Ah but if I had 60 minutes to horse down the 3 pints I'd be a bit better, and i could even have a 4th!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Superhoops
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Ah but if I had 60 minutes to horse down the 3 pints I'd be a bit better, and i could even have a 4th!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Superhoops
[QUOTE=jbyr
as the wales match is the first ever in croke park scenes similar to highbury yesterday should be organised. some sponsor should jump on this bandwagon and make 80,000 green t-shirts[/QUOTE]
I agree say we should try and get the Cusack,Canal and Hogan stands all having a green or white t-shirt and have one block green, one block white then green and so on it would look very very impressive. Also perhaps every seat is given a green scarf this would add to the colour.
On an other note the first rugby game in Croker against France is on at 5.30 on a Sat in Feb so that means it will be a floodlit match so maybe just maybe we might have a Sat night game against Wales in March. I seriously cant wait for the first game in Croker
Ha, singin section. Like we didn't try this already in the poxyness of the North Tce. "Yeah, lets all meet up & sing". Yeah right. I think I recall siging Team of Gary Breens up to number 14 on my own. Sorry to rain on the parade but this idea has no chance of working. Either everyone sings or we'll all be on our own again (someone even shouted that at me!).:mad:
You could have picked a better song!Quote:
Originally Posted by Colie
Very true... :(Quote:
Originally Posted by Colie
I suppose the hope here is that every person getting a ticket for a Croker game would be able to actively choose to head into this section knowing what to expect. There's a lot of other punters in the North Terrace who don't get tickets through the eL section who complain about people standing up. This wouldn't be happening here as they wouldn't be in our section. (I'm aware there are some from the eL section doing it as well, but it's a step better...)
Quote:
Originally Posted by pineapple stu
Agreed, if the canal end is sold as a "singing end" you wont get people who want to sit looking for seats in that end, it's not rocket science but still probably above the FAI's abilities!
Lads good to see a reference to this idea in the match programme for last nights game. It has clearly been taken on board by the FAI and lets hope they can organise it in conjunction with the supporters clubs and organisations.
Did no one else see it mentioned in the programe for the game. Does anybody have any info on the progress that this idea is making and are the FAI serious about taking our views on board.
I didn't see it Neil, but sure I'm in Canada at the mo so I wouldn't have. Could someone post up what was said, even a paraphrase. I would be interested to hear what they said about it.
Cheers :)
Match programmes now have a feature called Fans Zone, in which there are various items about fans groups etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by KarlosIRL
The National League Supporters Association (NLSA) look like they are going to be a regular contributor (one of the guys involved here will let you know) Under the NLSA section the following item appears:
Croke Park Atmosphere!
The NLSA has mooted with the FAI the suggestion of setting aside a block in Croke Park - and in the new Lansdowne Road - to allow all those, including current block bookers, who want to be central to the atmosphere at Ireland games going forward. We would welcome any feedback from supporters who would be interested in such an arrangement so we can sort out the best arrangement for Ireland fans in our new homes!
What isn't make clear is whether the We is the FAI themselves or the NLSA. Again perhaps one of the guys on here who is involved in NLSA can clarify.
BTW, the major article in the Fans Zone section of the Chile programme is about the official Republic of Ireland Supporters Club in London. They look remarkably well organised and appear to have the ear of the FAI. According to the article, John Delaney led an FAI delelgation, including Steve Staunton, which travelled to London recently to attend a club meeting.
I have heard of this club before, through someone I know who is/was a member, but did not realise they were so well organised. Worth looking at their website www.rissc.org, which is excellent.
When I met the with the FAI before the Chile friendly I put the idea to them about putting the block bookers who want to sing into the same section as the eircom league tickets. They said that it seemed a good idea and that they'd take it on board.
Just for clarity (and if it has been clarified before then apologies), when you say 'I met', is this you as an individual or is this 'I' as part of NLSA or some other supporters group? Also can you say who in the FAI you spoke to/met with?Quote:
Originally Posted by Bald Student
NLSA delegation.
www.nlsupporters.com for more info. Remember membership is open to all el fans!
KOH
Thanks NYH.Quote:
Originally Posted by NY Hoop
I had read the notes of the meeting that NLSA had with FAI on 25 April on the website. When Bald Student talked about a meeting he had with FAI before the Chile game, I was wondering if there had been another avenue of approach apart from the NLSA meeting.
Good news, it seems this idea has picked up momentum and has the backing of various aspects of Irish Support whether that be the London Brach or the NLSA or just somebody posting on this site. Hopefully the FAI has the interest and ability to implement this good idea. Fair play to all involved for bringing it to the attention of the FAI.
Well done everyone involved.This actually seems to be going somewhere:cool:
I've gone to a few US games in the last few years, they used to be pretty dull affairs but more recently, a section called "Sam's Army" has gotten more popular. Last year a few of us went to this section for the qualifier against T&T in Hartford and we went again last Sunday for the friendly against Latvia. It is a standing only, GA(general admission) section, and almost everyone wears red (despite the team usually wearing white or blue these days). It was great craic, singing the whole time, they got out the "Big Ass Flag" for the national anthem and when the team scored:
http://www.ibiblio.org/footy/2006c/0...web_13_sab.jpg
Some people like to sit quietly and watch a game in peace. Good for them. But for me, it is a lot more fun to get stuck in and sing through the game. There is a Sams Army website, you can check it out, also the US Soccer Fed works in conjuction with SA regarding tickets rules etc. There should be something like this done for LR and CP to help boost the atmosphere.
I assume that all clubs participating in the eL scheme would bee included in the NLSA section?
All I hope is that if this does goes ahead the FAI make it inclusive and not just for NLSA members or Eircom League Fans. This is not a dig at the NLSA at all (far from it), more of worry of how the FAI act on things. Great credit should go to the NLSA without question for bringing the idea further forward than most of us could have done.
I still believe however that in the long run, we really need a group representative of our whole support base (barstoolers included!) working with the FAI to improve athmosphere & relationships with our overall football community but this without question is a MAJOR step in the right direction. :)
Again, well done to everyone so far and keep plugging & supporting it :)
How would you go about setting this up? Who would be involved?Quote:
Originally Posted by KarlosIRL
Do the NLSA and the various Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs not fill that role currently?
Quote:
Originally Posted by 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.Quote:
Originally Posted by KarlosIRL
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!!!
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by KarlosIRL
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!! :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Superhoops
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
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!
Here it is, page 35.Quote:
Originally Posted by joema
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
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.
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...
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.
Re hating the name (singing section), surely an Irish version of Curva nord, Curva sud, tifosi, ultras etc isn't beyond us....suggestions?Quote:
Originally Posted by pineapple stu
Cheers for typing that up Jon'o
I agree with SUB a decent name is needed
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by NeilMcD
Good call. Curva Cusack, maybe? ;) Though it'd have to be something that could transfer over to the new Lansdowne.Quote:
Originally Posted by SUB of the day
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
Right, who's good with the drums? :)
Good shtuff. Great to see everyone pulling together on it too!Quote:
Originally Posted by joema
Briogáid Glas sounds good...
Too Shels for my liking.Quote:
Originally Posted by pineapple stu
What about 'An Cuar Canail' - The Canal Curve :)Quote:
Originally Posted by pineapple stu
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by SUB of the day
I agree - how about Canal End Invincibles...?Quote:
Originally Posted by Schumi