All-Ireland representative team survey

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

Worthington today has come out and said his "players are free to play for the British Olympic team".
There is however, one small problem with that scenario....

Which is?

Originally Posted by Not Brazil

The people of Ireland expressed their choice in 1998.

I'm talking about football - you know, the right of players born in Northern Ireland to have a choice.

And I was talking of things a little more serious about football!
Like national self-determination. Based on outside interference!

Originally Posted by Not Brazil

Which is?

If you can't work that out, eg. on the basis of recent statistics, then suggest you sue Methodist College....

Originally Posted by Not Brazil

Which is?

I take it he's referring to the improbability of any 'Northern Irish' involvement in such a side, with the possible exception of Johnny Evans.

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

If you can't work that out, eg. on the basis of recent statistics, then suggest you sue Methodist College....

That's crap.

As in the Methodists weren't very good? For what it's worth, my granny was one.

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

As in the Methodists weren't very good? For what it's worth, my granny was one.

I know what you meant.

I was referring to your line.

That's grand as she was always giving out about their virtues. Then steadfastly avoiding them!

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

As in the Methodists weren't very good? For what it's worth, my granny was one.

Heard she was a cracking centre-back in her day. hard as nails!!

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

As in the Methodists weren't very good? For what it's worth, my granny was one.

If your granny had balls, she'd have been a Presbyterian.

Originally Posted by The Fly

I take it he's referring to the improbability of any 'Northern Irish' involvement in such a side, with the possible exception of Johnny Evans.

I'd be surprised if there's more than a handful of non English in the squad tbh.

Whilst the IFA are not supportive of the "Team GB" side, they aren't going to step in the way of any player who is selected/expresses an interest in playing.

i thought in the olympics, northern ireland was represented as part of Ireland anyway. So how can they take players from there for a GB team when its not a Uk team.?

Am i missing something?

As far as I know Ireland enters a 32-county team in sports where the national federation is an all-Ireland federation. If selected I think NI athletes can choose which federation to represent.

Originally Posted by Not Brazil

If your granny had balls, she'd have been a Presbyterian.

She had certain faults but being a control freak wasn't one....

Originally Posted by The Legend

i thought in the olympics, northern ireland was represented as part of Ireland anyway. So how can they take players from there for a GB team when its not a Uk team.?

Am i missing something?

Basically, Northern Irish athletes have a choice - in light of their dual nationality.

"Team GB" is the Great Britain & Northern Ireland Oympic team - in other words, the United Kingdom team.

http://www.olympics.org.uk/teamgb/about/

Here's the headline from The Sunday Mirror on it last week:

Oops!.....link no longer working.

This the one?:



Bit of a bizarre one.

Originally Posted by Not Brazil

Basically, Northern Irish athletes have a choice - in light of their dual nationality.

"Team GB" is the Great Britain & Northern Ireland Oympic team - in other words, the United Kingdom team.

Funny how the Olympic pundits never call it the latter. And in the unlikely event of any Irish athlete winning a medal, even for GB, giving them over much credit.

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

Funny how the Olympic pundits never call it the latter. And in the unlikely event of any Irish athlete winning a medal, even for GB, giving them over much credit

The NI athlete (cyclist actually) who won a silver for GB in Beijing got plenty of credit. She was beaten by an Englishwoman in the final.

Originally Posted by Gather round

The NI athlete (cyclist actually) who won a silver for GB in Beijing got plenty of credit. She was beaten by an Englishwoman in the final.

Dame Mary Peters is very well thought of around these parts.

I must confess. I'd thought Peters was English. Had been aware of that Wendy Whosyerwanagain though. She's from around near Maghera, isn't she?

[DI fact]I had a cousin of mine competing in the Beijing Olympics, although it was in a different cycling event and for a different country. He finished 81st in his event, so not sure what they give out for that. Thallium, probably.[/DI fact]