LOI support for Ireland

[Mr A]

They only pay half of Traps wages, and investing in the best possible manager (although this will always be subjective) for the senior side makes sense as they generate the money that runs the rest of the organization.

And yeah, Delaney is on huge money. Is he worth it? I'd need to be more familiar with the FAI's accounts to judge that better to be honest.

And the LOI will get players capped when it's good enough. It's currently not even close. Their may be some decent individuals but it's hard to judge them compared to players in fully pro leagues.

[mypost]

Yeah reduced but paying over 2 million for a crock of a manager (amongst other things).

Milan, Juventus, Inter, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Italy

Italian League/Cup, European Cup, Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Cup, German League/Cup, Portuguese League, Austrian League, European Championship/World Cup Qualifications. Some Crock!!

I suppose you would prefer Paul Jewell coaching us. He'd be well-paid too.

[bennocelt]

Milan, Juventus, Inter, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Italy

Italian League/Cup, European Cup, Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Cup, German League/Cup, Portuguese League, Austrian League, European Championship/World Cup Qualifications. Some Crock!!

I suppose you would prefer Paul Jewell coaching us. He'd be well-paid too.

enjoy another 2 years of no tournaments

[John83]

Yeah reduced but paying over 2 million for a crock of a manager (amongst other things)...
Yeah, they really should have picked up that dodgy anterior cruciate management ligament in the medical.

[mypost]

enjoy another 2 years of no tournaments

Ireland 5 10 +3
Russia. 5 10 +3
Slovaks 5 10 +1

Aye, it's all over already.

[PartySaint]

Ireland 5 10 +3
Russia. 5 10 +3
Slovaks 5 10 +1

Aye, it's all over already.

Ireland are actually 3rd, don't let that get in the way tho

Kerr was on a lot less than trap is and done about the same job

[Docboy]

Yep, and if Trap has us finish fourth in the group I have no doubt that he'll be shown his papers as well.

[mypost]

Ireland are actually 3rd, don't let that get in the way tho

Kerr was on a lot less than trap is and done about the same job

No I won't let it get in the way. Ireland are joint top on goal difference. That's what I'm going on until we've played Slovakia and Russia home and away.

Kerr didn't get us to a play-off in two attempts. That's why Trap is paid what he is, and achieved what he has, and Kerr is coaching the Faeroe Islands.

[PartySaint]

Kerr didn't get us to a play-off in two attempts. That's why Trap is paid what he is, and achieved what he has, and Kerr is coaching the Faeroe Islands.

Its not about getting to the play-offs its about getting to tournaments, For the record I don't think Ireland will qualify for the Euro's either but we will have to wait and see what happens

[mypost]

Trap hasn't qualified for a finals yet, but he took a team 10 points off qualification and with morale on the floor, to within a Henry handball of qualification inside 2 years. Kerr took a WC 2nd Round team to a 4th place qualifying group finish in three and a half years. The job records are not comparable.

If we wait to see what happens, we should wait to cast judgement on our qualifying chances. It's all to play for with 5 games to go, and we have as much chance as either of the other two atm. Trap and the team need the country's support as much now as ever, to get us over the line in front of the others.

[MariborKev]

I'd be a "home and awayer" for both club and country.

However as other have said, definately don't get as upset when Ireland lose as when Derry lose.

Ireland games are more like short breaks and I use them as my holidays, so it is off to Macedonia and the Baltics for a week next week. Yeah, I'll miss a Derry game when I'm gone but with being based in Dublin these days, the days of "perfect seasons" are long gone.

[mypost]

it is off to Macedonia and the Baltics for a week next week.

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania as well? Ash cloud permitting of course.

I love international weeks, and with rankings for a WC Draw looming, a trophy and tribal pride at stake, and a vital ECQ coming up soon, it's going to be a massively important two weeks for the international team.

[osarusan]

Switch from Cork City to Limerick, and this is my opinion too.


I support Ireland in theory. As a football fan I want my country to do well, and get into the games when watching on tele.

I'm a barstooler though. When I was at home the cost involved just wasn't worth it. Ridiculous ticket prices plus the travel costs, staying over in dublin etc. I'd get a City season ticket for the price of one Ireland game.

Because of the cost/distance I never made the connection to the Irish team as I did with City. They're still my country, I still support them and hope they do well but it's really not the same. With City it's a community, and the whole club was/is a major part of my life. With Ireland, they're lads playing for my country but that's about it.

[marinobohs]

Have always supported Ireland (all homes most aways) although it is probobly second to Bohs. Dislike many of the day tripper/ jesters hat brigade that follow the Irish team but each to their own. Have met some sound LOI fans at away games and usually travel with a few so can have a conversation about footie that does not circle around the EPL (and retain whats left of my sanity)

To this day I am amazed at the "fanatical" Irish supporters that can limit theimselves to 3/4 matches a year.:o

[MariborKev]

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania as well? Ash cloud permitting of course.

Touché.

Yeah, train could be the way to go! What an adventure that would be....

[CuanaD]

I don't support the Irish senior team.

I follow the LOI - no particular club - I go to all the home European games, as I like to watch players who live & work here playing against foreign opposition (I generally can't afford to travel to away games)

I have no interest in the senior squad until there are LOI players in that team.

[harleyleeds]

I would like to see an "only Irish born" team.

[DannyInvincible]

I would like to see an "only Irish born" team.

Why is that? There are plenty of proud Irish men and women born outside of Ireland.

[harleyleeds]

Why is that? There are plenty of proud Irish men and women born outside of Ireland.


Agree 100% but no way to seperate them from the ones who cant get their game elsewhere so only fair rule is Irish born only. IMO.

[marinobohs]

Agree 100% but no way to seperate them from the ones who cant get their game elsewhere so only fair rule is Irish born only. IMO.

Would that be "Irish born" or "southern Irish born" ? The current hassle between ourselves and Northern ireland highlight the current anomlies around eligibility but are nothing new, rumour had it that Enzo Schifo was given a sportscar while considering commiting to Belguim (he also qualified for Italy). Historically players could play for more than one country - I think it was Di Stefano played for three ! :confused:- depending on birthplace and/or where they wre playing (cricket still applies similar provisions).
On a different note some of our most distinguished players were not born here (Houghton, Aldridge, townsend etc ) and their commitment to the cause was never in doubt.
perhaps the issue could be addressed by resuming the "League select" teams where an LOI X1 played a league X1 from another juristiction (irrespective of players birthplace) these used to be a regular feature, usually V Irish League, but died out in more recent years. Seem to recall their popularity waned very much but they would provide an outlet for fans wishing to support the LOI and a chance of representative honours for LOI players (presently unlikely at full International level). Or just another additional fixture in an already busy calender ?:rolleyes:

[El-Pietro]

I would like to see an "only Irish born" team.
that would rule me out depsite coming from an entirely irish family and having spent almost all of my life in Ireland.

I was an 80s recession baby!

edit: obviously my ability rules me out but in a hypothetical situation where I wasn't rubbish....

[mypost]

I would like to see an "only Irish born" team.

I suppose the same applies to Sligo too. An "only Sligo born" team. That would be a very competitive side. How about a workplace. An "only Sligo born" workforce. Those born in Leitrim or LA need not apply, they're not local, and they don't represent the area. :rolleyes:

There is a sport for such parochialism. It's called the GAA.

[Dodge]

There is a sport for such parochialism. It's called the GAA.

So where does parochialism start and finish then?


As Irish citizens and passport holders, we're obliged to support Ireland in any sport

[DannyInvincible]

Agree 100% but no way to seperate them from the ones who cant get their game elsewhere so only fair rule is Irish born only. IMO.

Entirely unfair to take such a stringent and cynical approach. Also rather unfortunate you think that way.

[harleyleeds]

I suppose the same applies to Sligo too. An "only Sligo born" team. That would be a very competitive side. How about a workplace. An "only Sligo born" workforce. Those born in Leitrim or LA need not apply, they're not local, and they don't represent the area. :rolleyes:

There is a sport for such parochialism. It's called the GAA.

Ok this has nothing to do with sligo,its about Ireland (playing for your country) so you suppose wrong.

El-p ... yeah sorry about that but like I said its my opinion and not directed twoards you.

Marino .....I consider it one country and do not recognise the north.


Lads its just an opinion so please dont make a bitchen match about it , there are all sorts of arguements each way. O leary and Brady I think and for my money Brady is the best player to have worn the shirt and wore it proudly.

[mypost]

So where does parochialism start and finish then?

Spot The Difference.

Parochialism is one thing. Nationalism is another.

[Réiteoir]

Nationalism is just parochialism with heavy weaponry...

[harleyleeds]

Entirely unfair to take such a stringent and cynical approach. Also rather unfortunate you think that way.

Then whats ok parents, grandparents or great grand parents , at some stage it becomes unfair to someone if you go outside the country.

[Straightstory]

Marino .....I consider it one country and do not recognise the north.


I'm pretty sure 'Northern Ireland' exists, though. (In fact, we're playing them tonight...)

[harleyleeds]

I'm pretty sure 'Northern Ireland' exists, though. (In fact, we're playing them tonight...)

Nothing gets past you eh.

[DannyInvincible]

Then whats ok parents, grandparents or great grand parents , at some stage it becomes unfair to someone if you go outside the country.

Irish nationality law confers Irish nationality automatically upon the children of an Irish parent, regardless of where they are born. Those with an Irish grandparent can apply for Irish nationality by registering their birth with the Foreign Births Register in Ireland and have it recognised from the date of registration, also regardless of where they are born. FIFA's rules recognise the legitimate Irish nationality of both categories I mention and permit them to play international football for us. I would have no qualms with Irish nationality law or FIFA's rules here. On the other hand, your approach would not only be an insult to the Irish diaspora, but to Irishness itself.

[Réiteoir]

Marino .....I consider it one country and do not recognise the north.

http://files.sharenator.com/kim_jong_il_Europe_Vs_America-s353x351-76870-535.jpg

[harleyleeds]

Irish nationality law confers Irish nationality automatically upon the children of an Irish parent, regardless of where they are born. Those with an Irish grandparent can apply for Irish nationality by registering their birth with the Foreign Births Register in Ireland and have it recognised from the date of registration, also regardless of where they are born. FIFA's rules recognise the legitimate Irish nationality of both categories I mention and permit them to play international football for us. I would have no qualms with Irish nationality law or FIFA's rules here. On the other hand, your approach would not only be an insult to the Irish diaspora, but to Irishness itself.

So after a grandparent your no longer Irish? Get over yourself there is no insult to anyone or anything in my thoughts. PS what is Irishness?

Marino ...very good.

[DannyInvincible]

So after a grandparent your no longer Irish? Get over yourself there is no insult to anyone or anything in my thoughts. PS what is Irishness?

Not at all. I was stating I had no qualms with the current stipulations for deciding official Irish nationality. A sense of Irishness can continue from generation to generation so long as someone feels a personal affinity to their heritage. For what it's worth, official Irish nationality can also continue indeterminately so long as the correct procedures are adhered to.

Your proposed approach, had it ever been implemented, would have seen proud Irishmen like Kevin Kilbane being told by the FAI to get lost. He's been one of our most dedicated servants over the years; indeed, far more dedicated than certain individuals born on the island itself. Maybe you wouldn't have intended to cause him insult, but I've no doubt in my mind that he would have taken it as such.

[harleyleeds]

Not at all. I was stating I had no qualms with the current stipulations for deciding official Irish nationality. A sense of Irishness can continue from generation to generation so long as someone feels a personal affinity to their heritage. For what it's worth, official Irish nationality can also continue indeterminately so long as the correct procedures are adhered to.

Your proposed approach, had it ever been implemented, would have seen proud Irishmen like Kevin Kilbane being told by the FAI to get lost. He's been one of our most dedicated servants over the years; indeed, far more dedicated than certain individuals born on the island itself. Maybe you wouldn't have intended to cause him insult, but I've no doubt in my mind that he would have taken it as such.


I dont beleive for a second he would take insult as I am not knocking anyones Irishness. I am mearly pointing out that I would like to see an only Irish born team out, as a matter of fact I would rather see that team lose than Non Irish born players win. Roy Keane is a disgrace (even though I agree with his reasons) for screwing with the world cup team (IMO), and I dont think he should have been eligible after that but that is a personal opinion on him by me so if he wanted to take insult away with him. Lots of foreign born players have worn the shirt proudly but I think it should be Irish born only. BTW what does it say about your loyalty to your country of birth , not to want to play for them. Is that not an insult to them?

[harleyleeds]

p.s The fai are a shower for sure but Im sure they would have been more polite than "get lost". My point being please dont try to make something an insult.

[Eminence Grise]

Ah Jesus! It's after turning into a thread about supporters' eligibility!

[born2bwild]

To be honest, if Norn Iron had played Mannus in goal tonight I would have been partly shouting for the Nordies. Incidentally, it would not have been 5-0 either. That's how disconnected I feel from the blow up hammers, fake red beards and the fields of Athenry.

[Real ale Madrid]

To be honest, if Norn Iron had played Mannus in goal tonight I would have been partly shouting for the Nordies. Incidentally, it would not have been 5-0 either. That's how disconnected I feel from the blow up hammers, fake red beards and the fields of Athenry.

Don't think any of the N. Ireland supporters would know the words to the Fields of Athenry anyway.

[Dodge]

Spot The Difference.

Parochialism is one thing. Nationalism is another.
And he was talking about an interNATIONAL team...

[DannyInvincible]

I dont beleive for a second he would take insult as I am not knocking anyones Irishness. I am mearly pointing out that I would like to see an only Irish born team out, as a matter of fact I would rather see that team lose than Non Irish born players win.

Hmm, telling any Irishman by birth that he isn't suitable to play for his country comes across as a wee bit insulting and ignorant to me. I mean, what are you saying to him if not, "You're not Irish enough to play for us because you weren't born in Ireland"? But we'll have to agree to disagree if you don't see it that way. I think it would be better to have the rules as they are, even if it does attract some mercenaries now and again. I'd feel much more comfortable that way rather than forbid genuinely proud Irishmen who just happened to be born abroad from representing us. It's not like we're unique internationally either in having players born outside the country representing us.


Roy Keane is a disgrace (even though I agree with his reasons) for screwing with the world cup team (IMO), and I dont think he should have been eligible after that but that is a personal opinion on him by me so if he wanted to take insult away with him. Lots of foreign born players have worn the shirt proudly but I think it should be Irish born only. BTW what does it say about your loyalty to your country of birth , not to want to play for them. Is that not an insult to them?

Not sure where Roy Keane comes into this and I don't really want to get into a Roy Keane debate other than point out that he was sent home from the World Cup, albeit having probably left Mick in little position to do anything else. As it turned out though, his views were vindicated by the Genesis Report. I didn't express any positive feeling in the slightest towards players who don't want to play for us, mind. In fact, I don't think too highly of Stephen Ireland or, most lately, Anthony Stokes in the slightest.


p.s The fai are a shower for sure but Im sure they would have been more polite than "get lost". My point being please dont try to make something an insult.

Well, I'll apologise if your stance is well-intentioned, but that's just the way I'd interpret it and I'd imagine many others would feel the same, especially our fans born outside of Ireland.

[legendz]

I don't support the Irish senior team.

I follow the LOI - no particular club - I go to all the home European games, as I like to watch players who live & work here playing against foreign opposition (I generally can't afford to travel to away games)

I have no interest in the senior squad until there are LOI players in that team.

Trappatoni was saying recently that it's important the country has a strong league. I'm probably biased towards the LoI which I'll admit. I think 2 or 3 LoI players should be brought in to the Irish squads. With the crowds so bad as well, more LoI supporters might be tempted to go to the games if there was some LoI players in the set-up. It'd help increase the profiles of some players and the league as well.

[harleyleeds]

Hmm, telling any Irishman by birth that he isn't suitable to play for his country comes across as a wee bit insulting and ignorant to me. I mean, what are you saying to him if not, "You're not Irish enough to play for us because you weren't born in Ireland"? But we'll have to agree to disagree if you don't see it that way. I think it would be better to have the rules as they are, even if it does attract some mercenaries now and again. I'd feel much more comfortable that way rather than forbid genuinely proud Irishmen who just happened to be born abroad from representing us. It's not like we're unique internationally either in having players born outside the country representing us.



Not sure where Roy Keane comes into this and I don't really want to get into a Roy Keane debate other than point out that he was sent home from the World Cup, albeit having probably left Mick in little position to do anything else. As it turned out though, his views were vindicated by the Genesis Report. I didn't express any positive feeling in the slightest towards players who don't want to play for us, mind. In fact, I don't think too highly of Stephen Ireland or, most lately, Anthony Stokes in the slightest.



Well, I'll apologise if your stance is well-intentioned, but that's just the way I'd interpret it and I'd imagine many others would feel the same, especially our fans born outside of Ireland.


Cheers I was accepting and agreeing with your point about some home born players not respecting the honour of being picked for your country i.e Roy Keane and indeed Stephen and that many foreign ones play with all heart.

p.s im not saying he is not suitable just that I would like an all Irish born team. Again I would question why he doesnt play for his country of birth assuming he is good enough to make it.

[Finlay Harp]

Don't think any of the N. Ireland supporters would know the words to the Fields of Athenry anyway.
I do:p

[DannyInvincible]

p.s im not saying he is not suitable just that I would like an all Irish born team. Again I would question why he doesnt play for his country of birth assuming he is good enough to make it.

I'd love as many "home-grown" players in the team as possible myself as it would be indicative of great work being done at youth level by the FAI here in Ireland, but, alas, it is not yet so. Harbouring that ideal doesn't mean I'd stick them in regardless and undeservedly over an Irish player born abroad with superior ability though. As a "footballing nation", we not only export our support en masse to the detriment of our national league, we also happily offload our young talents abroad at an early age and piggyback off the youth development infrastructures in place at clubs in England. It's a shame and I'm sure that's something which we can agree upon. Essentially, it's the FAI taking the lazy way out and settling for second best when we could be developing our own players to serve our own interests; not having them developed by foreign clubs with those clubs' interests being then the obvious and primary concern.

I dunno why certain players don't wish to play for their country of birth. I believe the families of both Aiden McGeady and James McCarthy, for example, define themselves very much in Irish terms culturally. Nothing odd about that; they're very proud of their heritage. Opting for Ireland was as natural a choice for those guys as it would be for you or I had we ever been graced with such abilities.

[harleyleeds]

true - all the best.

[mypost]

I'd love as many "home-grown" players in the team as possible myself as it would be indicative of great work being done at youth level by the FAI here in Ireland, but, alas, it is not yet so. Harbouring that ideal doesn't mean I'd stick them in regardless and undeservedly over an Irish player born abroad with superior ability though. As a "footballing nation", we not only export our support en masse to the detriment of our national league, we also happily offload our young talents abroad at an early age and piggyback off the youth development infrastructures in place at clubs in England. It's a shame and I'm sure that's something which we can agree upon. Essentially, it's the FAI taking the lazy way out and settling for second best when we could be developing our own players to serve our own interests; not having them developed by foreign clubs with those clubs' interests being then the obvious and primary concern

Before young players go abroad, they play for non-league clubs here. Who is responsible for their development until they head over? The clubs and the FAI. Money is invested in developing those players, and their skills.

At Rovers, we have a number of foreign-born players playing for us. I don't care where they come from or where they live, as long as they give their all for my team for 90 minutes every week.

Each and every one of those players in the Irish squad is Irish by direct/indirect lineage, holds an Irish passport, is an Irish citizen, and is Irish according to the current rules. That's good enough for me.

[DannyInvincible]

Before young players go abroad, they play for non-league clubs here. Who is responsible for their development until they head over? The clubs and the FAI. Money is invested in developing those players, and their skills.

I'm fully aware of this and recognise the work these clubs do. If we had the infrastructure established in Ireland where we could hold onto these players as they progress through their mid-to-late teens and develop them with our own interests and ambitions at heart, that would be preferable though, surely. That's all I was saying.


Each and every one of those players in the Irish squad is Irish by direct/indirect lineage, holds an Irish passport, is an Irish citizen, and is Irish according to the current rules. That's good enough for me.

Wasn't disagreeing with any of that in the slightest. Happy to have them.

[bullit]

Break the tension.
Ole,Ole Ole Ole.......;.Ole
Wouldnt pish on the Oirish team.No connection to me as a Dfc fan.Am i Irish?? Yes. Do i look out for Keane or Duff every weekend ? Noooooooo! And i wont die or be killed for NOT supporting them.Blow-in's,false fans,whore fans and people who live in the past !!
The national team are not a happy bunch and ALL can see it !! :mad:

[Macy]

I would like to see an "only Irish born" team.
So you wouldn't have had Paul McGrath then?

That's clearly a nonsense policy, even if I'm personally a big critic of "if he'll add to the team, pick him, even if he's got bugger all links or feelings for Ireland".