[McGinn] described the dilemma he faced regarding his ‘choice’ of sporting allegiance:
I mean when Northern Ireland called me up, if I had of said no, I would rather hold out for the Republic, I might never have got that opportunity. So I’m glad that I took the chance. You can’t really think about stuff like that. If the chance comes then you have to grab it and use it to enhance your career. (Interview, 3 July 2009)
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At first glance, a quest for community acceptance appears absent from the actions of those nationalist footballers who decide to represent Northern Ireland in the knowledge that the team receives little support from their wider community. However, as McGinn reveals, these nationalist players are forced to ‘present’ themselves in an attempt to garner respect for and, more importantly, acceptance of their decision. He states that:
I get the odd joke when I’m home about me playing for them, but it was just a matter of making sure the boys know that I’m only there to play football and that’s the only thing. They have even now started to watch the games; although I know they are only supporting me and wanting me to do well. (Interview, 3 July 2009)
This conveys the significance of community in McGinn’s everyday life. He must ‘convince the boys’ that his decision to represent Northern Ireland is not indicative of some wider national identification.
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