Originally Posted by
Nesta99
Eamonn is his own self made man, he simply looked at how the wind was blowing and leaned in to it, 'contrary entertainment' that this country loves and loves to hate so popular with most; Like the Healy-Raes he could have forged a good career in politics among other things but I suppose (sports) journalism is one of the other great Irish spoofers' paradise - more opinion pieces than actual journalism. There has been more proper reporting on LoI over the years than other leagues and codes because there was some proper dogged stubborn pride involved!
Dunphy may be jumping on a bandwagon but for most long term LoI fans the potential being shown currently by the league has always been there but a combination of self interest and imcompetence held things back and instead of trying to change things people with a bit of influence, like Dunphy, stuck the boot in (if he had been more Mark Tighe than a Delaney mouthpiece...?). For my 40 odd years now:eek: LoI fans have predicted the fall of the national side, that the reliance on England/Scottish systems has meant that more players than McGrath* have been lost, rather than 'almost missed'.
European football in general has professionalised, with respect to Bradley and Duff the LoI journey had already been embarked upon with....well licencing and pro coaching badges, elite player pathways, national underage leagues, minimum s+c, FT training, recognition of the role - the need of LoI beyond a few niche nerd merchants. Dunphy's endorsement is here nor there, when the national side starts to climb rankings again, and it will, with the roots unquestionably in LoI, then the told ye so i will bleat.
His level of bitterness and resentment toward the league stank more of a man who failed than one that was scorned. What was his efforts in the league with Rovers, was he obstructed at a sports development or just didnt make some quick money and was eventurally told to bog off?
*Paul McGrath is my Ireland legend, probably like most of my era. Im a bit too young to know what the landscape of early 80's LoI and wider society was tvh, it wouldnt have been easy for McGrath, but his well documented issues would have been a concern for any club, no English club would have taken a punt until St Pats had and he showed he could function at all never mind in the mad world of pro football with a club like Manchester United. Nearly missed, at 18?, he wasnt missed at all, maybe he was watched through some dark times and given a chance in LoI as soon he was able? - I dont know the detail of his scouting obviously but does Dunphy?