Eligibility Rules, Okay

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Originally Posted by ifk101

if the objective is a more inclusive anthem, this cannot be achieved by an exclusive decision making process.

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That depends on what factors they take into consideration when deciding and their capacity to appraise those issues.

I suspect they will do nothing, if they are only thinking of what they currently regard as the best interests of the IFA.

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Originally Posted by Not Brazil

However, if the IRFU's practice is to be lauded as inclusive, then the IFA should consider introducing a Northern Ireland specific anthem to be played alongside GSTQ at Windsor Park.

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Originally Posted by Not Brazil

Amhran na Bhfiann is not the National Anthem of Northern Ireland.

I'm not sure what context you are referring to "the Brit one"? - I have already stated I do not think GSTQ should be played at Ireland rugby matches hosted at Ravenhill.

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Fair enough on the latter point.

Why not something specific and exclusive then for 'all' sporting occasions in The North?
Though it wouldn't and shouldn't be decided by the IFA;the politicians will want to stick their boots in, also.

Don't know what the GAA would say, mind...

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Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

Why not something specific and exclusive then for 'all' sporting occasions in The North?
Though it wouldn't and shouldn't be decided by the IFA;the politicians will want to stick their boots in, also.

Don't know what the GAA would say, mind...

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Both the IFA and GAA can make their own decisions on what Anthems they play, without outside influence from anyone, let alone politicians.

The rank hypocrisy of GAA members lecturing the IFA about Anthems (eg. Oisin McConville in the Sunday Life Sunday week ago) is staggering - but not surprising.

I agree with you - a uniquely Northern Irish "sporting" anthem for all sporting fixtures in Northern Ireland is a sensible idea.

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Originally Posted by ifk101

What the IFA and its supporters chose to do on the anthem issue is of no real concern to me. However since you brought it up, if the objective is a more inclusive anthem, this cannot be achieved by an exclusive decision making process.

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I'm glad it's of no real concern to you.

I'm quite sure the IFA, the supporters of the Northern Ireland team and those with the best interests of the IFA going forward at heart are perfectly capable of weighing up the various consequences of change or retention, and of arriving at an informed decision on the Anthem.

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Originally Posted by ifk101

I'm sure it is. As NI is a region of the UK, and NI does not have a distinct or common nation/ national identity, and GSTQ is the national anthem of the UK, it's only natural that the IFA has GSTQ as it's national anthem. :)

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Quite surprising then, that the IFA no longer use the official flag of Northern Ireland at Northern Ireland matches.

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Originally Posted by Not Brazil

I'm glad it's of no real concern to you.

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:bigsmile:

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Originally Posted by Not Brazil

I'm quite sure the IFA, the supporters of the Northern Ireland team and those with the best interests of the IFA going forward at heart are perfectly capable of weighing up the various consequences of change or retention, and of arriving at an informed decision on the Anthem.

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I'm sure you believe that to be the case.

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Originally Posted by Not Brazil

Quite surprising then, that the IFA no longer use the official flag of Northern Ireland at Northern Ireland matches.

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The fans make up for it.

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Originally Posted by ifk101

I'm sure you believe that to be the case.

The fans make up for it.

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Indeed - I do believe that to be the case.

Yes - all our fans must bring a Union Flag to our matches, otherwise they face sanction from the IFA.

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Originally Posted by Not Brazil

Yes - all our fans must bring a Union Flag to our matches, otherwise they face sanction from the IFA.

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I thought it was optional, but there you go.

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Originally Posted by ifk101

I thought it was optional, but there you go.

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That's my defence sorted then.

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Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

That's why when nationalist footballers endure such arrogance they tend to go elsewhere!

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I've no real issues with Northern Irish born "nationalist" lads declaring for the South for whatever reason - I'd just have more respect for them if they did so before representing Northern Ireland at Under 19 and above.

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Originally Posted by Gather round

Like most other opinions offered by professional footbalers, I imagine. Bland and uncontroversial to the mainstream media, often crass and selfish in private (or on social media, which many of them seem to think IS private).

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I'm unsure of what your point is. Would that invalidate votes cast in any poll in which players would partake then? I don't think such traits would necessarily be exclusively exhibited by footballers either. The IFA could ensure either a public or private ballot; whatever's preferable for them/the players.

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Originally Posted by Not Brazil

Both the IFA and GAA can make their own decisions on what Anthems they play, without outside influence from anyone, let alone politicians.
I agree with you - a uniquely Northern Irish "sporting" anthem for all sporting fixtures in Northern Ireland is a sensible idea.

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The latter is a compromise which reckon most can live with, if and when until things change.

Can't see any decision being made though without political input (don't just blame the GAA!) :rolleyes:, as you know that this how these things are done generally.
And given the wider implications the politicians should do, though not necessarily have the decisive say.

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Originally Posted by Not Brazil

I've no real issues with Northern Irish born "nationalist" lads declaring for the South for whatever reason - I'd just have more respect for them if they did so before representing Northern Ireland at Under 19 and above.

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Besides an odd use of "quotation marks" (No-one denies the existence of unionists I think?), as has been repeated many times on here they, as are people who could play for them from outside the North, are free currently to switch at any time to any team until they receive a full international cap etc.

It does work both ways.
Eng. & Scotland aren't gurning about players born there currently selected by the North, as also a no. of other associations could have done....

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Originally Posted by Not Brazil

Do you also support the other Irish team - ie. the one representing the Irish Football Association?

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The short answer is, Yes, I have. A long time ago.
But just like players have been alienated, the same has happened to its wider potential supporter base.

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Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

I'm unsure of what your point is

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Quite simply that the opinions of professional footballers tend to be bland in the mainstream media, while increasingly crass on the social networks. These are recognisable trends, I offer them as I don't know the players personally. Maybe unfairly, I'll admit.

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Would that invalidate votes cast in any poll in which players would partake then?

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No, of course not. The players could vote like anyone else (any other fan with a block booking, in this case). I wouldn't give any greater weight to their opinion than anyone else's; like me or NB, all they're going through is listening to a dirge for two minutes four or five times per year.

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I don't think such traits would necessarily be exclusively exhibited by footballers either

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Agreed. I was unfairly singling them out as a group.

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The IFA could ensure either a public or private ballot; whatever's preferable for them/the players

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Even if I thought the players' opinions were of any greater value than anyone else's, I very much doubt they'd want the attention. Imagine a poll result with 12 pro GSTQ, 7 anti and 4 not saying. There'd be a media beanfeast to find the Fenians or whatever :eek:

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Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

Can't see any decision being made though without political input

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Politicians can bluster all they like, but the decision falls solely on the IFA - in arriving at that decision, the views of politicians should be ignored.

We're talking about introducing a "sporting" Anthem for Northern Ireland International football matches, not changing the National Anthem of Northern Ireland.

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Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

It does work both ways.
Eng. & Scotland aren't gurning about players born there currently selected by the North, as also a no. of other associations could have done....

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The difference is that England and Scotland underage squads aren't harbouring kids whose "boyhood dream" is to play for Northern Ireland.

We pick up players born in mainland UK, with blood links to Northern Ireland (parent/grandparent), who realise the chances of representing their country of birth at senior international level are remote.

You also avail of players born in mainland UK for similar reasons.

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Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

The short answer is, Yes, I have. A long time ago.
But just like players have been alienated, the same has happened to its wider potential supporter base.

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So, the short answer is - no, you don't.

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Originally Posted by Not Brazil

Politicians can bluster all they like, but the decision falls solely on the IFA - in arriving at that decision, the views of politicians should be ignored.

We're talking about introducing a "sporting" Anthem for Northern Ireland International football matches, not changing the National Anthem of Northern Ireland.

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The IFA is in receipt of public monies. The bluster of politicians could prove important.

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Originally Posted by Predator

The IFA is in receipt of public monies. The bluster of politicians could prove important.

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All sports are in receipt of public monies - the IFA can make their own decisions on something such as Anthem (rules governed by FIFA, not politicians) without approval from politicans.

If you think politicians, of whatever hue, are going to force the IFA on the Anthem issue, you are mistaken.

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Originally Posted by Predator

The IFA is in receipt of public monies. The bluster of politicians could prove important

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Aye, that bluster will be a factor but not mainly because the IFA gets public grants. Rather because it gives the hacks a chance to grandstand without any political cost to themselves. As a relief from having to apply British government/ IMF spending cuts.

I doubt any politico is going to say, effectively 'Stop/ continue playing GSTQ, or we'll block your money'. Any nationalist trying the first will simply get a reference to the GAA thrown back at them; Jim Allister or whoever offering the latter would be gently ridiculed.

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Originally Posted by Gather round

I doubt any politico is going to say, effectively 'Stop/ continue playing GSTQ, or we'll block your money'. Any nationalist trying the first will simply get a reference to the GAA thrown back at them; Jim Allister or whoever offering the latter would be gently ridiculed.

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Mr Allister would, no doubt, have a hissy fit at any notion of the IFA introducing a replacement to GSTQ - to the best of my knowledge, Mr Allister hasn't been to a Northern Ireland game in his life.

On that basis, you'll excuse me if I don't give two flying ones what Mr Allister thinks about the subject.