Celtic Cup thread

[cornflakes]

Will this be the squad for the Italy friendly too or will there be a separate squad for that?

[Stuttgart88]

33 man squad. Ward, Folan, Stokes, McShane in it. Andrews, O'Dea, Duff, St. Ledger & Doyle named too even though they are injured. No Hoolahan or no new recruits named. Same old, same old.

http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=101735:trapattoni-names-33-man-provisional&catid=1:senior-men&Itemid=8&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitterIs Hoolahan better than James McCarthy all of a sudden?

Can't believe Duff is a major doubt. Unbelievable.

[SwanVsDalton]

Will this be the squad for the Italy friendly too or will there be a separate squad for that?

It'll probably very different in make-up but not sure if it'll be a separate squad announcement as such - probably will just release a load of players and call-up some others post Macedonia.

[tetsujin1979]

Is Hoolahan better than James McCarthy all of a sudden?
or better than Fahey or Gibson or McGeady. They're our central midfield creative options. In my opinion there's little to call between Hoolahan and McPhail at this stage

[ArdeeBhoy]

IFA are to announce travel/ticketing arrangements for Northern Ireland fans intending to attend the ROI game later today - I understand these arrangements are likely to put a number of fans off attending.
Can they not just buy from TM and make 'their own way' then?


Sadly, I am also informed that the, eagerly awaited pre match fans match between Northern Ireland and the Republic has been cancelled due to "security concerns".

What a shame - I was intending to travel down to watch the fans game, and then watch the match on TV in Dublin.

On TV? And that fans game could well have been more entertaining that the real event. But not a total surprise it got pulled in the current climate.

[DannyInvincible]

Can they not just buy from TM and make 'their own way' then?

Ticketmaster were refusing to send tickets north of the border under instruction from the Gardaí and stadium security.

The IFA did reveal the arrangements for their fans earlier, mind: http://www.irishfa.com/news/item/6445/carling-nations-cup-ticket-sales/


Due to the difficulties encountered at the Scotland match in February, the Association along with the FAI, PSNI and Gardai have decided that all tickets will be linked to transport provided by the Irish FA along with our Travel Partners – Travel Solutions. Coaches will depart from a number of locations across Northern Ireland.

[ArdeeBhoy]

The only thing that puzzles me slightly is they were selling them on the website some weeks if not months ago, though to be fair to them knowing the FAI, there were no tickets to send out anyway....

Given the numerous home spares that will be floating about (from absent Block-bookers), I wonder what the Guards will do if segregation obviously breaks down? One hopes they have a plan?

[DannyInvincible]

Ticketmaster were permitting transactions to go through from anywhere but once they'd realise the delivery address was in the north they'd, as per instruction, notify the buyer of their policy and reimburse that account with a refund. It meant that northern-based Ireland fans have had to contact the FAI with their ticket requests via a special e-mail address.

[DannyInvincible]

The Amalgamation of NI Supporters Clubs is now calling for a fan boycott of their games against us and Wales: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13350176.stm

Surprisingly, the boycott has nothing to do with the contentious issue of player eligibility, however. The problem is with the extra tenner NI fans will now have to pay due to the travel restrictions for security purposes.


The main Northern Ireland supporters group is calling for a boycott of the Nations Cup games against the Republic of Ireland and Wales later this month.

Northern Ireland fans have been angered by the travel restrictions placed on them for the games in Dublin.

Fans have been told that they must travel on official buses which will cost £30 for a return trip.

"We are calling on our members not to attend the games," said NI supporters chief Gary McAllister.

"It is in effect of boycott of the games against the Republic of Ireland and Wales.

"We feel that the restrictions that have been placed on us have been very badly handled."

[ArdeeBhoy]

The tickets for their game v.us were also more expensive.
If memory serves me correctly from TM, they were quoted £30? + booking fee which is twice as much as their Scottish cousins paid...

Not sure why the restrictions apply to their Welsh game but I suppose any prospect of another loyalist singsong has put the Guards on edge.

[awec]

The Amalgamation of NI Supporters Clubs is now calling for a fan boycott of their games against us and Wales: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13350176.stm

Surprisingly, the boycott has nothing to do with the contentious issue of player eligibility, however. The problem is with the extra tenner NI fans will now have to pay due to the travel restrictions for security purposes.

I'd say there will be very few who go against the boycott, I know my club won't.

Boycott or no boycott I wasn't attending and my reason for not attending was based purely on the cost and travel issue. It's just not worth it for what would be Northern Ireland B Team vs Republic of Ireland A team. Getting bused in and out to see us get beat and more Nigel Worthington crap, no thanks.

The latest figures are that we've sold 100 tickets total. :D

[ArdeeBhoy]

I can understand (& support it) for their game v.us, but in the case of the Welsh game it makes limited sense.
And given the issues that were always going to arise, shows how ill-conceived the whole 'competition' is.

On a serious note, if North fans hide their colours and keep quiet, I'm not sure anyone policing that game is going to know necessarily they're even in the stadium given the relative crossover of the fanbase(s).
Their names however would generally be more of a giveaway....

[shakermaker1982]

I think it's fair to say the Celtic Cup won't be renewed any time soon.......

[BonnieShels]

...and the closeness of their eyes...

Anyway, as AB was saying, the conception of it was a disastrous. What harm would there gave been in treating it like the six nations and have each association play games home and away so that there would be some sense of an event locally. Otherwise it seems the way the thing has gone its just like an end of season quadrangular tournament.

[jbyrne]

Not sure why the restrictions apply to their Welsh game but I suppose any prospect of another loyalist singsong has put the Guards on edge.

think the problems are a bit more than just a sing song. just ask the residents adjacent to the northern end of the stadium who had to put up with all kinds of issues the night of the scotland game in february.

[ifk101]

The party line on that jbyrne is that there were "no arrests" and therefore any disturbances around the Scotland game were "minor". Nevertheless the forces that be deem the need to introduce a very restrictive control of NI fans for the remaining games as a repeat performance of these "minor" disturbances are likely to draw a reaction from certain quarters in our own support. When a fan game can't get played because of security concerns you'd wonder why the FAI sought to organise a tournament with NI included in the first place. After all a game with NI isn't a crowd puller - less than 15,000 turned up last time they played us in Dublin.

[ArdeeBhoy]

think the problems are a bit more than just a sing song. just ask the residents adjacent to the northern end of the stadium who had to put up with all kinds of issues the night of the scotland game in february.

I was trying to be, er, euphemistic....

And the last game v.the North was a charity fund-raiser for the Omagh victims, badly scheduled on a wet day up against a Celtic-Rangers Cup Final.

All of which had an effect on the size of the crowd.

[ifk101]

And the last game v.the North was a charity fund-raiser for the Omagh victims, badly scheduled on a wet day up against a Celtic-Rangers Cup Final.

All of which had an effect on the size of the crowd.

Exactly. It won't draw a crowd. :)

[Not Brazil]

Seems the IFA have gotten their knickers in a bit oif a twist.

http://www.irishfa.com/news/item/6461/irish-fa-announcement/

You couldn't make it up.

:(

I also note that the original cut off date for bookings was this Friday - the squad is not announced to next Tuesday.

I suspect, once the squad is announced, many of those who have booked will feel a bit let down.

Approximately 8,000 Northern Ireland supporters were intending to attend this match - I can't see more than 800 going now.

[geysir]

The party line on that jbyrne is that there were "no arrests" and therefore any disturbances around the Scotland game were "minor". Nevertheless the forces that be deem the need to introduce a very restrictive control of NI fans for the remaining games as a repeat performance of these "minor" disturbances are likely to draw a reaction from certain quarters in our own support. When a fan game can't get played because of security concerns you'd wonder why the FAI sought to organise a tournament with NI included in the first place. After all a game with NI isn't a crowd puller - less than 15,000 turned up last time they played us in Dublin.
It's sad when a football game has to have such restrictions around it but I trust the Gardai have their real concerns after the behaviour of some NI fans at the game against Scotland.
The FAI can't predict a year ahead how the tournament will go, it was worth a try after they got the sponsorship.

[awec]

I can understand (& support it) for their game v.us, but in the case of the Welsh game it makes limited sense.
And given the issues that were always going to arise, shows how ill-conceived the whole 'competition' is.

On a serious note, if North fans hide their colours and keep quiet, I'm not sure anyone policing that game is going to know necessarily they're even in the stadium given the relative crossover of the fanbase(s).
Their names however would generally be more of a giveaway....

:D

We have all sorts in our supporters club, from O'Neil's and your Murphy's to your Aoife's and your Orlaith's.

The competition is dead in the water due to a lack of interest. Carling and Sky are apparently not happy.

[Not Brazil]

On a serious note, if North fans hide their colours and keep quiet, I'm not sure anyone policing that game is going to know necessarily they're even in the stadium given the relative crossover of the fanbase(s).
Their names however would generally be more of a giveaway....

Why should Northern Ireland fans "hide their colours and keep quiet"?

Your assertion that names identify any particular affiliation is both misguided and presumptious, not to mention crude.

[ArdeeBhoy]

I was being sarcastic about the security operation. If they didn't identify themselves by name (Or by colours/flags & singing), who would even know they were there?

It took you long enough to be 'offended' anyway.
And the vast majority of fans of yours I've encountered have names very 'obviously' of a unionist tradition.

But don't worry it's not their fault, I blame the parents....
:rolleyes:

[Murfinator]

This is genuinely the wost idea for a tournament I've ever heard. I'm pleased its a horrible, horrible failure. I think I'd rather saw my nads off than watch Northern Ireland or Scotland play soccer.

[Not Brazil]

I was being sarcastic about the security operation. If they didn't identify themselves by name (Or by colours/flags & singing), who would even know they were there?

It took you long enough to be 'offended' anyway.
And the vast majority of fans of yours I've encountered have names very 'obviously' of a unionist tradition.

But don't worry it's not their fault, I blame the parents....
:rolleyes:

Not "offended" in any way AB.

You obviously haven't read (or understood) the entirety of the, IFA supported, "security operation".

Regarding names, you remind me of the poster on here who once claimed that David Healy was receiving sectarian abuse from Northern Ireland fans...because, quite "obviously", he is a Catholic with a name like that!:D

So what if Northern Ireland fans are largely from a "unionist tradition" anyway?

What has that got to do with anything?

[Not Brazil]

This is genuinely the wost idea for a tournament I've ever heard. I'm pleased its a horrible, horrible failure. I think I'd rather saw my nads off than watch Northern Ireland or Scotland play soccer.

I agree with you that this competition is proving to be not the greatest of ideas ever.

However, as a Republic supporter, do you not go to watch and support the Republic, as oppossed to the opposition?

Would you not be a little bit pleased if the Republic won it?

[ArdeeBhoy]

You obviously haven't read (or understood) the entirety of the, IFA supported, "security operation".

Except it's a joke. If it was the other way round, it wouldn't stop me making my own way and getting in.


Regarding names, you remind me of the poster on here who once claimed that David Healy was receiving sectarian abuse from Northern Ireland fans...because, quite "obviously", he is a Catholic with a name like that!

You obviously don't know his dad's name, 'Campbell' or 'Cameron' , is it? Obviously a product of a mixed marriage, who was then given a Scottish name. Hmm, fair enough.


So what if Northern Ireland fans are largely from a "unionist tradition" anyway?

What has that got to do with anything?

See the above points about how they could be identified? Their names generally are the giveaways, as you know fine well.

[Not Brazil]

Except it's a joke. If it was the other way round, it wouldn't stop me making my own way and getting in.

You obviously don't know his dad's name, 'Campbell' or 'Cameron' , is it? Obviously a product of a mixed marriage, who was then given a Scottish name. Hmm, fair enough.


See the above points about how they could be identified? Their names generally are the giveaways, as you know fine well.

Northern Ireland fans have no way of "getting in", unless they avail of the IFA monopoly on ticketing/travel arrangements.

I suppose a Northern Ireland fan could drive down and try and pick up a spare for the Republic parts of the ground on match day though - Some might consider that if it was an important qualifier, but not for what will be effectively a "B" International.

What are you belthering on about with Healy's dad's name? I know the man - regular at Northern Ireland matches, home and away, with his wife. What point, exactly, are you trying (badly) to make?

By the way, I've never been asked my name on entering any Northern Ireland match at home or abroad - I give the guy on the gate my ticket, and go in.

Do Republic fans get asked their name before being granted admission to a match?

Names, in some sad little "themmuns and ussens" world might allow some people to jump to conclusions, but, in reality, they indicate jack **** with any certainty.

[ArdeeBhoy]

If you don't understand it now, then you never will....

Anyone can walk up to the ground (there will be loads of spares) buy a ticket at less than cost price and short of identifying themselves to the the local security by giving their name, will be able to watch the game in peace from the 'home' end, unless of course they wish to identify themselves by colours or vocally.

That is the point I am alluding to, as anyone raised in Belfast should be more than aware of.

[Not Brazil]

Anyone can walk up to the ground (there will be loads of spares) buy a ticket at less than cost price and short of identifying themselves to the the local security by giving their name, will be able to watch the game in peace from the 'home' end, unless of course they wish to identify themselves by colours or vocally.

That is the point I am alluding to, as anyone raised in Belfast should be more than aware of.

It would be very hard to express your suppoort for your team without being vocal and/or displaying colours.

What you supposed to do - sit there mute?

Plenty of my mates who go to Northern Ireland games have names that would not identify them one way or another.

To assert that a name always identifies your "background" is, quite simply, drivel.

Let's take an example - a guy called, say, Mark McAllister travels from Northern Ireland to the game - he purchases a spare for the Republic end. He, being in friendly mode, says to the security chaps, in a Northern Irish accent "Hello...my name in Mark McAllister, I'm looking forward to the match".

What happens next?

[cornflakes]

To assert that a name always identifies your "background" is, quite simply, drivel.

Let's take an example - a guy called, say, Mark McAllister travels from Northern Ireland to the game - he purchases a spare for the Republic end. He, being in friendly mode, says to the security chaps, in a Northern Irish accent "Hello...my name in Mark McAllister, I'm looking forward to the match".

What happens next?

The security chaps will spray him with holy water, if he doesn't melt hes catholic and thus a Republic of Ireland fan. I thought everyone knew that

[SwanVsDalton]

Plus replace security with nuns - they'll soon sniff them out.

[Gather round]

Evening all. I won't be going to the Wales game now. It's less a statement of principle than that I was going to travel in on the mini-cruise from Caergybi rather than get a bus from Belfast.

Lionel Ritchie of this parish will be disappointed. He was in line for the prize of a free drink, after guessing closest to that quiz which suggested I was 68% Chucky :eek:

Co-incidentally, I was just talking to my cousin Mark whose mother was a McAllister before her marriage. He'll be cheering on the GAWA from temporary exile in Kigali, Rwanda. Don't mess with my Tutu, baby.

Quick question to Not Brazil- do you have a same-surname relative who's a padre in the Church of the Nazarene, if so we were chatting recently. Best wishes etc.

[paul_oshea]

Let's take an example - a guy called, say, Mark McAllister travels from Northern Ireland to the game - he purchases a spare for the Republic end. He, being in friendly mode, says to the security chaps, in a Northern Irish accent "Hello...my name in Mark McAllister, I'm looking forward to the match".

What happens next?

They ask him his middle name of course, silly.

[Not Brazil]

Quick question to Not Brazil- do you have a same-surname relative who's a padre in the Church of the Nazarene, if so we were chatting recently. Best wishes etc.

Not to the best of my knowledge GR - but one never knows.;)

Good luck, and safe passage, on your travels.

PS. Should I be concerned about this Church of the Nazarene thingy?:D

[paul_oshea]

Evening all. I won't be going to the Wales game now. It's less a statement of principle than that I was going to travel in on the mini-cruise from Caergybi rather than get a bus from Belfast.

Lionel Ritchie of this parish will be disappointed. He was in line for the prize of a free drink, after guessing closest to that quiz which suggested I was 68% Chucky :eek:

Co-incidentally, I was just talking to my cousin Mark whose mother was a McAllister before her marriage. He'll be cheering on the GAWA from temporary exile in Kigali, Rwanda. Don't mess with my Tutu, baby.

Quick question to Not Brazil- do you have a same-surname relative who's a padre in the Church of the Nazarene, if so we were chatting recently. Best wishes etc.

Frank Brazil?

[ArdeeBhoy]

Or Alan?

The point is, if the security were very officious, which they wouldn't be, this is one method they might have used....

[Not Brazil]

Or Alan?

The point is, if the security were very officious, which they wouldn't be, this is one method they might have used....

"What's your name?", followed by a "background" designation by "the security"...because a name tells you everything?

You're barking mad.:D

[DannyInvincible]

Or Alan?

The point is, if the security were very officious, which they wouldn't be, this is one method they might have used....

I fear some of our own players might even have trouble getting into our end if the stewards were to employ such a strategy. Marc Wilson, for one.

[geysir]

Or Alan?

The point is, if the security were very officious, which they wouldn't be, this is one method they might have used....

Not the only one though.

How about HDS?

http://www.hiwtc.com/photo/products/31/02/14/21496.jpg

[awec]

"What's your name?", followed by a "background" designation by "the security"...because a name tells you everything?

You're barking mad.:D
I'm surprised you took the time to respond to him!

Next he'll be suggesting that all fans must bring a utility bill with their address on it. "Ah, you're from the Ardoyne, on you go", "Oh, I say, Mount Vernon, step aside please". :D

[Not Brazil]

I'm surprised you took the time to respond to him!

Next he'll be suggesting that all fans must bring a utility bill with their address on it. "Ah, you're from the Ardoyne, on you go",

It would depend on what part of the Ardoyne you come from, if you got in or not.:D

Anyway, I'll be saving on a dry cleaning bill by not going to the match, after my suit was covered in Champagne, celebrating after the Irish Cup Final on Saturday:

http://www.unionjackwear.co.uk/images/unionjacksuit(1).jpg

[ArdeeBhoy]

There's nothing 'mad' about using a name for racial profiling.
Especially when in most instances it's so obvious.

Even from the Ardoyne.
;)



Evening all. I won't be going to the Wales game now. It's less a statement of principle than that I was going to travel in on the mini-cruise from Caergybi rather than get a bus from Belfast.

Lionel Ritchie of this parish will be disappointed. He was in line for the prize of a free drink, after guessing closest to that quiz which suggested I was 68% Chucky

Why? Knowing that route, the only people who might stop you travelling are the Welsh cops who are far more officious than the Guards/Irish border authorities.?

And how could you be even remotely 'Chucky' ??
:rolleyes:

[Not Brazil]

There's nothing 'mad' about using a name for racial profiling.
Especially when in most instances it's so obvious.

Even from the Ardoyne.
;)


I'm telling you that in many, many, instances you'll not "racially profile" (whatever race has got to do with the subject in hand????) going by a name.

It's simply crude.

[DannyInvincible]

Seems the IFA have gotten their knickers in a bit oif a twist.

http://www.irishfa.com/news/item/6461/irish-fa-announcement/

You couldn't make it up.

:(

I also note that the original cut off date for bookings was this Friday - the squad is not announced to next Tuesday.

I suspect, once the squad is announced, many of those who have booked will feel a bit let down.

Approximately 8,000 Northern Ireland supporters were intending to attend this match - I can't see more than 800 going now.

From that link:


The transport fee of £30 per person was based on a large requirement of coaches, but now that these are not required, the Association will be meeting tomorrow to review the whole position, should there be any changes these will be communicated to all block bookers/NI fans members.

Does that even make sense? Surely, if anything, the prospect of smaller numbers going would make it more expensive per coach to run fewer.

The apparent Worthington quote is also somewhat suspicious...


Nigel Worthington, Northern Ireland Manager said, “I would like to see as many Northern Ireland fans support the team in Dublin. The support of the fans is vital to the team as they do act as our 12th man. Tickets are still on sale for block bookers or members of NI Fans at the Irish FA.”

More like asked to rubber-stamp something dictated to him, I reckon.

[Not Brazil]

From that link:



Does that even make sense? Surely, if anything, the prospect of smaller numbers going would make it more expensive per coach to run fewer.

The apparent Worthington quote is also somewhat suspicious...



More like asked to rubber-stamp something dictated to him, I reckon.

Makes no sense at all - basically, because the IFA are spinning complete and utter bollicks.

NW, almost certainly, did not make that quote. I think your analysis is spot on....he may not even know about it.

Anyway, the IFA seem to be quite desperate to "get the numbers up".

Here's the latest:

The Irish FA has reviewed the current position with regards to arrangements for supporters for the forthcoming Carling Nations Cup matches, and due to the limited uptake of tickets for these matches, the Irish FA has decided to extend the deadline for ticket applications by Block Bookers and NI Fans Plus members to 4pm on Tuesday 17 May.

In line with advice from the FAI, Gardai and the PSNI and in the interests of the safety and security of our fans, the sale of match tickets will remain linked with transport to Dublin and the existing arrangements whereby Northern Ireland fans will arrive at a staging post on the outskirts of Dublin prior to transferring to the Aviva Stadium will remain in place.

The original transport fee was based on upwards of 5,000 supporters travelling, and the expected costs in securing coaches from within and outside Northern Ireland and ensuring adequate personnel was made available to ensure the smooth and secure transport of supporters. Based on current booking figures, it is now apparent that numbers will be substantially less.

This will mean that coaches can now all be sourced locally and personnel required to manage this operation will be substantially less, and as a result we are pleased to advise that the cost of the coach ticket can be reduced to £22 per supporter. Refunds will be organised for those supporters who have already booked.

Provisions will be made for supporters who are travelling from outside Northern Ireland and those who had already booked accommodation before these arrangements were announced (Wednesday 4 May). Please contact tickets@irishfa.com for further details on this.

For further information on applying for tickets, Block Bookers and NI Fans Plus members should visit www.irishfa.com

Don't be surprised to see some startling revelations in the coming days as to why the IFA are getting their knickers in a twist about a potential low turnout - if what I'm hearing is true (and I have no reason to doubt it), it will smack the "Why are we even in this, because they poach our players" supporters so hard into the real world, that some of them may actually combust.

[Not Brazil]

Response from the AONISC to the IFA change of heart, on the BBC Sport Website:

"However in response, supporters spokesman Gary McAllister said that his organisation "are still encouraging fans not to travel to the upcoming matches".
"This is not simply about cost. It's about how the IFA handled the whole operation, and we don't have confidence working with the organisation for these games," added Mr McAllister.
The travel restrictions have been placed on the Northern Ireland supporters following minor incidents at the Nations Cup opener against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in February.
McAllister told that BBC Sport that the Irish FA had ignored advice from the supporters group in advance of the February game."

[DannyInvincible]

Would you expect numbers to increase again now? What would happen if more than 5,000 now decided they wanted to head along? A last-minute price-hike? :confused:

It's all rather comical. Would almost make John Delaney look competent!


Don't be surprised to see some startling revelations in the coming days as to why the IFA are getting their knickers in a twist about a potential low turnout - if what I'm hearing is true (and I have no reason to doubt it), it will smack the "Why are we even in this, because they poach our players" supporters so hard into the real world, that some of them may actually combust.

Sounds juicy. What have you been hearing? Sponsorship making threats, pulling strings and all that? Surely not the X-rated video tapes featuring Delaney and Jim Shaw (taking)? :eek:

[Mr_Parker]

Makes no sense at all - basically, because the IFA are spinning complete and utter bollicks.

NW, almost certainly, did not make that quote. I think your analysis is spot on....he may not even know about it.

Anyway, the IFA seem to be quite desperate to "get the numbers up".

Here's the latest:

The Irish FA has reviewed the current position with regards to arrangements for supporters for the forthcoming Carling Nations Cup matches, and due to the limited uptake of tickets for these matches, the Irish FA has decided to extend the deadline for ticket applications by Block Bookers and NI Fans Plus members to 4pm on Tuesday 17 May.

In line with advice from the FAI, Gardai and the PSNI and in the interests of the safety and security of our fans, the sale of match tickets will remain linked with transport to Dublin and the existing arrangements whereby Northern Ireland fans will arrive at a staging post on the outskirts of Dublin prior to transferring to the Aviva Stadium will remain in place.

The original transport fee was based on upwards of 5,000 supporters travelling, and the expected costs in securing coaches from within and outside Northern Ireland and ensuring adequate personnel was made available to ensure the smooth and secure transport of supporters. Based on current booking figures, it is now apparent that numbers will be substantially less.

This will mean that coaches can now all be sourced locally and personnel required to manage this operation will be substantially less, and as a result we are pleased to advise that the cost of the coach ticket can be reduced to £22 per supporter. Refunds will be organised for those supporters who have already booked.

Provisions will be made for supporters who are travelling from outside Northern Ireland and those who had already booked accommodation before these arrangements were announced (Wednesday 4 May). Please contact tickets@irishfa.com for further details on this.

For further information on applying for tickets, Block Bookers and NI Fans Plus members should visit www.irishfa.com

Don't be surprised to see some startling revelations in the coming days as to why the IFA are getting their knickers in a twist about a potential low turnout - if what I'm hearing is true (and I have no reason to doubt it), it will smack the "Why are we even in this, because they poach our players" supporters so hard into the real world, that some of them may actually combust.

I can think of millions of reasons why they are getting their knickers in a twist. :)

[Not Brazil]

Would you expect numbers to increase again now?

Sounds juicy. What have you been hearing? Sponsorship making threats, pulling strings and all that? Surely not the X-rated video tapes featuring Delaney and Jim Shaw (taking)? :eek:

I wouldn't expect a big jump in numbers now DI - many will be wise enough to see through the IFA spin and bull****.

Sponsors are not happy by all accounts, but that's not the bigger story I've heard from what I consider to be an informed source.

Here's a few questions for you to investigate/consider:

Did one of the participating FAs (not based on this island, and who were initially reluctant to take part) receive a "guarantee" of circa £2,000,000 to secure their participation?

Who underwrote that "guarantee"?

Is the competition going well re: revenues so far?

Why did the IFA ignore supporters representives' advices re: ticketing for the Scotland game ie. the IFA put tickets on open sale, against advice?

Are the IFA ****ting themselves with the prospect of a low turnout v the Republic and no turnout v Wales?

Why would that be?