FAI announce Celtic friendly

[Ash]

Sorry if this was posted earlier ...

from fai.ie

FAI announce Celtic friendly

The Football Association of Ireland today announced that a game against
Glasgow Celtic has been arranged as part of Ireland’s preparations for the
World Cup Qualifiers in the summer of 2005.

A Brian Kerr Republic of Ireland XI will play the current Scottish Champions in
Glasgow on Sunday 29th May 2005 as part of the Jackie McNamara
Testimonial celebrations.

Ireland play Israel at Lansdowne Road on 4th June and the Faroe Islands in
Torshavn five days later on 8th June and Manager, Brian Kerr, sees the Celtic
game as an important part of the preparations for these two assignments.

Kerr said: “I am delighted to be involved in the Jackie’s Testimonial
celebrations as he has been a great servant to the game in an era when
loyalty to one club is unusual. As well as strengthening the good relationship
with Celtic, the game itself will be very useful as it will keep our players in
good match playing condition as the English season will have ended some
three weeks earlier.”

The match is in addition to the friendly against Portugal scheduled for
Lansdowne Road on 9th February 2005 in advance of the away game against
Israel in Tel Aviv on Easter Saturday.

[Pat O' Banton]

... and before anyone starts the old arguements read all of this http://foot.ie/showthread.php?t=6844 first and only post pro or anti if you have anything new to add.

[thejollyrodger]

who will mc geady play for ?

[KR's Post]

who will mc geady play for ?
HAlf for ireland, half for celtic maybe......

[eirebhoy]

who will mc geady play for ?
Well since its preperation for a qualifier he'll be playing for us if Kerr wants him in the squad.

[holidaysong]

It should be one hell of an atmosphere!

[holidaysong]

I would expect more celtic jerseys seeing as it is in glasgow..
If it was in dublin i would have expected more Ireland jerseys..

[eirebhoy]

'Hell' is right. The skangers won't know who to cheer for.

What's the betting there'll be more Celtic shirts than Irish shirts there?
Well since Celtic are at home I'd say more Celtic jersey's would be the bookies favourite. :p Although, you never know.

Kerr obviously doesn't feel its a waste of time and I certainly don't. The majority of the team won't have played for Ireland in such an atmosphere before and this can only help. Kerr's first game in charge was against Scotland, I don't think people were saying that match was a waste of time.

[MariborKev]

Kerr obviously doesn't feel its a waste of time and I certainly don't. The majority of the team won't have played for Ireland in such an atmosphere before and this can only help.

Yeah, because there was no atmosphere in the Arena or the Stade de France in recent months................. :rolleyes:

[eirebhoy]

Yeah, because there was no atmosphere in the Arena or the Stade de France in recent months................. :rolleyes:
Eh, that atmosphere was produced by 30,000 Irish men and women trying to get behing the Irish team.

[eirebhoy]

As a matter of interest, do other countries like France, Spain, Italy etc. trawl through the weaker leagues in Europe looking for club opposition for a run out?
I don't know. Do Ireland trawl through the weaker European leagues looking for club opposition to play? I suppose the also trawl through the weaker English teams like Sunderland and ask them for a run out?

Its Kerr's final decision BTW I can assure you, if he doesn't want to play Celtic, he doesn't have to.

[eirebhoy]

Quinn was the first person to give 100% of his testimonial funds to charity, Ireland have played in plenty of tesimonials before that including against Celtic for Packie Bonner.

I don't know if this one is for charity.

[Superhoops]

'Hell' is right. The skangers won't know who to cheer for.

What's the betting there'll be more Celtic shirts than Irish shirts there?

Joke game. Waste of time.
Agree, havent missed an Ireland home or away game for 9 years. Always a first time for everything though and this will be it.

[eirebhoy]

Agree, havent missed an Ireland home or away game for 9 years. Always a first time for everything though and this will be it.
If you are going to boycot a game because its Celtic v Ireland, I really, really, really doubt you haven't missed a game in 9 years.

[A face]

Lord above ... what are the FAI at now, what are they thinking of.

[eirebhoy]

Lord above ... what are the FAI at now, what are they thinking of.
testimonial
pronunciation: tes·ti·mo·ni·al

1. A statement in support of a particular truth, fact, or claim.
2. A written affirmation of another's character or worth; a personal recommendation.
3. Something given in appreciation of a person's service or achievement; a tribute.

What is Kerr at. The bloody ********. Get rid of him. Couldn't even beat the French. :mad:

[Slash/ED]

I hate Celtic, their fans, their club and everything about them as much as the next guy ;) :p but in fairness this is no different to the Sunderland game we played before 2002, people are over reacting because of the opposition in question. It'll hardly be good preperation for the world cup qualifyers but that's not the point, it's just a testimonial not a warm up game.

[eirebhoy]

It'll hardly be good preperation for the world cup qualifyers but that's not the point, it's just a testimonial not a warm up game.
I actually think any away game would be better than a home game against the likes of Bulgaria. Our home form is fine, its the away form that needs sorting.

BTW, Its a bit silly to say you hate Celtic's fans (if you were being serious that is). Don't let those skangers with the jerseys on bring us down.

[Slash/ED]

I actually think any away game would be better than a home game against the likes of Bulgaria. Our home form is fine, its the away form that needs sorting.

BTW, Its a bit silly to say you hate Celtic's fans (if you were being serious that is). Don't let those skangers with the jerseys on bring us down.

I wans't being 100% serious about the fans, at least, not all of them... :p

But I'm not so sure about the game as match pratice, as it's a testimonial will it even be Celtics proper team going all out for the win or will there be old players and reserves and that kind of thing involved, as there is in some testimonials? I suppose if it's treated as an almost competitive game from Celtics point of view it would be a good work out for us in preparing for the WCQs too.

[Donal81]

If it's for charity, I'm all for it. Testimonials of those who have played at the top - let's just pretend that Celtic is a top team - for years have no point otherwise, the fans are just paying for a deposit on another house. It was one thing when footballers were getting paid poorly and exiting the game at 35 years of age when most people are starting to really progress in their careers. It's quite another now.

Don't support Celtic, don't like being made to feel like I should support them, but if it's for charity, I won't bang on about it.

[harry crumb]

What is it with the FAI and Celtic. I'd say the FAI are cahoots with the Celtic board.

[A face]

What is it with the FAI and Celtic.


I know ... my thoughts exactly .... can we stop this love in and be done with it ??

[Superhoops]

....but in fairness this is no different to the Sunderland game we played before 2002
It is very different from the Sunderland game. The Sunderland game was a testimonial (pronunciation: tes·ti·mo·ni·al - as Eirebhoy has said) for Niall Quinn who was was playing for Sunderland and Ireland at the time, and who at the outset declared that the proceeds would go to charity. McNamara has no connecton with Ireland other than this spurious Celtic/Ireland connection. Is this a charity event or is it for McNamara's benefit? Significant differences I think.

[Donal81]

Any idea what McNamara makes each week? Big bucks, I presume...

[Pat O' Banton]

If it's for charity, I'm all for it. Testimonials of those who have played at the top - let's just pretend that Celtic is a top team - for years have no point otherwise, the fans are just paying for a deposit on another house. It was one thing when footballers were getting paid poorly and exiting the game at 35 years of age when most people are starting to really progress in their careers. It's quite another now.



Exactly, testimonials are a great chance for very wealthy footballers to fundraise for charity, nowadays I simply refuse to go to any of these games that do not donate the money. Never mind the opposition this is a bigger problem in football and it crosses club and often country loyalties.

[Pat O' Banton]

Agree, havent missed an Ireland home or away game for 9 years. Always a first time for everything though and this will be it.

So by my reckoning you didn't mind spending money, that would go into Milosovic's genocidal regime in Serbia/Yugoslavia but you won't go to Glasgow because Ireland are playing Celtic :rolleyes:

[gypsyfella]

Jesus there's some ******* on this board with chips on their shoulder isnt there!!

"FAI and celtic love in" explain that one- last time they played was Packie;s game in, what? 1996?

'pressure to support Celtic' - awwwwww poor you - being bullied? ya iddiot- use your own mind...

'hate all celtic fans' = thats why people hate eircom league - cos of bitter twisted idiots like you.,... away and watch basketball or something..

like it or not - Celtic feel a great affinity with Ireland (im sure you know why but choose to ignore it for wind-up purposes).. and there are thousands of Irishmen who go to Celtic every other week.. so if Kerr is happy with it - whats it to you .... exactly....

*only directed at the ****s in this thread - not the decent minded folk:) *

APEBhoy....

[Superhoops]

So by my reckoning you didn't mind spending money, that would go into Milosovic's genocidal regime in Serbia/Yugoslavia but you won't go to Glasgow because Ireland are playing Celtic :rolleyes:
Not if it is to line McNamara's pocket, I won't. If it is for charity, I have no problem.

As regards you other boorish comment, you really should grow up Pat. It is a completely different issue. Ireland had no choice but to play in Belgrade in 1998, in Bursa in 1999 or in Tehran in 2001 (all countries whose human rights records are not the greatest), all competitive games, otherwise they would have faced expulsion or forfeited the games.

[yur man]

thats probly the cold air makin your hair stand up, i suggest u close the door before u catch a cold ;)


i dont like our national team playin club teams. i would prefer a competitive game with another national team as preperation for the israel and faroe games

if they must get involved in testimonials, they should be post or pre-season

BTW, cork city are the biggest irish club :ball:

[joeraki]

If you're talking about the semi professional bilge thats excused as Irish football surely Shamrock Rovers are the biggest Irish outfit...

Not over here they sure ain't !!

But I take it your point is if that worldwide if ya asked your average football fan from whatever countrys league what they know about Irish football then Shamrock Rovers would be the most well known around the world

[joeraki]

As regards the game Celtic v Ireland, it ain't going to be competitve in any way at all. Seen as the Scottish cup final is on the day before. So as long as Celtic don't meet Rangers along the way they'll more than likely be in it

[joeraki]

'Over here' being...?

Ireland, where did ya think ?

[jofyisgod]

Oh OK then. I'm 'over here' too...

Well surely you should give your support to your national league rather than to a club who you have no affiliation with.

This game sickens me, frankly...

[Superhoops]

Jackie has been a wonderful servant to the Celtic cause down the years and it is fitting that Ireland have been chosen as his testimonial opponents
Exactly the reason why I would not support this! No interest in McNamara, no interest in Celtic therefore it is fitting that non-Celts will choose to ignore it, particularly if the only £ benefit is to McNamara.

[lopez]

.... can we stop this love in and be done with it ??LOL :D that's the funniest thing I've heard here for a long time. :rolleyes:

Connor, they booed 'Scotland the Brave' last time these two teams met at 'Parkheeeeed' while giving the SS the full repsect, so what da f*ck is your point?

Silvio: good to see you back to your top form, mate.

Gypsyfella: You're on the ball.

As for the game, I'm doing a Superhoops except it's because I've already booked up 10 days on the Costa de la luz that I won't be at 'Parkheeeeeeed'. :p

[Eirambler]

As regards the game Celtic v Ireland, it ain't going to be competitve in any way at all. Seen as the Scottish cup final is on the day before. So as long as Celtic don't meet Rangers along the way they'll more than likely be in it


They've drawn each other in the 3rd round!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/4088303.stm

[Pat O' Banton]

Not if it is to line McNamara's pocket, I won't. If it is for charity, I have no problem.

As regards you other boorish comment, you really should grow up Pat. It is a completely different issue. Ireland had no choice but to play in Belgrade in 1998, in Bursa in 1999 or in Tehran in 2001 (all countries whose human rights records are not the greatest), all competitive games, otherwise they would have faced expulsion or forfeited the games.


As I have pointed out completely agree regards all testamonials.

As for my point about Yugoslavia; fair enough we had to play them, we did not have to play Czech Republic, Nigeria, Jamaica in freindlies in the last year all of which have serious questions on human rights, yet your problem is playing Glasgow Celtic because some of their fans claim to have an Irish connection! (thought my point was more sarcastic then boorish - but yours is childish so maybe both need to grow up?)

[barglee]

I hate Celtic, their fans, their club and everything about them as much as the next guy ;) :p but in fairness this is no different to the Sunderland game we played before 2002


mmmm McNamara is scotish Quinn is Irish......
why dont they play scotland

[Superhoops]

...your problem is playing Glasgow Celtic because some of their fans claim to have an Irish connection!
Nothing to do with GC fans, I could not care less what club anyone, Irish or not, supports. Neither have I a problem supporting testimonials for Irish players, although nowadays I would prefer to see proceeds going to charity or as a benefit to someone who could do with some help (I have previously mentioned on this site David Langan, as an example). If Ireland played GC in such a testimonial, I would be more tham happy to support it. My 'problem' is I have no interest or desire to support any benefit for McNamara or any other player who has no connection with Ireland. If that is childish then I can easily live with it.

[livehead1]

most of you are seriously chattin sh*t. the only reason people are gettin pi**ed off AT ALL is because its celtic. its a game that ireland want to play, a game that will see there players get some action before the israel game. its a game that they dont have to travel very far for, a game where the players can bond without having too much of a stressful atmosphere. its sumut that they will look forward to and have a bit of match practice. so please dont chat shi*, its just another game and what the hell, if it gains another 50 ireland fans then i'll be happy,...

[Pablo]

if it gains another 50 ireland fans then i'll be happy,...

supporting a country is a birthright not a choice

[livehead1]

is it fu*k a birthright!!! i've got friends in south africa who support the irish national team throught and through and have even paid thousands of pounds to fly and watch them play

[Pablo]

is it fu*k a birthright!!! i've got friends in south africa who support the irish national team throught and through and have even paid thousands of pounds to fly and watch them play

and why dont they support their own country? if an irish person supported a foreign national team we'd have him commited :rolleyes:

[livehead1]

i cant be arsed to talk bout that, its there choice init! but the fact that you consider jon macken english aint fair either. so its blatent that you only consider people to be irish if their born in ireland!

[harry crumb]

I remember going to the Albania match last year and the announcer was the Celtic announcer and they played a load of Celtic songs at half-time and full-time.

Personally I thought it was a load of ****** and I didnt really enjoy the whole experience. In fact I don't like going to Ireland soccer matches at Lansdowne. Most of the fans there are Dublin gowls. Most of the fans that go to Ireland matches are Celtic fans so I don't really care about the friendly thing. Its just the fact that the FAI were pushing it at me at that match that got to me.

[Pablo]

i cant be arsed to talk bout that, its there choice init! but the fact that you consider jon macken english aint fair either. so its blatent that you only consider people to be irish if their born in ireland!

well dont pick at a post if you cant back it up

i belive you are irish if you are irish born or of genuine Irish decent. macken played for England at u21 level for christsake

[BobbySands]

The Ireland V Celtic love fest will be absolutely pointless but so what. All friendlies are. If nothing else the fringe players will see whats its like to play in front of a large crowd. I'd predict 2-2 with McGeady scoring for both teams.

Looks like Israel are expecting a decent Irish crowd. Shame on you ******* who travel. Roy Keane ? Maybe this is your moment to make a real stand.

Unless these games are played in neutral venues behind closed doors lets not play the hypocritical racism card.

[Pat O' Banton]

Nothing to do with GC fans, I could not care less what club anyone, Irish or not, supports. Neither have I a problem supporting testimonials for Irish players, although nowadays I would prefer to see proceeds going to charity or as a benefit to someone who could do with some help (I have previously mentioned on this site David Langan, as an example). If Ireland played GC in such a testimonial, I would be more tham happy to support it. My 'problem' is I have no interest or desire to support any benefit for McNamara or any other player who has no connection with Ireland. If that is childish then I can easily live with it.


I seriously don't understand this, so you are saying that you would not go to see Ireland play a testamonial for a non Irish person if the money was going to charity, (something that could in the future happen as people look to maxmise there gates and Ireland can be considered a good crowd pull.)

The reason that I ask this is that you dismissed Jackie McNamara's game out of hand without finding out if the proceeds were going to charity.

[Superhoops]

I seriously don't understand this, so you are saying that you would not go to see Ireland play a testamonial for a non Irish person if the money was going to charity, (something that could in the future happen as people look to maxmise there gates and Ireland can be considered a good crowd pull.)
Didn't say that, but for the record yes, I would go.


The reason that I ask this is that you dismissed Jackie McNamara's game out of hand without finding out if the proceeds were going to charity.
Well is it? I would have thought that if this was the case it would have been explicit when the game was being arranged and when it was announced. All I have seen is that the game 'will form the centrepiece of McNamara's testimonial celebrations', what does that mean? When Niall Quinn's game at Sunderland in 2002 was arranged and announced it was always up front that the proceeds were going to Crumlin hospital and children's charities in the local area.

[Pat O' Banton]

Fair enough, apologise if I misinterpreted you, as I have said I don't agree with millionaire footballers further lining their own pockets (tax free as well) with lucratve testamonials and would not attend one myself.