Stadium Updates (All Clubs)

[oriel]

Maybe, but how would you react is eg teams from NI routinely referred to themselves simply as "Irish"?

Remember that southern international teams (for want of a better term) do not represent the state which chooses to call itself "Ireland". Rather they represent the FAI, under which it is required by FIFA to call its representative teams "Republic of Ireland".

By the same token, teams representing the IFA are called "Northern Ireland" (though technically I believe the IFA could still use the name "Ireland" in matches which are not also open to FAI teams - World Cup, Euro's etc - effectively friendlies, also the British Championship as was).

And why do I make this point? Aside from a general concern for accuracy*, it is because I resent the implication in their use of "Ireland" over "Republic of Ireland" that FAI teams are somehow the "real" Ireland, with NI being relegated to some sort of idiosyncratic appendage.

And maybe it's also because when I first went to internationals in Belfast (l971 onwards), we fans routinely sung and chanted for "Ireland", while FAI teams were routinely referred to as "Eire", in both parts of Ireland and beyond. While the fact of the IFA subsequently choosing to call its teams "Northern Ireland" from the 1980's onwards was a courtesy and respect to its neighbours which is not currently being reciprocated.

Above all, we in NI have at least as proud a place in the story of Irish football, and a hell of a sight older one, as our neighbours, such that if anywhere should be entitled to call itself the "Home of Irish Football", that place should undoubtedly be in Belfast/NI and nowhere else.

Rant over.

* - Some might call it pedantry :)


I read this am on the train into the office, good lord there is a lot in this to correct.

Ireland is the official name of the country for a start, its on all of the following with 'Republic' not (never) noted.

Passport / Drivers License / EU / UN official term / placemat at table.

I've been going to Ireland games for 40 years, not once have I ever heard anyone say 'are you looking forward to going to the REP OF ireland game next week v France' etc etc, its always 'Going to see Ireland play France' the fans don't chant 'Come on REP OF Ireland' again all Ireland. RTE sports news will generally start with 'REP OF IRE manager Stephen Kenny has injuries concerns over.........etc, then revert to Ireland for the rest of the report.

Even match programmes, from as far back as the 70's and 80's had IRELAND in big letters and over it in small 'republic of'

Back to the passport, it even has a map of Ireland inside it, doesn't shade it out for 6 counties, as all are entitled to reply.

Ordinance survey / google maps, here's another, the term used is 'Ireland' and Northern Ireland, and lastly if you have a UK mobile (I don't but cousins have) when they arrive in Dub the message is 'Welcome to Ireland'

I actually hate the question abroad too, mainly from UK tourists, but not always 'What part of Ireland are you from North or South'.......................East actually Dundalk !

Come on Ireland !

[EalingGreen]

Is that supposed to be some sort of sectarian taunt? Those aren't welcome here.
Says the poster who contributed this to a thread discussing a footballing matter:
"How do you think Irish people feel about northerners appropriating the adjective describing our ethnicity that would be entirely uncomplicated if their ancestors hadn't been planted on the island on lands seized by force creating centuries of ethnic tensions that lead to partition of the island, a civil rights crisis, and decades of simmering civil war?"


It would seem you have no idea what ethnicity means. There are dictionaries online, if you have the wit to use one. Thinking that those three aren't ethnically Irish makes you a racist, by the way. At best.
I was talking about Nationality. You then veered into the realm of Ethnicity, implying that "Planters" i.e. people of a different ethnic background, are somehow not quite Irish. Which if true must also apply to those three random examples, Messrs. Varadkar, McGrath and Lynott.

All three are, of course, Irish, as am I, yet people like you deny the essential Irishness of people from Northern Ireland.. Or at least, certain people from Northern Ireland.

Which brings me back to my point, which is that when talking about football in Ireland, certain posters on this forum seem to consider that "Irish Football" only alludes to the history and activity of the FAI/ROI team, as though the IFA/NI team was somehow lesser, or didn't even exist at all.

[EalingGreen]

Yes, the FAI team is required to be called the "Republic of Ireland", but it can't represent the Republic of Ireland as there's no such country. It's a term used nowhere else but in football to the best of my knowledge. The FAI absolutely does represent the country called "Ireland", and we know this because FIFA explicitly admitted the FAI on the basis that it only organised football in the 26 counties.I hope that you're merely confused, and not being deliberately obtuse.

The Dublin government does not pick the ROI team, or otherwise organise football within its boundaries. The FAI is not a State body and the governing body for football is the FAI, not the Dail. Indeed, when governments try to interfere in the affairs of a Member Association of FIFA, then FIFA intervenes to prevent this, if need be suspending the Association in question (the "nuclear option").

Which is why FIFA has so many more members than the UN (a point you fail to acknowledge) and is entitled to tell its Member Associations what they must call their representative teams and determine where their jurisdiction applies. On which former point, FIFA has instructed the FAI to call its teams "Republic of Ireland", i.e. to distinguish them from those of its other Member Association on the island, the IFA.

All of which is why it is erroneous, misleading and exclusionary to refer to the ROI team as "Ireland", as though football in the other part of the island didn't exist, or that it is just the same as eg
Rugby or Cricket. Worse still when it is claimed that somewhere in Dublin is the "home" (birthplace) of Irish football, that ignores the inescapable fact that football was first introduced to Ireland in Belfast, leading to the first Irish football club being formed; the foundation of the IFA by 6 Belfast clubs (and Limavady Alexander); the first football stadium beng built; and the first matches, including Ireland internationals, being played in Belfast. All of which happened 40 years before the FAI, or more accurately (ahem) the Football Association of the Irish Free State, even existed.

Yet you ignore all of this to try to deny the blindingly obvious fact that Belfast is the home of Irish football.


The IFA does not, any more, represent the country called Ireland, despite what its fans may think about a competition that hasn't been run in nearly 40 years. It represents the country called Northern Ireland (which, like England, is a country - it's just happens to be, strangely, a country within a country) and has a mandate to organise football only within the six counties.

The state whose capital city is in Dublin is called Ireland. That's literally a statement of fact enshrined in the Constitution. I'm not sure (and indeed don't really care) what discussion there is to be had there.
Northern Ireland teams are the representative teams of the IFA, nothing more nothing less. And there's nothing "strange" about "Northern Ireland" being a "country" in footballing terms, since the IFA is the fourth oldest Football Association in the world, predating FIFA, never mind the FAIFS/FAI. While many States make all sorts of claims within their Constitution eg Turkey claiming jurisdiction over Northern Cyprus or Serbia over Kosovo, both of which are ignored by FIFA when it comes to football.

Meaning that where you're going wrong is in believing that "country" in the footballing sense is indistinguishable from "country" in the political sense - it is not (UN = 193, FIFA = 209).


I am... ... stating that Belfast [is not] the home of Irish football.See above.

[EalingGreen]

I read this am on the train into the office, good lord there is a lot in this to correct.

Ireland is the official name of the country for a start, its on all of the following with 'Republic' not (never) noted.

Passport / Drivers License / EU / UN official term / placemat at table.

I've been going to Ireland games for 40 years, not once have I ever heard anyone say 'are you looking forward to going to the REP OF ireland game next week v France' etc etc, its always 'Going to see Ireland play France' the fans don't chant 'Come on REP OF Ireland' again all Ireland. RTE sports news will generally start with 'REP OF IRE manager Stephen Kenny has injuries concerns over.........etc, then revert to Ireland for the rest of the report.

Even match programmes, from as far back as the 70's and 80's had IRELAND in big letters and over it in small 'republic of'

Back to the passport, it even has a map of Ireland inside it, doesn't shade it out for 6 counties, as all are entitled to reply.

Ordinance survey / google maps, here's another, the term used is 'Ireland' and Northern Ireland, and lastly if you have a UK mobile (I don't but cousins have) when they arrive in Dub the message is 'Welcome to Ireland'

I actually hate the question abroad too, mainly from UK tourists, but not always 'What part of Ireland are you from North or South'.......................East actually Dundalk !

Come on Ireland !
https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/IRL#republic-of-ireland-mens-ranking

[EatYerGreens]

Good to see so many of you sharing in the joyous experience I have had previously of trying to have a sensible discussionn/debate with @EalingGreen :D

He's the kind of pedant that other pedants complain about for being excessively pedantic.

If dancing on the head of a pain was a round in Strictly, he'd be scoring straight '10s' from the jury. And don't expect him to admit he's got anything wrong either.

[EalingGreen]

Good to see so many of you sharing in the joyous experience I have had previously of trying to have a sensible discussionn/debate with @EalingGreen :D

He's the kind of pedant that other pedants complain about for being excessively pedantic.

If dancing on the head of a pain was a round in Strictly, he'd be scoring straight '10s' from the jury. And don't expect him to admit he's got anything wrong either.
Any chance of your playing the ball instead of the man?

No?

Thought not.

[Buller]

Good to see so many of you sharing in the joyous experience I have had previously of trying to have a sensible discussionn/debate with @EalingGreen :D

He's the kind of pedant that other pedants complain about for being excessively pedantic.

If dancing on the head of a pain was a round in Strictly, he'd be scoring straight '10s' from the jury. And don't expect him to admit he's got anything wrong either.

Is this a bad time to bring up the football pyramid?? Pineapple Stu or EalingGreen? ...

I'll let myself out.

[EatYerGreens]

Is this a bad time to bring up the football pyramid?? Pineapple Stu or EalingGreen? ...

I'll let myself out.

Or the Brandywell funding or Leinster Senior League? :D

[oriel]

https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/IRL#republic-of-ireland-mens-ranking

Once again, everyone knows that team to be Ireland, plus the new FAI badge has only two words on it 'IRELAND Football'.

Back to the passport / drivers licence / EU and Nato Membership, all only state 'Ireland'..............The Govt is another one 'a message from the Government of Ireland' (never Rep of).

Ireland and Northern Ireland, these are the official names used in most cases.

90% of people would refer to the 'soccer' team playing out of the Aviva as 'Ireland', I don't think that is ever in question.

[nigel-harps1954]

May I direct some of you to the Football History forum:

https://foot.ie/forums/102-Football-History


For others, if you wish to discuss politics and who's more Irish:

https://foot.ie/forums/87-Current-Affairs


Thanks kindly.

[WexCar.]

Back to the passport / drivers licence / EU and Nato Membership, all only state 'Ireland'..............The Govt is another one 'a message from the Government of Ireland' (never Rep of).



Might want to retract that NATO membership bit.......

[oriel]

Meant UN !!!!!!!!!!!!!

But that was funny all the same.,,,,,,,,,,,NATO - Christ !

[Nesta99]

I hope that you're merely confused, and not being deliberately obtuse.

The Dublin government does not pick the ROI team, or otherwise organise football within its boundaries. The FAI is not a State body and the governing body for football is the FAI, not the Dail. Indeed, when governments try to interfere in the affairs of a Member Association of FIFA, then FIFA intervenes to prevent this, if need be suspending the Association in question (the "nuclear option").

Which is why FIFA has so many more members than the UN (a point you fail to acknowledge) and is entitled to tell its Member Associations what they must call their representative teams and determine where their jurisdiction applies. On which former point, FIFA has instructed the FAI to call its teams "Republic of Ireland", i.e. to distinguish them from those of its other Member Association on the island, the IFA.

All of which is why it is erroneous, misleading and exclusionary to refer to the ROI team as "Ireland", as though football in the other part of the island didn't exist, or that it is just the same as eg
Rugby or Cricket. Worse still when it is claimed that somewhere in Dublin is the "home" (birthplace) of Irish football, that ignores the inescapable fact that football was first introduced to Ireland in Belfast, leading to the first Irish football club being formed; the foundation of the IFA by 6 Belfast clubs (and Limavady Alexander); the first football stadium beng built; and the first matches, including Ireland internationals, being played in Belfast. All of which happened 40 years before the FAI, or more accurately (ahem) the Football Association of the Irish Free State, even existed.

Yet you ignore all of this to try to deny the blindingly obvious fact that Belfast is the home of Irish football.

Northern Ireland teams are the representative teams of the IFA, nothing more nothing less. And there's nothing "strange" about "Northern Ireland" being a "country" in footballing terms, since the IFA is the fourth oldest Football Association in the world, predating FIFA, never mind the FAIFS/FAI. While many States make all sorts of claims within their Constitution eg Turkey claiming jurisdiction over Northern Cyprus or Serbia over Kosovo, both of which are ignored by FIFA when it comes to football.

Meaning that where you're going wrong is in believing that "country" in the footballing sense is indistinguishable from "country" in the political sense - it is not (UN = 193, FIFA = 209).

See above.

So it's not Oriel Park??? But it says so on a big sign outside the main stand so it hs to be true just cause it says so!

[EatYerGreens]

So it's not Oriel Park??? But it says so on a big sign outside the main stand so it hs to be true just cause it says so!

Is it true that as part of the North Stand development at Tallaght Stadium they're creating a new ornamental archway which wil say 'The Home of the Homeless" ?

[oldfan]

Tony O'Donoghue always says "Republic of Ireland" when referring to the FAI's International team?

[toffeejay84]

Does anyone know if Bohs are planning a duplicate of the Mono stand on the other side of the halfway line for next season? Aware there was some asbestos found that delayed the destruction at that end but seems like adding another 400 odd stand there would suit there needs for the next couple of years till the full renovation would be to start.

[Shinkicker]

Does anyone know if Bohs are planning a duplicate of the Mono stand on the other side of the halfway line for next season? Aware there was some asbestos found that delayed the destruction at that end but seems like adding another 400 odd stand there would suit there needs for the next couple of years till the full renovation would be to start.
If they had a 1000-1500 mono keep it for home support. Remove the seats and give the Des Kelly to away support and let them see if they can fill it. After all they are all complaining about being limited to 450. It would give a capacity of 5000-5500 and would also be an indicator as to what to expect crowd wise in the new stadium. Hm hm, when it is built, hm hm. The temporary Mono stand could be there for a while yet.

[Jamesie]

If they had a 1000-1500 mono keep it for home support. Remove the seats and give the Des Kelly to away support and let them see if they can fill it. After all they are all complaining about being limited to 450. It would give a capacity of 5000-5500 and would also be an indicator as to what to expect crowd wise in the new stadium. Hm hm, when it is built, hm hm. The temporary Mono stand could be there for a while yet.

There's no way we're giving the 1300 capacity Des Kelly to away teams again. We could fill the ground with home fans for every game this season, so we're only giving away fans the 450 because we have to.

[bohsmug]

There's no way we're giving the 1300 capacity Des Kelly to away teams again. We could fill the ground with home fans for every game this season, so we're only giving away fans the 450 because we have to.

Don't get a job as a PR man... jeez :D

To be fair the club have put a bit of effort and money into the away section. The club doesn't own the land but have bought that stand. I would love the possibility of a 2nd one to the other side of the gantry but (without knowing the cost) I think it was expensive enough.

[oriel]

https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/IRL#republic-of-ireland-mens-ranking

https://www.extratime.com/articles/30429/ireland-to-face-northern-ireland-in-inaugural-uefa-nations-league/

Ireland to face NI ;)

[EalingGreen]

https://www.extratime.com/articles/30429/ireland-to-face-northern-ireland-in-inaugural-uefa-nations-league/

Ireland to face NI ;)Not so fast...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FvHlDR1WwAIpFuh?format=jpg&name=900x900

[Shinkicker]

Don't get a job as a PR man... jeez :D

To be fair the club have put a bit of effort and money into the away section. The club doesn't own the land but have bought that stand. I would love the possibility of a 2nd one to the other side of the gantry but (without knowing the cost) I think it was expensive enough.
When the new stadium construction starts there will be a second hand stand for sale. There is also a chance it's leased for €xx per season. If its owned it will be dismantled and sold. If its leased it will be available for others to lease or as a second hand purchase. Remember it's far better than than what some other clubs have.

[Shinkicker]

There's no way we're giving the 1300 capacity Des Kelly to away teams again. We could fill the ground with home fans for every game this season, so we're only giving away fans the 450 because we have to.
I understand what you are saying and agree but an extended mono would have a cover for home support while the DK is open. Give the home support some luxury.
Do you or anyone else for that matter know what is the estimated number of home supporters who don't or can't get get tickets each week?

[bohsmug]

When the new stadium construction starts there will be a second hand stand for sale. There is also a chance it's leased for €xx per season. If its owned it will be dismantled and sold. If its leased it will be available for others to lease or as a second hand purchase. Remember it's far better than than what some other clubs have.

These aren't the only available options.

[Shinkicker]

These aren't the only available options.
Obviously you know something... Do tell

[oriel]

Not so fast...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FvHlDR1WwAIpFuh?format=jpg&name=900x900

Ireland to face Northern Ireland in inaugural UEFA Nations League = Headline !

Cant paste the image here but the recent Ireland v France Euro 2024 match programme had a great cover, Evan Ferguson full photo with IRELAND in the big letters.

I've still yet to meet anyone who says 'Are you going to the Republic of Ireland game etc'

[Jamesie]

I understand what you are saying and agree but an extended mono would have a cover for home support while the DK is open. Give the home support some luxury.
Do you or anyone else for that matter know what is the estimated number of home supporters who don't or can't get get tickets each week?

It would depend on the game. We could sell more season tickets for starters with the new ground. I'm sure the 8000 capacity would be tested for some games

[sbgawa]

It's not a certainty you would sell more in fact you might sell less. I remember back when tallaght was only 1 stand people bought season tickets to make sure to get in , whe the east stand was built we sold less because people realised they could get into every match.

[EalingGreen]

Ireland to face Northern Ireland in inaugural UEFA Nations League = Headline !
Here's some more newspaper headlines for ya:

"World War 2 Bomber Found on Moon"

"Aliens Turned Our Son Into A Fish Finger"

"Woman Gives Birth To 8lb Duck"

"Penis-shaped iceberg given X-rated name after floating past town called Dildo"

Only one of the five headlines is correct - and it's not yours! :)

[oriel]

You are like dog with a bone, plus you are still wrong.

Almost everyone I know referring to the team managed by Stephen Kenny refers to it as 'Ireland'.

Did you ever listen to the fans at the Aviva signing, they use one word 'Ireland :note::note::''

[EalingGreen]

You are like dog with a bone, plus you are still wrong.You were the one who dug the bone up again after several days under the soil (#7620), I merely responded in (what I hoped was) a humourous fashion.

Anyhow you can say - or sing - what you like, but it is indisputable that the official name of the team is "Republic of Ireland", and it represents the FAI. While Belfast is the home of Irish football.

[Philosophizer]

Lads, stop clogging up this Stadium Updates thread with this name issue.
I don’t know who started this back and forth and I don’t really care, but if you want to continue, please just set up a separate thread.

[Dermobohs]

It's not a certainty you would sell more in fact you might sell less. I remember back when tallaght was only 1 stand people bought season tickets to make sure to get in , whe the east stand was built we sold less because people realised they could get into every match.
That’s a good point, and probably will hold true for season tickets, but we’d still sell a lot of memberships, which differ as we hold ownership of the club and voting rights on decisions taken. Hopefully the fact of being a part owner of your club appeals and we can extend it from our current 2500 or thereabouts.
Our season tickets are only around 900 I think.

[Jamesie]

It's not a certainty you would sell more in fact you might sell less. I remember back when tallaght was only 1 stand people bought season tickets to make sure to get in , whe the east stand was built we sold less because people realised they could get into every match.
We've left those days behind. The reality is people know if they don't have a season ticket, they won't be going to any of the big games...and that will apply to the 8000 capacity too, without a doubt. Fan habits have changed too with the 4 games a year fan a dying breed . We've turned a corner which I never thought could happen where their LOI team has become a much bigger part of fans lives.

[sbgawa]

That's true in terms of it being part of people's lives in a more central way. Maybe only temporary bit I think there is a bit of pride about loi fans these days and more interest in general. It helps that players like bazunu and fergusson are still seen as part of the loi community. There is a huge young element of support now where it used to be just oul lads like myself

[oriel]

You were the one who dug the bone up again after several days under the soil (#7620), I merely responded in (what I hoped was) a humourous fashion.

Anyhow you can say - or sing - what you like, but it is indisputable that the official name of the team is "Republic of Ireland", and it represents the FAI. While Belfast is the home of Irish football.

Bye now.............................

As for Belfast, JC get a grip son.

[Kingswood Rover]

That's true in terms of it being part of people's lives in a more central way. Maybe only temporary bit I think there is a bit of pride about loi fans these days and more interest in general. It helps that players like bazunu and fergusson are still seen as part of the loi community. There is a huge young element of support now where it used to be just oul lads like myself
So True walking out of Tallaght last night and saying to my pals all fifties aul lads like myself ahead of as were a couple of thousand people streaming alongside the Maldron and across the lights and 75% of the people were under 30. We all agreed the good old days me ****** these are the good aul days. The last season of our 4 in a row our biggest home league crowd was less than 3 k. I was looking at a 2011 league game against us in Dalymount on You tube just now and the Jodi was half M/T from the half way line towards the shopping centre and i was buying tickets in that part of the ground up to a few years ago. No way can you do that now.

[Kiki Balboa]

https://www.the42.ie/fitzgerald-stadium-72-5-million-renovation-cost-5927838-Nov2022/

To be honest, Im shocked by this.

Edit: this is from a few months ago. Huge amount of money really though.

[Philosophizer]

https://youtu.be/CesXXFyDHSA
Found this today on YouTube.
Just catching up on this video. Some of our stadia don’t actually look too bad here. I suppose it helps when they’re drenched in sunshine.
Interestingly the commentator really liked the random colourful blocks of seating in Tallaght, which we’ve moaned about here for years. If nothing else it’s certainly unique, and probably an interesting quirk to outsiders.
I’m sure I’ve also said this here before but if Shels could just put a new coat of paint on the roofs either side of the pitch it would do wonders for the ground. The faded rusty colour really looks dreadful. Although maybe that ramshackle look is part of a ploy to appeal for more funding…

[EatYerGreens]

https://www.the42.ie/fitzgerald-stadium-72-5-million-renovation-cost-5927838-Nov2022/

To be honest, Im shocked by this.

Edit: this is from a few months ago. Huge amount of money really though.

NB : A "multi-event" venue, not a multi-sport one. It's in the GAA's blood to try to undermine other major or 'saxon' sports whenever they can (even if there would be little or no need for other sports to use that particular stadium). There is an ingrained insecurity within the GAA, in contrast with any other sport that would welcome other uses of their facilities. They row in on international football or rugby tournaments because the politics is such that they can't really refuse and they also benefit massively themselves out of those events too. But the Liam Millar saga wasn't that long ago, and clubs at a local level are still being fined for letting other codes use their facilities.

[Shinkicker]

Just catching up on this video. Some of our stadia don’t actually look too bad here. I suppose it helps when they’re drenched in sunshine.
Interestingly the commentator really liked the random colourful blocks of seating in Tallaght, which we’ve moaned about here for years. If nothing else it’s certainly unique, and probably an interesting quirk to outsiders.
I’m sure I’ve also said this here before but if Shels could just put a new coat of paint on the roofs either side of the pitch it would do wonders for the ground. The faded rusty colour really looks dreadful. Although maybe that ramshackle look is part of a ploy to appeal for more funding…
Yes, not a bad video, although not intirely accurate he took the time to pull it together. While the grounds don't look too bad in the video, when you attend it's a different matter. The exception being Tallaght.

[Shinkicker]

NB : A "multi-event" venue, not a multi-sport one. It's in the GAA's blood to try to undermine other major or 'saxon' sports whenever they can (even if there would be little or no need for other sports to use that particular stadium). There is an ingrained insecurity within the GAA, in contrast with any other sport that would welcome other uses of their facilities. They row in on international football or rugby tournaments because the politics is such that they can't really refuse and they also benefit massively themselves out of those events too. But the Liam Millar saga wasn't that long ago, and clubs at a local level are still being fined for letting other codes use their facilities.
More nonsense from the GAA to get money to upgrade a stadium that is probably still in better condition than most LOI grounds and will never let a "foreign" sport be played on it. I can hardly see U2 playing a gig there or Daniel O Donnell filling it. So it will sit in pristine condition few a few games a year and they will still complain.

[nigel-harps1954]

FAI confirm this evening they won't be going ahead with the Glanmire project.

[pateen]

A real shame but no surprises. Another great effort by John Delaney

[EatYerGreens]

A real shame but no surprises. Another great effort by John Delaney

What's the latest on the court case against that fecker? Was the FAI ever forced to divulge all the emails he was trying to hide?

Knowing how this place works, the Guards and courts will probably just drag it all out and then quietly let the whole thing slip.

[Kingdom]

What's the latest on the court case against that fecker? Was the FAI ever forced to divulge all the emails he was trying to hide?

Knowing how this place works, the Guards and courts will probably just drag it all out and then quietly let the whole thing slip.

Yes they were granted access.

[SPXcyan]

A new club shop to be opened within the next few weeks in Waterford which will also be the new Office HQ and Ticket Office.
It'll be situated right across from the RSC itself which is handy but it's a bit of a trek from town for those without a vehicle, but it's a very good step in the right direction.

https://waterfordfc.ie/waterford-fc-announce-six-figure-investment-in-new-club-store/

[2 Year Contract]

I see Larne's 4g pitch isn’t up to scratch to host european games. I haven’t seen their pitch but I can’t imagine it’s much worse than Oriel or the Brandywell so you’d wonder if those pitches could be turned down too…

https://larnefc.com/european-home-fixtures-set-to-move/

I found this quote pretty amusing, shock horror that a pitch with a 5 year lifespan has become substandard after… 5 years :D


“When our 4G playing surface was installed back in 2018, the pitch had an expected lifespan of 5-7 years. Despite still being considered a top-quality surface for NIFL Premiership and all domestic fixtures, we have unfortunately fallen just short of the increasingly high criteria imposed by FIFA.

[DCWA]

I see Larne's 4g pitch isn’t up to scratch to host european games. I haven’t seen their pitch but I can’t imagine it’s much worse than Oriel or the Brandywell so you’d wonder if those pitches could be turned down too…

https://larnefc.com/european-home-fixtures-set-to-move/

I found this quote pretty amusing, shock horror that a pitch with a 5 year lifespan has become substandard after… 5 years :D

It is no worse than Brandywell/Oriel and with any luck both of those will be turned down also as much as it might be a short term pain in the backside it might put nail in coffin for these pitches once and for all as surely no club would be stupid enough to put another one in knowing the tide has very much turned against them and they could be outright banned soon anyway.

[Philosophizer]

they could be outright banned soon anyway.
banned outright by who… fifa or FAI?
You couldn’t expect teams in the far north to have natural grass. Good luck with a grass pitch in somewhere like Bodo Glimt or Rovoniemi. They’re inside the arctic circle!