LOI support for Ireland

**MariborKev** · 23/05/2011, 11:36 PM

I'd be a "home and awayer" for both club and country.

However as other have said, definately don't get as upset when Ireland lose as when Derry lose.

Ireland games are more like short breaks and I use them as my holidays, so it is off to Macedonia and the Baltics for a week next week. Yeah, I'll miss a Derry game when I'm gone but with being based in Dublin these days, the days of "perfect seasons" are long gone.

**mypost** · 23/05/2011, 11:56 PM

Originally Posted by MariborKev

it is off to Macedonia and the Baltics for a week next week.

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania as well? Ash cloud permitting of course.

I love international weeks, and with rankings for a WC Draw looming, a trophy and tribal pride at stake, and a vital ECQ coming up soon, it's going to be a massively important two weeks for the international team.

**osarusan** · 24/05/2011, 2:36 AM

Switch from Cork City to Limerick, and this is my opinion too.

Originally Posted by micls

I support Ireland in theory. As a football fan I want my country to do well, and get into the games when watching on tele.

I'm a barstooler though. When I was at home the cost involved just wasn't worth it. Ridiculous ticket prices plus the travel costs, staying over in dublin etc. I'd get a City season ticket for the price of one Ireland game.

Because of the cost/distance I never made the connection to the Irish team as I did with City. They're still my country, I still support them and hope they do well but it's really not the same. With City it's a community, and the whole club was/is a major part of my life. With Ireland, they're lads playing for my country but that's about it.

**marinobohs** · 24/05/2011, 9:27 AM

Have always supported Ireland (all homes most aways) although it is probobly second to Bohs. Dislike many of the day tripper/ jesters hat brigade that follow the Irish team but each to their own. Have met some sound LOI fans at away games and usually travel with a few so can have a conversation about footie that does not circle around the EPL (and retain whats left of my sanity)

To this day I am amazed at the "fanatical" Irish supporters that can limit theimselves to 3/4 matches a year.

**MariborKev** · 24/05/2011, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by mypost

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania as well? Ash cloud permitting of course.

Touché.

Yeah, train could be the way to go! What an adventure that would be....

**CuanaD** · 24/05/2011, 11:08 AM

I don't support the Irish senior team.

I follow the LOI - no particular club - I go to all the home European games, as I like to watch players who live & work here playing against foreign opposition (I generally can't afford to travel to away games)

I have no interest in the senior squad until there are LOI players in that team.

**harleyleeds** · 24/05/2011, 12:24 PM

I would like to see an "only Irish born" team.

**DannyInvincible** · 24/05/2011, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by harleyleeds

I would like to see an "only Irish born" team.

Why is that? There are plenty of proud Irish men and women born outside of Ireland.

**harleyleeds** · 24/05/2011, 12:52 PM

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

Why is that? There are plenty of proud Irish men and women born outside of Ireland.

Agree 100% but no way to seperate them from the ones who cant get their game elsewhere so only fair rule is Irish born only. IMO.

**marinobohs** · 24/05/2011, 1:12 PM

Originally Posted by harleyleeds

Agree 100% but no way to seperate them from the ones who cant get their game elsewhere so only fair rule is Irish born only. IMO.

Would that be "Irish born" or "southern Irish born" ? The current hassle between ourselves and Northern ireland highlight the current anomlies around eligibility but are nothing new, rumour had it that Enzo Schifo was given a sportscar while considering commiting to Belguim (he also qualified for Italy). Historically players could play for more than one country - I think it was Di Stefano played for three !

- depending on birthplace and/or where they wre playing (cricket still applies similar provisions).
On a different note some of our most distinguished players were not born here (Houghton, Aldridge, townsend etc ) and their commitment to the cause was never in doubt.
perhaps the issue could be addressed by resuming the "League select" teams where an LOI X1 played a league X1 from another juristiction (irrespective of players birthplace) these used to be a regular feature, usually V Irish League, but died out in more recent years. Seem to recall their popularity waned very much but they would provide an outlet for fans wishing to support the LOI and a chance of representative honours for LOI players (presently unlikely at full International level). Or just another additional fixture in an already busy calender ?

**El-Pietro** · 24/05/2011, 2:39 PM

Originally Posted by harleyleeds

I would like to see an "only Irish born" team.

that would rule me out depsite coming from an entirely irish family and having spent almost all of my life in Ireland.

I was an 80s recession baby!

edit: obviously my ability rules me out but in a hypothetical situation where I wasn't rubbish....

**mypost** · 24/05/2011, 3:15 PM

Originally Posted by harleyleeds

I would like to see an "only Irish born" team.

I suppose the same applies to Sligo too. An "only Sligo born" team. That would be a very competitive side. How about a workplace. An "only Sligo born" workforce. Those born in Leitrim or LA need not apply, they're not local, and they don't represent the area.

There is a sport for such parochialism. It's called the GAA.

**Dodge** · 24/05/2011, 3:27 PM

Originally Posted by mypost

There is a sport for such parochialism. It's called the GAA.

So where does parochialism start and finish then?

Originally Posted by mypost

As Irish citizens and passport holders, we're obliged to support Ireland in any sport

**DannyInvincible** · 24/05/2011, 3:30 PM

Originally Posted by harleyleeds

Agree 100% but no way to seperate them from the ones who cant get their game elsewhere so only fair rule is Irish born only. IMO.

Entirely unfair to take such a stringent and cynical approach. Also rather unfortunate you think that way.

**harleyleeds** · 24/05/2011, 3:30 PM

Originally Posted by mypost

I suppose the same applies to Sligo too. An "only Sligo born" team. That would be a very competitive side. How about a workplace. An "only Sligo born" workforce. Those born in Leitrim or LA need not apply, they're not local, and they don't represent the area.

There is a sport for such parochialism. It's called the GAA.

Ok this has nothing to do with sligo,its about Ireland (playing for your country) so you suppose wrong.

El-p ... yeah sorry about that but like I said its my opinion and not directed twoards you.

Marino .....I consider it one country and do not recognise the north.

Lads its just an opinion so please dont make a bitchen match about it , there are all sorts of arguements each way. O leary and Brady I think and for my money Brady is the best player to have worn the shirt and wore it proudly.