LOI Promotion Activities

[nigel-harps1954]

I see Harps fans quite upset about the closing of a club shop..

It's not closing.

[Shearer]

It's not closing.
The physical part of a supporters club shop, no?

[nigel-harps1954]

The physical part of a supporters club shop, no?

Nope. It's opening more.

Toys firmly out of the pram by some people opposed to change just. Same people loudly spoke out about the formation of an online shop too.

https://finnharps.ie/clarification-regarding-finn-harps-shop/

[outspoken]

Nope. It's opening more.

Toys firmly out of the pram by some people opposed to change just. Same people loudly spoke out about the formation of an online shop too.

https://finnharps.ie/clarification-regarding-finn-harps-shop/

Sadly every club has doom merchants that put disinformation out there.

[Another Bohemia]

Nope. It's opening more.

Toys firmly out of the pram by some people opposed to change just. Same people loudly spoke out about the formation of an online shop too.

https://finnharps.ie/clarification-regarding-finn-harps-shop/

Why would you be against an online club shop in this day and age? I know for me I might not be able to get down to the shop to pick something up for Father's day, as an example, but if I put an order in I'll have whatever I want by next week provided it's in stock. It's just a really practical and relatively inexpensive thing for a club to have.

[Martinho II]

Great initative from Harps for instance I wont be able to make next away game but will like to make a program purchase online from that game! If only all other clubs did this the loi would be a lot better. I know of a Cork City fan that emailed club looking for a program from earlier this season and he didnt get courtesy of a reply. Hows that for customer service? I know I have my issues with club in the past but you cant defend this bad PR.

[redobit]

Supporters Trust Clubhouse in the Showgrounds used for voting in the local and European elections.

[Martinho II]

Supporters Trust Clubhouse in the Showgrounds used for voting in the local and European elections.

Is that the first time ever thats happened redobit?

[Eminence Grise]

So... if a candidate demands a recount, it'll go to VAR?

[redobit]

Is that the first time ever thats happened redobit?

It was used for last election too. Its only a small fee the club would get for use of the building but its good exposure and gets the community in aswell.

Its own of the narratives around the redevelopment too ... getting the Showgrounds to make money consistently. Atm the Showgrounds buildings are used 18 odd times a year to make most of its money. The club want the development to be usable all year around. Events, conferences, training, concerts, etc could all take place and make the club money. Theres 13 acres there in a great location that needs to be used better.

[2 Year Contract]

Sligo Rovers named sustainable Champions. Shocking bottle job (pun intended) from Bohs, it’s about time they stopped focusing on football and started concentrating on environmental matters ;)

https://x.com/leagueofireland/status/1806254106740248775?s=46

[Nesta99]

Sligo Rovers named sustainable Champions. Shocking bottle job (pun intended) from Bohs, it’s about time they stopped focusing on football and started concentrating on environmental matters ;)

https://x.com/leagueofireland/status/1806254106740248775?s=46

Is it a LoI first sustainable champions....

Bohs definitely need to refocus, Shocking performance!

[sbgawa]

Sligo Rovers named sustainable Champions. Shocking recyclable bottle job (pun intended) from Bohs, it’s about time they stopped focusing on football and started concentrating on environmental matters ;)

https://x.com/leagueofireland/status/1806254106740248775?s=46


Fixed that for you

[nr637]

Cobh Ramblers are trying to create a suitable road traffic plan around their ground as there has been considerable complaints from residents around St. Colmans Park. There is a garage business directly outside the main gates which has created a lot of used cars in the area. There is a serious problem with the ambulance or other emergency services on match night having access. The fact that the club now has an astro pitch, all the teams associated with the club now train on it and this has brought extra traffic with parents attending these various events. The real problem is the lack of effort on the public. Most want or expect to drive and park as close to the ground. The last thing they want to do is walk!

Big issues for the club committee!

[Nesta99]

Another little window in to unseen issues for increased engagement with LoI clubs/grounds. Traffic management was always an impediment to signficant development in Oriel Park with only one side of the ground accessible by road. Thats changing as land in the area is being developed between Carrick and Ardee Roads. I havent been to St Colemans, one of 3 since Kerry joined but off the top of the head, a used car business cant use public parking but maybe it is using up what is informal 'matchnight parking', certainly around Oriel a blind eye is turned to parking partially on footpaths etc. Buuttt there is an opportunity to get buzz word promotion stuff going imo - getting daily steps in by walking from x car parking area to the game. Or climate action stuff, car pooling, designated fan walking routes. Whatever, and whether it makes any actual difference isnt the point, its about a club looking like they are trying to resolve a issue with a bunch of guilt complex attention grabbing 'positive action'. Bohs should just give me the eco job now after lsoing their title to Slgo....

[EatYerGreens]

Cobh Ramblers are trying to create a suitable road traffic plan around their ground as there has been considerable complaints from residents around St. Colmans Park. There is a garage business directly outside the main gates which has created a lot of used cars in the area. There is a serious problem with the ambulance or other emergency services on match night having access. The fact that the club now has an astro pitch, all the teams associated with the club now train on it and this has brought extra traffic with parents attending these various events. The real problem is the lack of effort on the public. Most want or expect to drive and park as close to the ground. The last thing they want to do is walk!

Big issues for the club committee!

Will be a real issue at a lot of clubs to be honest as attendances and capacity continue to grow. Particularly those outside of inner Dublin. How will the streets around Sligo, Derry and Finn Harps cope when they have their new/developed stadiums in place for example? All 3 get pretty busy as it is currently. Irish football needs to look at becoming less dependent upon support that drives to its games.

[Nesta99]

Will be a real issue at a lot of clubs to be honest as attendances and capacity continue to grow. Particularly those outside of inner Dublin. How will the streets around Sligo, Derry and Finn Harps cope when they have their new/developed stadiums in place for example? All 3 get pretty busy as it is currently. Irish football needs to look at becoming less dependent upon support that drives to its games.

Or supporters look to become less dependent on parking as close to the centre circle as possible. The bragging on how close people get parked seems part of match night ritual though Id agree itd be probably be easier to get more brand new fans in who live within walking distance than getting life long season ticket holders to park and walk 10 minutes. Rolling congestion charges....

[outspoken]

I think their used to be a thread for books but couldn't find it so posting here.

Dermot Keely has a new autobiography launching shortly. He'll be visiting the likes of Dundalk, Sligo Rovers, Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers to have launch nights.

He spoke about it on this week's Between the Stripes LOI podcast from about 40 minutes in. Some good insights into the late Jim McLaughlin among other things. Worth a listen, especially for those of an older vintage.

https://audioboom.com/posts/8562284-s8ep27-with-dermot-keely

[Martinho II]

I think their used to be a thread for books but couldn't find it so posting here.

Dermot Keely has a new autobiography launching shortly. He'll be visiting the likes of Dundalk, Sligo Rovers, Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers to have launch nights.

He spoke about it on this week's Between the Stripes LOI podcast from about 40 minutes in. Some good insights into the late Jim McLaughlin among other things. Worth a listen, especially for those of an older vintage.

https://audioboom.com/posts/8562284-s8ep27-with-dermot-keely

Thats interesting to hear this outspoken. Let me know when the book is launched pls or post the link here as I will most certainly will buy it. I remember him managin us in the mid 90s and we were close to getting promoted under him.

[outspoken]

Thats interesting to hear this outspoken. Let me know when the book is launched pls or post the link here as I will most certainly will buy it. I remember him managin us in the mid 90s and we were close to getting promoted under him.

Details on book launch in the episode. He also talks about his opposition to Longford leaving Abbeycartron

[Martinho II]

Details on book launch in the episode. He also talks about his opposition to Longford leaving Abbeycartron

Sound will listen to that part of the podcast. Had a feeling you werent going to give anything away!

[ger121]

I actually ordered One Night in Dudelange a few days ago through University Books b ut no idea where it is. More like Many Nights in some dudes lounge. That sounded better in my head.

Dermot Keely book I think will be a good read.

[redobit]

Sligo Rovers Annual Draw took place at Dundalk game. €130,800 raised.

[EatYerGreens]

Sligo Rovers Annual Draw took place at Dundalk game. €130,800 raised.

Wow. That's great work.

Is it a record for them

[2 Year Contract]

Sligo Rovers Annual Draw took place at Dundalk game. €130,800 raised.

Huge figure raised. What are the prizes in the draw?

[Martinho II]

I actually ordered One Night in Dudelange a few days ago through University Books b ut no idea where it is. More like Many Nights in some dudes lounge. That sounded better in my head.

Dermot Keely book I think will be a good read.

Was listening to loi podcast earlier and Neil ORiordan mentioned that DK book can be ordered online thro the book publishers -handy for the likes of me who cant make the book launch!

[ger121]

Was listening to loi podcast earlier and Neil ORiordan mentioned that DK book can be ordered online thro the book publishers -handy for the likes of me who cant make the book launch!

I got sent this link earlier:

https://www.choicepublishing.ie/index_files/dermotkeely.htm

Neil said you could email the below to order a book:

betterwithouttheball@gmail.com

On a side note - One Night in Dudelange is a great LOI book and well worth reading. I ordered it on Amazon from the author in the end.

[Martinho II]

I got sent this link earlier:

https://www.choicepublishing.ie/index_files/dermotkeely.htm

Neil said you could email the below to order a book:

betterwithouttheball@gmail.com

On a side note - One Night in Dudelange is a great LOI book and well worth reading. I ordered it on Amazon from the author in the end.

Yeah ordered it on first link via paypal. One Night in DudeLange heard a lot about this book? Remind me again on that one!

[Mr A]

Yeah ordered it on first link via paypal. One Night in DudeLange heard a lot about this book? Remind me again on that one!

Written by a regular on this forum, which had a line included to specifically wide up another regular.

What more could you want.

[pineapple stu]

Deep breath here...! :p

[sbgawa]

i cant remember the line but i remember it amused me...

[ger121]

I need to read through the book again.

[pineapple stu]

I think it was "Harps just came down to kick the ****e out of us. And that's all they did: kick the ****e out of us"

[Mr A]

Ye had it coming

[ger121]

I think it was "Harps just came down to kick the ****e out of us. And that's all they did: kick the ****e out of us"

Sounds about right

[ger121]

Anyway, regardless of the fact that it is written by our celebrity forum member, it is still an excellent book.

[sbgawa]

As Eamon Dunphy would say he's a good writer not a great writer :)

[ger121]

My luck ordering books is not good lately. Bought a copy of Keely’s book but due to high demand it is currently sold out. A new shipment is due next week. Good to see sales are going well.

[Martinho II]

My luck ordering books is not good lately. Bought a copy of Keely’s book but due to high demand it is currently sold out. A new shipment is due next week. Good to see sales are going well.

Yeah got the same email Ger121 also. No hurry as its my xmas day reading !

[nr637]

Cobh Ramblers takeover by FC32 investment group

https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41500664.html

[ger121]

Been a busy week for news in the LOI. This one really has potential to be extended further and expanded across the league.

https://x.com/indosport/status/1849149936455106881?s=46

[passinginterest]

Interesting to see the league finally putting some figures on its overall value to the economy. The growth figures are very impressive. It strengthens the argument for funding and support. Really shows the potential to support more jobs and add more value to the economy.

https://www.thejournal.ie/league-of-ireland-report-2-6528009-Oct2024/

[nigel-harps1954]

Finn Harps officially launched the new membership model for the Harps Co-Operative Society today.

Membership for Harps, and part ownership of the club is now just €25 per year, making it one of the cheapest memberships in European football.

The aim is to hit in the region of 3,000 members per year.

https://finnharps.ie/we-own-finn-harps/

[D24Saint]

Finn Harps officially launched the new membership model for the Harps Co-Operative Society today.

Membership for Harps, and part ownership of the club is now just €25 per year, making it one of the cheapest memberships in European football.

The aim is to hit in the region of 3,000 members per year.

https://finnharps.ie/we-own-finn-harps/

Its a very interesting scheme. I decided to get one out of curiosity of how the whole thing will work. As a fully fledged share holder ill expect my football special ice cold and served directly to me on my next visit to Finn Park.

[Another Bohemia]

Finn Harps officially launched the new membership model for the Harps Co-Operative Society today.

Membership for Harps, and part ownership of the club is now just €25 per year, making it one of the cheapest memberships in European football.

The aim is to hit in the region of 3,000 members per year.

https://finnharps.ie/we-own-finn-harps/

This confuses me a bit. I like the idea but I do worry the low cost can potentially lead to abuse of the system. I'm sure we've all seen those social media campaigns to name something being hijacked and everything being named along the lines of boaty mcboatface but that's some of the more banal things that can happen. At one stage Mountain Dew had to cancel one of these promotions because suggested names for a new drink included "Granny Gusher" and "Hitler did nothing wrong". What's to stop a group of 100 or so trolls pooling money together and buying a significant stake in the club? What does voting rights include? Is it electing board members to run the club or is it something else. I just hope they have very solid t's and C's in there to protect the club because they do want it to go viral based on the link above but going viral in the wrong circles could be a bad thing.

[yurt]

Finn Harps officially launched the new membership model for the Harps Co-Operative Society today.

Membership for Harps, and part ownership of the club is now just €25 per year, making it one of the cheapest memberships in European football.

The aim is to hit in the region of 3,000 members per year.

https://finnharps.ie/we-own-finn-harps/

I really hope the people of Donegal and the LOI really turn out for this. At 25 quid you'd hope that there'll be a parents who might just buy one of these as a stocking filler for their sports mad kids.

Do we know if this money going towards the annual club running costs, or is this going towards the funding the new stadium?

[EatYerGreens]

Its a very interesting scheme. I decided to get one out of curiosity of how the whole thing will work. As a fully fledged share holder ill expect my football special ice cold and served directly to me on my next visit to Finn Park.

€25 is good value for membership and a share in a club. Tempted to follow your example and get one myself.

How much do other clubs like Bohs and Sligo charge?

[EatYerGreens]

This confuses me a bit. I like the idea but I do worry the low cost can potentially lead to abuse of the system. I'm sure we've all seen those social media campaigns to name something being hijacked and everything being named along the lines of boaty mcboatface but that's some of the more banal things that can happen. At one stage Mountain Dew had to cancel one of these promotions because suggested names for a new drink included "Granny Gusher" and "Hitler did nothing wrong". What's to stop a group of 100 or so trolls pooling money together and buying a significant stake in the club? What does voting rights include? Is it electing board members to run the club or is it something else. I just hope they have very solid t's and C's in there to protect the club because they do want it to go viral based on the link above but going viral in the wrong circles could be a bad thing.

I suspect the risk of entry-ism is fairly low. Presumably these are a fairly low class of shares, and also that there are other poeple with significant shareholdinggs who could easily out-vote any shenanigans like that.

I'm sure Harps would be happy to pocket money if a few hundred peopke fancied causing mischief, only to realise that they couldn't actually do it :D

[brendy_éire]

€25 is good value for membership and a share in a club. Tempted to follow your example and get one myself.

How much do other clubs like Bohs and Sligo charge?

£50 for Derry.

[2 Year Contract]

€25 is good value for membership and a share in a club. Tempted to follow your example and get one myself.

How much do other clubs like Bohs and Sligo charge?

Had a look at their respective websites there out of interest, Bohs is €400 for a full adult membership for a year, Sligo is €240