Designated singing section for Croker

[Karlos]

How would you go about setting this up? Who would be involved?
Do the NLSA and the various Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs not fill that role currently?


Firstly it's not something I necessarily want to be involved in myself - it's just something I've seen work effectively at club teams at first hand and believe would be good for Ireland. :)

A group made up of say a Block Booker Rep, Corporate Rep, Eircom League Rep, Supporters Club Rep, FAI Rep, BB Waiting List Rep, Stadium Rep etc would be far more representative of our fan base and provide interesting debate from every angle.

I would want all current supporter bodies to remain as normal but democratically appoint a rep to serve on a commitee that represents our full support base and report back as appropriate. As someone has said on an email to me recently, there is sometimes a concern from non fan groups members that fans groups will actively try to push their own agenda's and that's something I've witnessed myself but not with Ireland I must say. It's why I truely believe it's important to have a group of different backgrounds that takes away the potential for one group to look after themselves only.

By the way, I'd like to stress I don't for one minute believe or am suggesting that's the case with the NLSA or any other supporters group.....I just believe it would be a step in the right direction to see a dedicated group represent us all and not just a segment of our support. As we've seen with the singing section idea, the NLSA have done a brilliant job in taking it further than the rest of us could have :)

[Superhoops]

Firstly it's not something I necessarily want to be involved in myself - it's just something I've seen work effectively at club teams at first hand and believe would be good for Ireland. :)

A group made up of say a Block Booker Rep, Corporate Rep, Eircom League Rep, Supporters Club Rep, FAI Rep, BB Waiting List Rep, Stadium Rep etc would be far more representative of our fan base and provide interesting debate from every angle.

I would want all current supporter bodies to remain as normal but democratically appoint a rep to serve on a commitee that represents our full support base and report back as appropriate. As someone has said on an email to me recently, there is sometimes a concern from non fan groups members that fans groups will actively try to push their own agenda's and that's something I've witnessed myself but not with Ireland I must say. It's why I truely believe it's important to have a group of different backgrounds that takes away the potential for one group to look after themselves only.

By the way, I'd like to stress I don't for one minute believe or am suggesting that's the case with the NLSA or any other supporters group.....I just believe it would be a step in the right direction to see a dedicated group represent us all and not just a segment of our support. As we've seen with the singing section idea, the NLSA have done a brilliant job in taking it further than the rest of us could have :)
Good idea in principle although not sure how effective it would be. Be interesting to see how Reps. for Block Bookers, Block Bookers Waiting List and Corporates would be nominated and elected as none of these groups have any formal constitution whereas NLSA and Supporters Clubs do. Another group you did not mention are the 10 year ticket holders.

Despite the critcism of Delaney here and elsewhere he seems to have taken a more positive view towards fans groups than his predecessors did, if what we read in Fanszone in the recent match programmes is true.

Can't speak for NLSA or ROI Supporters Clubs, but they appear to have organised themselves well enough to represent the views of their own members and not sure they would want their voice with FAI diluted by being included with representatives of the non-organised groups mentioned above, who are likely to be volunteers without mandate, pushing themselves forward representing themselves as the voice of thousand of supporters. Remember Alan Hunter!!!

[Karlos]

I take your points Superhoops and I do agree with a lot of it :) . The NLSA & other groups currently have a relationship with the FAI that is something completly different howver than what the sole goal of this group would be. As far as these groups own particular issues would go, they would of course continue to meet with the FAI to discuss them at their meetings. I am certainly not advocating for one minute that supporters groups lose their one shot at influencing matters that effect them and them alone directly.

However, with the athmosphere group I'd like to see in place there would be no diluting of any issues as it would be about unifying all aspects of our support base by way of representation to improve the atmosphere that effects us all who attend Lansdowne Road and indeed those who watch on the TV. It would not be an issues based discussion - ticket allocations, eircom league funds or other such matters are for other bodies to discuss in my opinion. I am talking about one or two meetings a year from the FAI with a representaive atmosphere support group to suggest (bring forward), plan and arrange items such as card displays, singing sections & the likes. Universal approval by all supporters could be sought by way way of poll on official FAI site once ideas are created and opened to public domain for discussion. The sole aim would be to improve the game day experience for ALL of our supporters.

I think this particular model has been proven as a positive way to move fan athmosphere forward. As always I can only speak about what I know and a really good working example of what can be achieved, is the wonderful scenes seen at Arsenal's last ever game at Highbury. The whole day was planned by the club with a major influenece given to the fan group 'RedAction'. The group consists of all segments of support from bond holders to season ticket holders to waiting list members to club & stadium represenatives. The organisation is done from within the group with everyone's views heard on how to improve the athmosphere. The group are easily contacted by email and anyone can submit ideas, suggestions which they take on board. Once ideas are formulated, polls are set up on the official club site and supporters can vote on what they would like to see happen. Ultimately it's a collaborative effort where every supporter and not just the representaives can have their say and nobody can realistically sidetrack the initiatives.

In closing I'd just to clarify once again my own position on this in case it's suspected there is some sort of hidden agenda here......These are just my own personal feelings on how best to improve the athmosphere at Ireland games. I without question don't speak as a representative of anyone except myself and am just putting forward an idea that I feel might help the situation we currently find ourselves in. :)

[Superhoops]

I take your points Superhoops and I do agree with a lot of it :) . The NLSA & other groups currently have a relationship with the FAI that is something completly different howver than what the sole goal of this group would be. As far as these groups own particular issues would go, they would of course continue to meet with the FAI to discuss them at their meetings. I am certainly not advocating for one minute that supporters groups lose their one shot at influencing matters that effect them and them alone directly.

However, with the athmosphere group I'd like to see in place there would be no diluting of any issues as it would be about unifying all aspects of our support base by way of representation to improve the atmosphere that effects us all who attend Lansdowne Road and indeed those who watch on the TV. It would not be an issues based discussion - ticket allocations, eircom league funds or other such matters are for other bodies to discuss in my opinion. I am talking about one or two meetings a year from the FAI with a representaive atmosphere support group to suggest (bring forward), plan and arrange items such as card displays, singing sections & the likes. Universal approval by all supporters could be sought by way way of poll on official FAI site once ideas are created and opened to public domain for discussion. The sole aim would be to improve the game day experience for ALL of our supporters.

I think this particular model has been proven as a positive way to move fan athmosphere forward. As always I can only speak about what I know and a really good working example of what can be achieved, is the wonderful scenes seen at Arsenal's last ever game at Highbury. The whole day was planned by the club with a major influenece given to the fan group 'RedAction'. The group consists of all segments of support from bond holders to season ticket holders to waiting list members to club & stadium represenatives. The organisation is done from within the group with everyone's views heard on how to improve the athmosphere. The group are easily contacted by email and anyone can submit ideas, suggestions which they take on board. Once ideas are formulated, polls are set up on the official club site and supporters can vote on what they would like to see happen. Ultimately it's a collaborative effort where every supporter and not just the representaives can have their say and nobody can realistically sidetrack the initiatives.

In closing I'd just to clarify once again my own position on this in case it's suspected there is some sort of hidden agenda here......These are just my own personal feelings on how best to improve the athmosphere at Ireland games. I without question don't speak as a representative of anyone except myself and am just putting forward an idea that I feel might help the situation we currently find ourselves in. :)
I wasnt suggesting there was an hidden agenda with you, merely making the point, particularly after the experience of Alan Hunter (who appears to have disappeared from the scene, TG). It is a very good topic for debate and could be a runner.

[Karlos]

I wasnt suggesting there was an hidden agenda with you, merely making the point, particularly after the experience of Alan Hunter (who appears to have disappeared from the scene, TG). It is a very good topic for debate and could be a runner.

I didn't think you were anyway! just thought it best to spell it out in case anyone does think that way, you know the usual 2+2=5 suspects!! :D

I have noticed I haven't seen Hunter around in a little while.....anyone reckon there might be a co-relation between his appearances and our successes! :p

[joema]

Bump needed here ;)

There was a piece on this in the last program - dont have it at the minute so I cant really remember exactly what it said but it was along the lines of if intersted send them an email and if the interest is there the singing section will become a reality in Croker and the new Lansdowne and after that it may be transported to away games aswell!

If anyone has the program handy maybe they could type in what it said exactly

Credit where its due, this might well happen!

[Jon'o]

If anyone has the program handy maybe they could type in what it said exactly

Here it is, page 35.

Croke Park Move ...

With Ireland games moving to Croke Park next year for work on the new Lansdowne Road to begin, the NLSA and the FAI are working together to help create an improved atmosphere in Croker by expanding yhr current eircom League section to include anyone who wants in.

To this end, we would encourage any block bookers in particular - and fans in general - interested in relocating to the 'singing section' (for want of a better phrase) to drop us a line so we can gauge intrest. The eL secon has certainly been a sucess in improving noise and colour levels around the ground, so why not help us expand it?

If we can get this section working in Croker (and the new Lansdowne), we would see the next step being to export the 'singing section' to away games as well.

Further up the page it mentioned that more details of The National League Supporters' Association can be found at www.NLSupporters.com

[SUB of the day]

With the Hill being designated for away fans, surely the Canal End is the obvious location.Having a roof and four decks of seating, it would be an incredible sight.Given the dimensions of a GAA pitch V its football equivalent, I suggest the goal at the Canal End be placed as close as possible to the fans, hence leaving a yawning prairie between the away fans and goal at the Hill end.

[pineapple stu]

We're hopeful this will happen. The FAI are keen, and the idea is that when block bookers are being moved about in Croker (as they obviously will have to be), they will be given the option of joining the "singing section" (still hate that name...). Will let yez know more when it moves on; obviously, it's a little down the line in terms of actual work as yet.

The next step, of course, would be to get this for the away games as well...

[NeilMcD]

Should be even easier for away games to be honest as most people who go to away games would be up for it I would say. Will be great if it happens and fair play to all of those that have got it this far.

[SUB of the day]

We're hopeful this will happen. The FAI are keen, and the idea is that when block bookers are being moved about in Croker (as they obviously will have to be), they will be given the option of joining the "singing section" (still hate that name...). Will let yez know more when it moves on; obviously, it's a little down the line in terms of actual work as yet.

The next step, of course, would be to get this for the away games as well...

Re hating the name (singing section), surely an Irish version of Curva nord, Curva sud, tifosi, ultras etc isn't beyond us....suggestions?

[joema]

Cheers for typing that up Jon'o

I agree with SUB a decent name is needed

[pineapple stu]

Should be even easier for away games to be honest as most people who go to away games would be up for it I would say. Will be great if it happens and fair play to all of those that have got it this far.
I'm not sure - maybe it's just the abject failure of Cyprus that has me cynical over the superb atmosphere in Paris and the criac in Tórshavn. Either way, if people can apply for it, it certainly makes it all the easier.


Re hating the name (singing section), surely an Irish version of Curva nord, Curva sud, tifosi, ultras etc isn't beyond us....suggestions?
Good call. Curva Cusack, maybe? ;) Though it'd have to be something that could transfer over to the new Lansdowne.

[joema]

Fair play to YBIG - there is a bit about this in the latest copy of the magazine - available from their website

http://www.youboysingreen.ie/index.aspx

On p8 - q and a with Aldo he says its a "brilliant idea" and there is a piece entitled "Support a Croker Signing Section" on p 36

Re the name what about "green Brigade", "12th Men" or "briogáid glas". I dont think we could pull of being called "ultras" tbh - we need something of our own

[eirebhoy]

Right, who's good with the drums? :)

[pineapple stu]

Fair play to YBIG - there is a bit about this in the latest copy of the magazine - available from their website

http://www.youboysingreen.ie/index.aspx

On p8 - q and a with Aldo he says its a "brilliant idea" and there is a piece entitled "Support a Croker Signing Section" on p 36

Re the name what about "green Brigade", "12th Men" or "briogáid glas". I dont think we could pull of being called "ultras" tbh - we need something of our own
Good shtuff. Great to see everyone pulling together on it too!

Briogáid Glas sounds good...

[Schumi]

Briogáid Glas sounds good...

Too Shels for my liking.

[Superhoops]

I'm not sure - maybe it's just the abject failure of Cyprus that has me cynical over the superb atmosphere in Paris and the criac in Tórshavn. Either way, if people can apply for it, it certainly makes it all the easier.


Good call. Curva Cusack, maybe? ;) Though it'd have to be something that could transfer over to the new Lansdowne.
What about 'An Cuar Canail' - The Canal Curve :)

[Superhoops]

With the Hill being designated for away fans, surely the Canal End is the obvious location.Having a roof and four decks of seating, it would be an incredible sight.Given the dimensions of a GAA pitch V its football equivalent, I suggest the goal at the Canal End be placed as close as possible to the fans, hence leaving a yawning prairie between the away fans and goal at the Hill end.
Don't think that is going to happen, because the soccer pitch is about 40 metres shorter than the GAA pitch, which would mean that too many of the seats, including the premium level seats at the Hill end of the Hogan and Cusack would be well beyond the goal line.

[Jerry The Saint]

Too Shels for my liking.

I agree - how about Canal End Invincibles...?

[SUB of the day]

I agree - how about Canal End Invincibles...?

Any name should be able to transfer to the new stadium( 33 objections btw).Other criteria should be, short, different,contempary, THE ZONE or GREEN ZONE aren't bad starting points.Where are you in the Stadium?.....I'm in THE ZONE!

[Reddladd]

The Choir...................Where are you? 'I'm in the Choir'

[blobbyblob]

More talk of the Singing section in last nights programme.

They are going to contact block bookers shortly and its most likely but not definitely going to be located in the Canal End

[SUB of the day]

More talk of the Singing section in last nights programme.

They are going to contact block bookers shortly and its most likely but not definitely going to be located in the Canal End

Another "result" then.Don't buy programme anymore, did it suggest alternatives to canal end?.......are there any?

[Fubar]

More talk of the Singing section in last nights programme.

They are going to contact block bookers shortly and its most likely but not definitely going to be located in the Canal End

Does this mean that it will only be for block bookers or will others be able to get tickets for that section to? Im not a block booker like but would def prefer to be in the singing section.

[Jaime]

Canal End Upper would be the business. :)

[pineapple stu]

Does this mean that it will only be for block bookers or will others be able to get tickets for that section to? Im not a block booker like but would def prefer to be in the singing section.
Not 100% sure how that'd work. First step is to send out the block booking forms and ask people if they want to be in this section or not. Then, I suppose, work out how many tickets go on general release and leave a gap for the numbers likely to want in.

[Mayo_Bhoy]

Re the name what about "green Brigade",

Ya great name. But im surprised ther's been no backlash from the anti celtic crowd. The Green Brigade is also the name of a Celtic 'ultras' style supporters group. Put that in yer pipe and smoke it!:D

[eirebhoy]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=004&item=140040893446&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

:D

[theleprechaun]

lads, could anyone tell me how this campaign is going. and if it is not really going i think it is time to get serious. i was thinking if we all send one or two emails everyday, and i mean all of us along with a few letters than surely the fai could not ignore us. the thing is we need to do it together. you know the old saying 'there is strenght in numbers'

[pineapple stu]

It's in the FAI's hands now. They say they are going to get it up and running when they send out revised block booker forms for Croker. They have a draft press release with instructions to release it at the same time as the forms go out. At this stage, it's candy from a baby to set up. Which doesn't necessarily mean that it'll happen, knowing them...

[Mento]

Stu, we could go big on it in next issue of ybig v san marino in feb - let me know what you think

[pineapple stu]

OK. What's your print run? We should know what the FAI are doig about it by then, so it'd be a good follow up alright.

[Mento]

it has been 15,000 but next match is san marino away.
so probably bring 1,000 to sqan marino and 4-8 thousand for pubs etc in ireland.