmosphere free of anything on the grounds of religion/politics/race/disability etc which might deter them.
On which point, had you recently (ever?) actually attended an NI game, you would know that that is now almost universally the case. (For independent verification of this, see eg Gspain's accounts drawn from his own personal experience).
Anyhow, fans may maintain whatever political views they like away from the stadium, so long as they don't bring them through the turnstiles.
As such, I can assure you we have been enormously successful in recent years, and if it is still a "work in progress", the good work goes on.
In the meantime, we can also go on enjoying the good work on the pitch; I would sincerely invite you to come along and see this for yourself (tickets permitting), but if you cannot bring yourself to do so, then I suspect it is more your loss than ours.

[EalingGreen]

I can find much worse [banter/abuse] very quickly. As stated that particular example was against the hypocrisy of one particular poster.
As noted in his most recent post, this particular poster has clarified your misunderstanding.
An apology for being mis-termed a "hypocrite" would be welcomed by him...

[Not Brazil]

NI and England use the same anthem (except the NI fans sing two more words than the English :D).

No, trust me, they use the same words.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swZ82iUiAEI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXrAl2IBuPA

:D

[EalingGreen]

This is true, the IFA would have continued on ad infinitum unless some fans made the effort to improve the atmosphere. They deserve credit
Not true. The changes which have recently been seen have been the result of a huge amount of work by many bodies/agencies, most notably the fans, but also including the IFA.
Or don't you consider that the IFA have NI fans within their ranks, too?

I'm not claiming that the IFA is perfect -far from it. But if it has (more than) its share of backwoodsmen etc, it also has very many good people, who are doing their best in difficult circumstances, not least of which is ill-informed, even prejudiced criticism by people who should know better...:rolleyes:

[ifk101]

2. However, when it comes to discrimination (true sense of the word, that is), it is the FAI who presently have more of a case to answer than the IFA (imo).
For it is notable that of all the players they have approached, none has ever been from the Unionist community.

Are you sure? ;) And how can you back up a statement like that without any hard evidence?



3. As to the extent of FAI poaching, if you read some more of OWC, you'd see one account by a poster of an incident a couple of years back. Basically, an Australian schoolboy team (U-16) was touring the UK and arranged a game against an NI Schoolboy team along the way.
This was to be played with an afternoon kick-off in midweek in Ballinamallard, when the weather intervened. At the last minute, it was switched to a Council pitch in Irvinestown, where it was played in the pouring rain.
By kick-off I would be surprised if there were more than a copule of dozen in attendance, when an ROI-registered car pulled up and out got two known FAI scouts, ROI tracksuits and all.
They weren't there to take notes on the Aussies, that's for sure...

They could have been looking at the Aussies as well actually. And I don't see what the issue is. Those lining out for NI at underage level are as much our players as they are yours and our scouts were doing what they are paid to do. Indeed I could easily argue that it is NI that is poaching our players?


Speaking for myself, my attitude towards the FAI and their team (not their fans, I might add) has been greatly hardened by the Gibson case, since it is more than just a case of "disagreement".
What those in the FAI fail to acknowledge is that it is they who unilaterally broke the Gentleman's Agreement between the two Associations not to pick each others' players, an Agreement negotiated nearly 60 years ago, at the behest of the FAI.
Therefore, if they are now entitled to pick the likes of Gibson, what has changed from two or three decades ago, when they would have declined to pick Gibson's father or grandfather?


Tough luck. It was the IFA that brought the eligibility issue to FIFA. You lost. Get over it.

[Not Brazil]

[QUOTE=ifk101;1291150] Those lining out for NI at underage level are as much our players as they are yours and our scouts were doing what they are paid to do. QUOTE]

There's the money shot, right there, folks.

:D

[ifk101]

Those lining out for NI at underage level are as much our players as they are yours and our scouts were doing what they are paid to do.

There's the money shot, right there, folks.

:D

Exactly - no need for an united team. We can pick who we want. Game over.

[Not Brazil]

Exactly - no need for an united team. We can pick who we want. Game over.

Well, providing they want to play for you.;)

And some still have the temerity to wish to deny those who don't an International career, and wonder why Northern Ireland fans want nothing to do with a "merger".

You couldn't make it up

It's been, er, revealing.:)

[Gather round]

What are you talking about?

I'm talking about your claim that "I think history will take its own course and [Not Brazil's] opinions will have SFA to do with it". At best it's just empty cliche, but it also suggests that the will of local people will simply be ignored. Hence my gag about abolishing elections.


An AIL is a realistic possibility. Once that happens, anything is possible in terms of the national sides

One doesn't link automatically to the other. Many NI fans are prepared in principle to try an all-Ireland league; none would accept our national team being abolished.


They can be proud that Windsor Park is slightly less of a sectarian cess pit these days?

More ill-informed cliche. Have you ever been in or anywhere near it?


Any chance somebody summarising the last 40 pages into 1 paragraph? seems to be alot of guff talk from start to finish, with a few quality posts submerged somewhere amongst the bilge

Don't be so self-critical, plenty of the other posts were just as much guff as yours.


So, the sum total of the NI supporters ambitions is to be a thorn in the side of a 'big' team like Spain

No, it's to qualify for occasional finals and take it from there. Don't knock beating the eventual champions in qualifying (or any of the other big boys) btw, you'll enjoy it when it eventually happens. Drawing in extra time doesn't count, I'm afraid.


I bet some of the smaller countries such as Lativa are thrilled to play against you - a ramshackle stadium that is falling apart and more importantly, an extremely limited interest in watching it on TV (less cash on the tv rights to develop or sustain their local game). Bet your bottom dollar they would prefer to be playing a country with a decent sized population at least
In practice I guess they treat playing us much like they treat playing everyone bar the big five or ten teams (where they'd be expected to lose), or the real minnows (ditto to win, although they managed to lose to Liechtenstein in Euro 2008). Most of the other teams including NI can be beaten on a good day. Latvian TV won't earn a great deal from the TV rights even in their bigger eastern European neighbors. Last time we played in Riga (the largest city in the Baltic states, three times the size of Belfast), the stadium was smaller than Windsor is now.

Save your betting dollar for something you actually have a basic knowledge of, less likely you'll lose it.


And fyi, I remember reading that Monaco plays in some football tournament organised for those who are not accepted as members of FIFA - there are quite a few countries involved in it as far as I know, so it is obviously an issue. I'm sure FIFA love explaining to them why the Home Nations are a special case

Everyone knows the Home Nations' case, and has done since FIFA was founded a century ago. It isn't "obviously an issue" unless you can actually show some evidence of Monaco's wish to join FIFA and upset because they haven't been able to.


Its not about developing his career - its about measuring himself up against those on the world stage. Its the one thing that is missing from Ryan Giggs cv which I think is a pity that he never played in a major tournament

I'm sure playing in the European Cup/ CL in most of the last 20 seasons is some small consolation to Giggs.


And for the billionth time, it works in other sports, so why not football ?

For the 75th or whatever time, because NI fans are 100% opposed to it.


2 point dropped when you are qualifying for the World Cup!

I call it one point gained against a higher ranked team away from home. But using your analogy, didn't the Republic also throw away wins in six of your 10 qualifiers?


This does not do your argument against a Team UK any favours, the fact that you choose to use the UK anthem as your own?

I think it's irrelevant to that argument. We're ignoring team UK (if you mean specifically in the 2012 Olympics) and continuing to support NI.


Well hoping something will change doesn't really inspire any one with confidence!! You can't really give off when people rightly criticise the IFA or the Amalgamation

OK, I-like NB and many other NI fans are arguing for it, if you prefer. But to repeat more or less what he said- we're not doing that primarily as a PR stunt to inspire you. I'll continue to defend the IFA and Amalg when they're unfairly criticised; sometimes I criticise them in turn.


I can find much worse very quickly

Fine, you do that.


A decision you made, but not engaging in debate is hardly a mature way to go

The garbage I mentioned couldn't in any reasonable sense be dignified as debate. Moronic, sectarian, often defamatory. Entirely justified to delete it.


They dont last long, but genuine posters are also talked down or removed

Not by me. Although you're over-reacting again. Being kicked off web boards isn't the end of the World.


If you can't have a reasonable debate on issued like this on your main fans forum then there is little hope for FFA

We do have that debate; as NB has described, FFA goes from strength to strength.


I take your point in theory, but that is hardly the practise on the ground. Going into Windsor Park with an Ireland T-Shirt would not be well received

And that answers or is relevant to anything I said how exactly? It would be received in the same way as going into Tallaght wearing a Bohs shirt for a Rovers fgame against a third team. That is, probably as evidence of either provocation or stupidity. Bizarre analogy.


Only NI and the ROI directly apply to people born in NI (as per the GFA)

Actually they don't, a football fan in NI can support whoever s/he likes. If you're going to imply NI aren't a 'proper' team, at least be prepared to defend your obvious bias rather than hiding behind the irrelevance of what's in the GFA.


It is simply not true that say Donegal is foreign from Belfast. I don't see why you can't understand this

I understand your point quite well. They're in different countries, there's a border between them. They're as foreign to each other as Amsterdam and Brussels, however many Belgians live in Holland or vice-versa.


No but if you support NI because it currently exists but would prefer an All-Ireland team then are you not a true NI fan. This hardly gives rise to producing a fan base representative of the wider NI community

Meet me halfway, Dan. It's perfectly possible to support the (effectively all-Ireland) RoI side without wanting the NI side to be abolished. There's no inherent reason why most or all of the RoI fans in NI couldn't support NI too, but if they don't want to that's fine. It obviously needs stressing: you've already got an effective all-Ireland side.


No need to spell anything out as you didn't read what I said!...I said that the playing of GSTQ at their grounds was not received well. I can understand their bemusement of course, as they sensibly have anthems of their own. As does every team in the world except for two, England and NI. Of these two, only NI's is contentious. This is hardly a good place to be in

I read and understood perfectly well what you said. Some Welsh and Scots booed GSTQ. Big deal, comedy villainy as I said. They weren't 'bemused', they were just routinely booing . Some Slovenes, Poles and Germans at the last U-21 I went to booed as well, it happens at international football. It isn't a big deal for us, if it puts you in a bad place I'm sorry, but you're getting wound up by trivia.

Scottish and Welsh fans have, in recent months, joined those of NI in opposing the plans for a Team GB at the Olympics. There's far more agreement on that than an isue about their upset at having to spend 90 seconds listening to our anthem.


Sweet Jesus. He who shouts loudest is not necessarily right

Look, are you genuinely upset about this? If so, turn off the sound on your TV until the anthems finish, have a cigarette or a coffee or something? it really ain't that important.


As regards polls, this is misleading. The vote for independence does not translate into national identity, as you well know is the same in NI. Most Scots/Welsh identify themselves as Scottish/Welsh first

Yes, so what? No-one's denying their identity. Booing other teams anthems doesn't strengthen it, it's just what drunks and kids do at matches.


As Linfield was an anti-Catholic club I suggest that it actually was

I have no brief for the absurd long-term deal with Linfield, but there are other factors helping to explain it. Like Linfield having the biggest ground, most obviously.


They're not really, as you anthem point above demonstrates. Sadly

They are; my points above don't do anything of the sort.


On this point, I disagree fundamentally with GR on the topic of "compensation"

We disagree about the details of the Gibson and similar cases, but don't we agree compensation's a non-no? I just want the two FAs to agree not to pick any 18 or over who's already played for the other's senior teams.

[thischarmingman]

Aye, but everyone knows that was the ultimate fudge. An agreement to disagree!
;)

But accept the text as written. Though have never met anyone of either side in the North who'd say they were both, 'in the flesh'. Though if they really want to be so confused, more fool them, unless their heritage is of course mixed.


I would introduce myself, but you don't seem the sharpest tack...


If you visit their website, Our Wee Country, you will see this blatantly. Indeed the poster Ealing Green on this website put this lovely ditty (http://ourweecountry.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=27736) up there (and as such I find his early statement here (http://foot.ie/forums/showpost.php?p=1289897&postcount=644) that he was not posting here "Due to personal reservations about the lack of objectivity" to be somewhat hypocritical):

"You put your left hand in,
You put your left hand out
In, Out, In, Out,
Shake it all about,
You hand the ball to Gallas,
Who gives it a clout,
And that put the Beggars Out!

Oh Terry Terry Henry
Oh Willy Willy Gallas
Oh Dopey Swedish Linesman
Oh they put the Beggars Out, Out, Out!"

Charming. .

It's odd that someone who professes to be a football fan takes offense at another team's song lyrics, particularly one from another team in such close proximity? Ever been to a game? Maybe you should earmuffs next time yuo go to a game in case you hear any of the big bad opposition's nasy singing.

[gspain]

2. However, when it comes to discrimination (true sense of the word, that is), it is the FAI who presently have more of a case to answer than the IFA (imo).
For it is notable that of all the players they have approached, none has ever been from the Unionist community.
Therefore, it is their recruitment policy which is leading to a de facto politicisation, even sectarianising, of football in Ireland, not that of the IFA who, after all, are only objecting to losing Nationalist kids whom they might select alongside their Unionist neighbours;




Alan Kernaghan is presumably from a unionist background. Grew up in Bangor from aged 4.

Do you really believe that the FAI would turn down somebody from a unionist background? Believe me nothing could be further from the truth.

[Riddickcule]

Do any of you go near any other section of the forum?

Your willingness to affirm no to an AI team is quite amusing, If you really want that lollypop fine lads lets just give to them.
For Sporting reasons it makes perfect sense, but you're all so Conservative you couldn't even give it a "wee" go..

Football could really excell as an AI, for all other sports it works and it's been worth it.

Bout time eh? Ffs, couple of hours down the M1, up off yer arses.

[Not Brazil]

Alan Kernaghan is presumably from a unionist background. Grew up in Bangor from aged 4.

Do you really believe that the FAI would turn down somebody from a unionist background? Believe me nothing could be further from the truth.

An interesting case.

Kernaghan "longed to play for Northern Ireland".

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/i-longed-to-play-for-northern-ireland-says-former-republic-star-kernaghan-14565560.html

He didn't have a choice.

I've no doubt the FAI would pick anyone they could get their hands on.

They, and their supporters, should respect the fact that many Northern Irish born players do not want to play for the FAI team, nor wish to see the IFA team abolished.

[Not Brazil]

Your willingness to affirm no to an AI team is quite amusing, If you really want that lollypop fine lads lets just give to them.
For Sporting reasons it makes perfect sense, but you're all so Conservative you couldn't even give it a "wee" go..

Football could really excell as an AI, for all other sports it works and it's been worth it.

Bout time eh? Ffs, couple of hours down the M1, up off yer arses.

You might well find it "amusing".

For "sporting reasons" it doesn't make sense at all to me, and thousands of other Northern Ireland supporters.

Those from Nothern Ireland who wish to "get up off their arses", go down the M1, and watch an AI team are free to do so. Good luck to them.

It's about time that you accepted, and respected, that Northern Ireland fans will be making a journey closer to home to watch the Northern Ireland team for the foreseeable future.

In return, I'll accept, and respect, the right of others to hold a different team allegiance.

[ArdeeBhoy]

I would introduce myself, but you don't seem the sharpest tack...

Surely you'd want to live up to your name?? ;)
Rather than jumping to :rolleyes: conclusions.

[geysir]

I look at it from a Northern Ireland supporter perspective.

Do honestly think that having two Irish International teams, picking from the same pool of players throughout the 32 Counties, creating de facto Ireland "A" and "B" sides, would strengthen the autonomy of either Association?:eek:
I am merely giving my considered and mature opinion on the main reason why the IFA rejected the FIFA compromise, with indirect reference also from memory to comments from the illustrious Howard Wells at the time. All feelers from the IFA pointed to rejection of the compromise because of the utter belief that they were 100% right and could not conceive of another outcome.
This stubbornness overwhelmingly blinded the IFA, even long after FIFA spelled it out. They did not even realise that they won their argument, that FIFA should implement the FIFA rules as they were.

It was greatly feared amongst OWC fans that FIFA allowing the FAI free reign would have an overly negative effect on the pool of players available to the IFA. This has not materialised just as I and many others predicted. But I have no idea what would have come to pass should the IFA have been allowed to select Southerners, but hardly armageddon.
The NI team and supporter base looks very solid to me. They have a strong identity, albeit an overly "stand up for the Ulstermen" identity.

[Not Brazil]

I am merely giving my considered and mature opinion on the main reason why the IFA rejected the FIFA compromise, with indirect reference also from memory to comments from the illustrious Howard Wells at the time. All feelers from the IFA pointed to rejection of the compromise because of the utter belief that they were 100% right and could not conceive of another outcome.
This stubbornness overwhelmingly blinded the IFA, even long after FIFA spelled it out. They did not even realise that they won their argument, that FIFA should implement the FIFA rules as they were.


geysir,

I'll be absolutely honest with you - some within the hierarchy of the IFA are still in denial. Some (very) senior officials are saying things like "all we want is for FIFA to implement their own rules".

They have implemented their own rules ffs!:rolleyes:

Others have "caught on".

Personally, I've moved on.

You deal with the hand you're dealt.

[ArdeeBhoy]

They obviously didn't teach you basic arithmetic. Else you'd realise that the 1994 World Cup was more than 15 years ago.
The lazy ****-stirrer suggests the NI team be abolished. Which would obviously, er deny choice to fans who want to support it.
b) an all-Ireland team able to select from the population throughout Ireland and beyond wouldn't necessarily do any better than the existing all-Ireland team able to, er select from the population throughout Ireland and beyond.

Er, 2009-1994=15!!! Do the Maths!

Walker, was only suggesting an AI would have greater 'Potential', even if the whole of N.E.Ulster had taken the 'NB Amendment'!!

How do we know;no-one's tried in 36 years(for a friendly) or for 85 years for a competitive one?? It could at least be tried in a charity context, eg. Britain v.Ireland?
If it's that painful, maybe Wembley or Croke could divide itself into 5 seperate sectors for the occasion??



Come on, either it's mild- little more than banter really- or you could have posted something that really was blatantly hateful. You can find that easily on most web boards, including this one.

You could argue whether it was objective or subjective, but when I was a moderator and Ardee Bhoy and co. turned up with their nonsense about planter paranoia, unionists not being really Irish and the like, I had a pretty easy decision. it was moronic and sectarian, so it got zapped.

Hmm. Smacks of massive double standards. Micky-taking I can take, but if we brought out merchandise mocking them or the Brits in the colloquial terms we might use, we'd be rightly criticised, but the terms 'Taigs' & 'beggars' are common-place on that MB. And only condemned by the silent minority, indirectly.
Lest they get banned for questioning the 'official line'.

Although am happy to indulge in such 'banter', if it didn't result in such a 'knee-jerk reaction', as in anyone who even questions the existence of the North's team is prohibited. No wonder many nationalists see a failure by the mainstream of that fanbase, though not all, to engage with them.


Frankly there is a lot worse in the League of Ireland section here. It's called rivalry.

The IFA can be proud of their fans and their Football For All Campaign.

Why don't you pop up and take a look next time they are at home when we don't have a game?

Maybe there is, but it hasn't resulted in thousands of deaths in a long-standing historical and political-related conflict which has ultimately condoned plenty of illegality, on both sides, not least the creation of 'northern' Ireland.

You can't forget all this at a stroke, but the views of certain 'Nord Iron' fans makes dinosaurs and the politicians who represent them look almost progressive. Though not all.

Have been to their NISC two years ago, whilst the cricket was on. Ironically the 'regulars' were very welcoming and wished the :rolleyes: Irish cricket team well. And no-one mentioned any 'breakaway'!! ;)





The garbage I mentioned couldn't in any reasonable sense be dignified as debate. Moronic, sectarian, often defamatory. Entirely justified to delete it.


We do have that debate; as NB has described, FFA goes from strength to strength.


It's perfectly possible to support the (effectively all-Ireland) RoI side without wanting the NI side to be abolished. There's no inherent reason why most or all of the RoI fans in NI couldn't support NI too, but if they don't want to that's fine. It obviously needs stressing: you've already got an effective all-Ireland side.


Hmm. More contradictory 'evidence'. Criticism or the opposition view is somehow inherently bad, whilst the laudable FfA camapign is negated by some of the bigoted views above!

And there's no 'effective all-Ireland' side, if all these confused people who are 'Irish' or perhaps not,won't or can't play for them. Though I would laugh if a unionist 'careerist' player went off to play for England, Ireland or even Scotland, as they had a better chance of reaching major Finals....

[co. down green]

Those from Nothern Ireland who wish to "get up off their arses", go down the M1, and watch an AI team are free to do so. Good luck to them.

Many thousands of Ireland supporters already "get up off their arses" from the North to follow Ireland, just as they do in Kerry, Galway, limerick etc... It's a bit of a journey, but we are happy to travel to see ireland play.

I suppose it comes down to your definition of what you regard as being a football supporter living in the North. I love the game, and have never been to Windsor park to support Worthington's team. I much prefer travelling to Dublin to follow my national side.

I'm not sure that a hard core support of around 7,000 n.i supporters should represent the thoughts of the supporters & players of football in the North.

They are a tiny fraction of the football community here and for a many of us we are happy to support Trap's Ireland. I travelled down to the France play-off game with 2 players who play IFA senior football & another few lads from the unionist community who have been travelling with us for many,many years, home and away.

It's wrong that the IFA president, who is a senior member of the Orange Order, and others who have similar unionist affiliations within the IFA organisation, should be the spokemen for what i want in the future.

The IFA always has been and still is an organisation dominated by Unionists.

For many football fans in the North the IFA have had little imput on my footballing allegiences in the past & it will have a similar imput in the future.

I don't differenciate between Gibson from Derry, keane from Dublin, Wilson from Antrim or O'Shea from Waterford

[ifk101]

An interesting case.

Kernaghan "longed to play for Northern Ireland".

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/i-longed-to-play-for-northern-ireland-says-former-republic-star-kernaghan-14565560.html

He didn't have a choice.

Whatever background/ or community Kernaghan comes from is really irrelevant but it does go to show that the FAI will pick anyone with a heartbeat and a pair of football boots regardless of their background.


I've no doubt the FAI would pick anyone they could get their hands on.

Yes 100% correct - the FAI will even pick and play players with absolutely no connection to Ireland. ;)


They, and their supporters, should respect the fact that many Northern Irish born players do not want to play for the FAI team, nor wish to see the IFA team abolished.

I don't think the FAI are actively interested in a merger and, with regards to their supporters, there are plenty of us that do not want a merger (myself included). Those calling for a merger need to realise that the eligibility rules are such that from a purely sporting perspective there is absolutely no need for a merger. Calls for a merger are therefore not motivated by sporting considerations.

A high profile player available for selection for us doesn't want to play for Ireland for his reasons - and that's something we need to accept, respect and move on. Similarily there is a community in NI that doesn't want anything to do with us and wants to continue to support the team that represents their identity and interests - that's something we need to accept, respect and move on.

[Gather round]

Do any of you go near any other section of the forum? ...Your willingness to affirm no to an AI team is quite amusing, If you really want that lollypop fine lads lets just give to them....For Sporting reasons it makes perfect sense, but you're all so Conservative you couldn't even give it a "wee" go....Football could really excell as an AI, for all other sports it works and it's been worth it. ..Bout time eh? Ffs, couple of hours down the M1, up off yer arses

Glad you like it, Riddick. Here's another suggested drive for you. Two hours off the end of Bray Esplanade, just keep going down, down, down until you hit the lost city of Atlantis. There's as much chance as your football team merging with them.


The NI team and supporter base looks very solid to me. They have a strong identity, albeit an overly "stand up for the Ulstermen" identity

I don't see that as any different from the RoI's 'come on you boys in green' identity expressed in song?


the terms 'Taigs' & 'beggars' are common-place on that MB. And only condemned by the silent minority, indirectly

I condemn them, they're abusive and embarrassing.


anyone who even questions the existence of the North's team is prohibited

Not quite, but I mean what do you expect? If I started threads here saying "The South of Ireland are rubbish and should merge with England because let's face it that's where all the players are and half the fans are Brits anyway", I'd be deleted and pretty quickly banned, no?


And there's no 'effective all-Ireland' side, if all these confused people who are 'Irish' or perhaps not,won't or can't play for them

Any Irish footballer can play for them. Stop talking nonsense.


I'm not sure that a hard core support of around 7,000 n.i supporters should represent the thoughts of the supporters & players of football in the North

They don't- you can choose/ elect whoever you like to represent you, including the RoI team and the FAI. The NI support obviously includes a much larger figure than you quote, just like the South's is much greater than the 12,000 (?) who watched your friendly with South Africa.


They are a tiny fraction of the football community here and for a many of us we are happy to support Trap's Ireland

They aren't as above; no-one's stopping you supporting Trap. What's the problem?


It's wrong that the IFA president, who is a senior member of the Orange Order, and others who have similar unionist affiliations within the IFA organisation, should be the spokemen for what i want in the future

It obviously isn't- you can choose as spokesman or team to follow, whoever you like.


The IFA always has been and still is an organisation dominated by Unionists

Probably inevitable, when

a) there are more unionists than nationalists in NI

b) many of the nationalists choose to support the RoI and its FAI.
Get over it, eh?

[Not Brazil]

Many thousands of Ireland supporters already "get up off their arses" from the North to follow Ireland, just as they do in Kerry, Galway, limerick etc... It's a bit of a journey, but we are happy to travel to see ireland play.

I suppose it comes down to your definition of what you regard as being a football supporter living in the North. I love the game, and have never been to Windsor park to support Worthington's team. I much prefer travelling to Dublin to follow my national side.

I'm not sure that a hard core support of around 7,000 n.i supporters should represent the thoughts of the supporters & players of football in the North.

It's wrong that the IFA president, who is a senior member of the Orange Order, and others who have similar unionist affiliations within the IFA organisation, should be the spokemen for what i want in the future.

The IFA always has been and still is an organisation dominated by Unionists.


Certainly no issues from me with anyone going to watch the Republic Of Ireland play - I'm sure those who travel from Northern Ireland are as passionate about your team, as Northern Ireland fans are about ours.

I respect your "preference" to support the Republic Of Ireland - perhaps you will respect the desire of Northern Ireland fans to watch Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland supporters do not represent "the thoughts of the supporters & players of football in the North". They represent the thoughts of Northern Ireland supporters, ie. those who support the International representative team of the Irish Football Association.

Those who do not wish to play for, or support, that team do not have too - players and supporters now have a choice.

Northern Ireland fans will not be denied our choice to support the Northern Ireland team - furthermore, the Irish Football Association (a Company, and member of FIFA), have no intentions whatsoever of relinquishing their membership, packing up, and disappearing. On the contrary, under the stewardship of the new CEO, they are setting about establishing ambitious plans to progress well into the future. Some people need to get their head around that.

It is the members of the IFA (you can go check the Constitution of the IFA), who decide who represents them.

It's representatives are spokemen for what the Irish Football Association want in the future - not you.

Nobody is stopping you expressing your allegiances elsewhere.

[Not Brazil]

the terms 'Taigs' & 'beggars' are common-place on that MB.


I'll challenge you right now to post the evidence that the term "taigs" is used in any vitriolic way on "That MB" regularly.

It's not, and making things up doesn't help your arguement one iota.

[Not Brazil]

A high profile player available for selection for us doesn't want to play for Ireland for his reasons - and that's something we need to accept, respect and move on. Similarily there is a community in NI that doesn't want anything to do with us and wants to continue to support the team that represents their identity and interests - that's something we need to accept, respect and move on.

Nail on the head.

[Not Brazil]

Er, 2009-1994=15!!!
Have been to their NISC two years ago, whilst the cricket was on. Ironically the 'regulars' were very welcoming and wished the :rolleyes: Irish cricket team well. And no-one mentioned any 'breakaway'!! ;)

And there's no 'effective all-Ireland' side, if all these confused people who are 'Irish' or perhaps not,won't or can't play for them. Though I would laugh if a unionist 'careerist' player went off to play for England, Ireland or even Scotland, as they had a better chance of reaching major Finals....

I'm quite sure if you went to the same NISC during The Ashes, you'll find many of the Patrons enthusiastically cheering on England - is thon "West Brit" Joyce still playing for them?:)

I follow the fortunes of the Irish and English cricket teams.

There was no talk of a "breakaway", because there was never a "breakaway" in the sport of cricket - and, let's be honest, up until very recently there was little or no interest in the Irish cricket team (playing a very English sport).

Your second para above is non sensical - an player born on the island can now choose to play for the Republic Of Ireland - to say "can't" is simply not fact.

Whilst you may well laugh at a Northern Ireland born "unionist" player going to England or Scotland to further their international career, I don't see that happening - unless the player can satisfy the requirements of FIFA Statutes Article 16.

[janeymac]

If only Wales had merged with England eh?:rolleyes:

If only the British clubs didn't have these really odd gentlemen's agreements that has prevented Giggs for playing for England, where he grew up.

[Not Brazil]

If only the British clubs didn't have these really odd gentlemen's agreements that has prevented Giggs for playing for England, where he grew up.

Clubs? I presume you mean the British Associations?

It's a bit more than a "gentlemans agreement" nowadays - it's FIFA Statutes Article 16.

Besides, maybe Giggs wanted to play for Wales?

[janeymac]

I'm quite sure if you went to the same NISC during The Ashes, you'll find many of the Patrons enthusiastically cheering on England - is thon "West Brit" Joyce still playing for them?:)

I follow the fortunes of the Irish and English cricket teams.

There was no talk of a "breakaway", because there was never a "breakaway" in the sport of cricket - and, let's be honest, up until very recently there was little or no interest in the Irish cricket team (playing a very English sport).

Your second para above is non sensical - an player born on the island can now choose to play for the Republic Of Ireland - to say "can't" is simply not fact.

Whilst you may well laugh at a Northern Ireland born "unionist" player going to England or Scotland to further their international career, I don't see that happening - unless the player can satisfy the requirements of FIFA Statutes Article 16.

Isn't Ed Joyce's mother English and so would be half-Brit not West Brit.

As a matter of interest have you ever gone into the reasons why the two associations split, unlike rugby & cricket?

By the way, the reason why cricket is probably not that popular is that it is a summer sport which is the season when our own native sports (hurling & gaelic football) are played. I think there is something very special about cricket (England's native sport) being played in England - same kind of thing as I think hurling & gaelic football being played here.

[janeymac]

Clubs? I presume you mean the British Associations?

It's a bit more than a "gentlemans agreement" nowadays - it's FIFA Statutes Article 16.

Besides, maybe Giggs wanted to play for Wales?

Giggs grew up in England and played schoolboys for England - he didn't have a choice.

So by this new Rule 16, Patrick Viera would not be able to play for France because he was born in Senegal despite growing up in France.

Tough one that.

[Not Brazil]

Isn't Ed Joyce's mother English and so would be half-Brit not West Brit.

As a matter of interest have you ever gone into the reasons why the two associations split, unlike rugby & cricket?


Not sure about Mr Joyce's parentage.

Yes, I have.

[Not Brazil]

So by this new Rule 16, Patrick Viera would not be able to play for France because he was born in Senegal despite growing up in France.

Tough one that.

Not sure - what Citizenship/Nationality does Viera have?

Does he have more than one?

My understanding is that Article 16 is essentially a "British" thing.

A, singular, nationality (British), that would ordinarily allow you to play for more than one Association. It essentially stops a "free for all" within the four British Associations.

[seanfhear]

Some of the Northeners appear to be "protesting too much"

Some like Freud might wonder at this grandiose protesting.

If I am not interested in something I go off and find other stuff that I am interested in to occupy my time.

Any professional psychologists on foot.ie care to give their profesional view on this "protesting too much phenomen";)

[Gather round]

Some of the Northeners appear to be "protesting too much"

Stop posting nonsense on the web, we'll stop answering it.


Some like Freud might wonder at this grandiose protesting

What's grandiose about it? Just a thread on a web board, like thousands of others.


If I am not interested in something I go off and find other stuff that I am interested in to occupy my time

Good, bye bye.


Any professional psychologists on foot.ie care to give their profesional view on this "protesting too much phenomen";)

I'm sure if any were interested they'd have found the thread by now.

[seanfhear]

Stop posting nonsense on the web, we'll stop answering it.



What's grandiose about it? Just a thread on a web board, like thousands of others.



Good, bye bye.



I'm sure if any were interested they'd have found the thread by now.
Oops I triggered a defensive episode.

Next may come the denial cycle.

You must admit that most supporters of NI are against an All-Ireland team but they (some) do love to debate the issue.

From a psychological point of view it is interesting behaviour.

On some issues some Northeners love to hate;) us but sure i suppose its better than ignoring us. At least we are not lonely when we want to discuss these issues.

[Not Brazil]

You must admit that most supporters of NI are against an All-Ireland team but they (some) do love to debate the issue.

From a psychological point of view it is interesting behaviour.



Let me get this right - you think it's "interesting behaviour" that Northern Ireland fans join in debate that centres on the future of their team?:eek:

Do you think a psychiatrist would find that abnormal?

[ArdeeBhoy]

I condemn them, they're abusive and embarrassing.

Not quite, but I mean what do you expect? If I started threads here saying "The South of Ireland are rubbish and should merge with England because let's face it that's where all the players are and half the fans are Brits anyway", I'd be deleted and pretty quickly banned, no?

the South's

Probably inevitable, when
a) there are more unionists than nationalists in NI

Fair enough though it has to be done by that MB (& probably FfA) just to re-enforce that message.
Though as for questioning our 'identity' in a more inoffensive way, like to think we'd live a lot easier in our skin and not be so po-faced or insecure. So No, would generally just laugh at you! And point out your many factually inaccurate notes.

Though not at your lack of knowledge of :rolleyes: geography or history, as per those last two quotes! Care to consider why?


I'll challenge you right now to post the evidence that the term "taigs" is used in any vitriolic way on "That MB" regularly.

It's not, and making things up doesn't help your arguement one iota.

Hmm. Not in my experience. But it's more the double standards as explained above last night.

Why not get every Irish person 'access all areas' on that MB and then we'll see for ourselves??


I'm quite sure if you went to the same NISC during The Ashes, you'll find many of the Patrons enthusiastically cheering on England - is thon "West Brit" Joyce still playing for them?

I follow the fortunes of the Irish and English cricket teams.

There was no talk of a "breakaway", because there was never a "breakaway" in the sport of cricket - and, let's be honest, up until very recently there was little or no interest in the Irish cricket team (playing a very English sport).

Whilst you may well laugh at a Northern Ireland born "unionist" player going to England or Scotland to further their international career, I don't see that happening - unless the player can satisfy the requirements of FIFA Statutes Article 16.

To be fair, they never mentioned England & ROTW, though their SC was very much made out :rolleyes: in the colour scheme of the former. The only green on show was a photo of George Best wearing an 'Ireland' shirt!!
Though no surprise to he you follow the England cricket team!

As for Joyce, he has delusions of grandeur playing tests but at least his brother & sisters all played for ireland. But the rules in cricket are far more lax.

Finally, if you want to hang on to England's coat-tails, don't be surprised if they take some deserved pay-back, given the amount they've subsidised the north pointlessly over the years. ;)


Some of the Northeners appear to be "protesting too much"

Some like Freud might wonder at this grandiose protesting.

Any professional psychologists on foot.ie care to give their profesional view on this "protesting too much phenomen"

To be fair, Freud & legions of his peers could never explain that odd psyche, in certain quarters of N.E.Ulster!!!

[janeymac]

Not sure - what Citizenship/Nationality does Viera have?

Does he have more than one?

My understanding is that Article 16 is essentially a "British" thing.

A, singular, nationality (British), that would ordinarily allow you to play for more than one Association. It essentially stops a "free for all" within the four British Associations.

Viera was born in Senegal. His family moved to France when he was 8. His citizenship would be of France, but his nationality is Senegalese.

The British Associations must keep a whole FIFA department going sorting out their eligibiilty etc. affairs.

[ArdeeBhoy]

The British Associations must keep a whole FIFA department going sorting out their eligibiilty etc. affairs.It's the fall-out of having an illegal Empire.

Though a 'good' job for the Brits, they did have a slave trade;They'd barely have any credible footballers now if they hadn't.
Not that's any consolation to various places in W.Africa or the Caribbean....

And the same applies to France & Portugal.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Oops I triggered a defensive episode.

Next may come the denial cycle.

You must admit that most supporters of NI are against an All-Ireland team but they (some) do love to debate the issue.

From a psychological point of view it is interesting behaviour.

On some issues some Northeners love to hate;) us but sure i suppose its better than ignoring us. At least we are not lonely when we want to discuss these issues.

The irony if you even said the words, 'the North' on their MB, you'd never get any further. Such is their paranoia. Which is probably their most prevalent collective psychological issue.

[Not Brazil]

Hmm. Not in my experience.

Why not get every Irish person 'access all areas' on that MB and then we'll see for ourselves??



If it is "not your experience", you will be able to post the evidence I challenged you to produce.

If you cannot, then it must be concluded that your comments were fabricated.

The owner of the site invites those who wish to help with the upkeep of the site to make a small contribution - in return, it's "excess all areas".

Many "Irish" people have done so, as have football supporters from othe parts of the world. All areas are open to ANYONE who wishes to make a small contribution to the runniong of the site (£5, one off payment).

That is the site owner's decision - not mine, not yours.

[ArdeeBhoy]

If it is "not your experience", you will be able to post the evidence I challenged you to produce.

If you cannot, then it must be concluded that your comments were fabricated.

The owner of the site invites those who wish to help with the upkeep of the site to make a small contribution - in return, it's "excess all areas".

Many "Irish" people have done so, as have football supporters from othe parts of the world. All areas are open to ANYONE who wishes to make a small contribution to the runniong of the site (£5, one off payment).

That is the site owner's decision - not mine, not yours.

Fair enough. Though it's also an excuse to keep out 'undesirables', as if they'd even last 5 minutes on there.
Don't have currently, though I did try to gain such access, but they're so hard to contact or unresponsive I didn't persist.

As for evidence;have seen it on there. It's more the tone, or their hypocritical, po-faced attitude re.dissenting views or people engaging in 'banter'.
Still, no surprise there.

[Not Brazil]

The irony if you even said the words, 'the North' on their MB, you'd never get any further. Such is their paranoia. Which is probably their most prevalent collective psychological issue.

The irony of anyone who cannot even bring themselves to utter the words "Northern Ireland" trying to woe supporters of the Northern Ireland team into a "happy clappy" fantasy island team is quite interesting.

Futhermore, the continued insults directed at the perceived mental health of those who have the temerity to hold a different view than you, isn't exactly the stuff of those who champion "Unity" - particularly, as those insults are directed at the very people you wish to be "United" with.

However, carry on...

[Not Brazil]

Fair enough. Though it's also an excuse to keep out 'undesirables', as if they'd even last 5 minutes on there.

Don't have currently, though I did try to gain such access, but they're so hard to contact or unresponsive I didn't persist.

As for evidence;have seen it on there. It's more the tone, or their hypocritical, po-faced attitude re.dissenting views or people engaging in 'banter'.
Still, no surprise there.

No - let's try again.

If you have evidence, based on your "experiences", that the term "taigs" is used regularly on "that MB", in a vitriolic fashion, put up or shut up.

There are several posters with contrary views, who contribute in all sections, as "Patrons", (including very articulate ROI supporting posters, who are regulars here) who post on "that MB".

[ArdeeBhoy]

The irony of anyone who cannot even bring themselves to utter the words "Northern Ireland" trying to woe supporters of the Northern Ireland team into a "happy clappy" fantasy island team is quite interesting.

Futhermore, the continued insults directed at the perceived mental health of those who have the temerity hold a different view than you, isn't exactly the stuff of those who champion "Unity" - particularly, as those insults are directed at the very people you wish to be "United" with.

To be fair, have encountered a number of local residents who are not so enthusaistic about the term.
And would also question the psyche of certain other local residents. Mainly the ones with a liking for a rather bright colour scheme or whose football team's fans flags generally have an aversion to the colours they play in!

[Gather round]

All areas are open to ANYONE who wishes to make a small contribution to the runniong of the site (£5, one off payment)...That is the site owner's decision - not mine, not yours

£5 per year seems good value to me and in practice it is very popular (ie most of the previous members became subscribers when it was introduced). There's a similar scheme here, although I think the fee is rather higher?


Don't have currently, though I did try to gain such access, but they're so hard to contact or unresponsive I didn't persist

Translation: 'It's not fair, I keep getting banned'. Stop posting random cartoon Provo nonsense and you won't be.

[ArdeeBhoy]

No - let's try again.

If you have evidence, based on your "experiences", that the term "taigs" is used regularly on "that MB", in a vitriolic fashion, put up or shut up.

There are several posters with contrary views, who contribute in all sections, as "Patrons", (including very articulate ROI supporting posters, who are regulars here) who post on "that MB".

To your last point;wouldn't expect any difference!

As for evidence, you get me the access and I'll willingly prove it. Guessing you're uncomfortable with that term, though instead of spending so much time trying to re-educate us, you dedicate it to some of your fellow fans. But I'll forgive their ignorance.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Translation: 'It's not fair, I keep getting banned'. Stop posting random cartoon Provo nonsense and you won't be.

Translation;"We're so paranoid & po-faced, in the main, how dare anyone question our existence. And dissenters will not be tolerated!"

[Not Brazil]

And would also question the psyche of certain other local residents. Mainly the ones with a liking for a rather bright colour scheme or whose football team's fans flags generally have an aversion to the colours they play in!

What, like Italians and the Dutch, for example?

[Not Brazil]

As for evidence, you get me the access and I'll willingly prove it. Guessing you're uncomfortable with that term, though instead of spending so much time trying to re-educate us, you dedicate it to some of your fellow fans. But I'll forgive their ignorance.

Get yourself access.:rolleyes:

Yes, I would be very uncomfortable with the term - as would the Moderators on "that MB" if it was used in a vitriolic way.

I'm not trying to "re-educate" anyone. I have a respect for difference - something you appear to be, sadly, lacking.

Furthermore, I dedicate a lot of my time away from messageboards doing my (small) bit to fight sectarianism. If you want to call that "re-educating" my "fellow fans", that's fine.

I've had manys a "private" chat with some regular ROI supporters who post here, who hold different views entirely to me. Guess what, I respect them, but they show me similar respect, and don't set out to insult.

They'll know who they are.:)

[Den Perry]

Why do we always need to go political about it?
For football's sake on this island it makes sense to have an AIL and an AI National team.Better pool of talent, greater access to Capital funding, yeah sure the economies in the ****s now but it'll recover in time, in short time.
Look at rugby, we're one of the worlds best teams....Ireland! up there with the best.
Irelands call is always majestically roared out in Croker, and soon to be Lansdowne.


Rugby is played to a high level by about 9 countries. One of the World's best teams in soccer would be a far greater status to shout about

in addition, Ireland's Call is an embarrassment