Originally Posted by
Dalymountrower
80`s were pretty grim for crowds alright. The economy had tanked, massive emigration, interest rates in the mid teens. Crowds were terrible everywhere, other than the initial Derry euphoria.There was very little discretionary spend. Rovers /Bohs games were the exception, 10,000 at a league game maybe around 85? Rovers dominating through their 4 in a row team didnt improve their crowds, crowds in Glenmalure in the last few seasons were abysmal but rose tinted hooped retrospective would have you believe otherwise.
I agree that Bohs crowds were pretty awful in the 80, a lot of enjoyable memories though, Rangers 3-2, beating Rovers 3-2 from being 2-0 down, Maggot McGee scoring last minute winner v Dundalk in the mud. Lots of awful memories too, defeats v Limerick and Sligo in successive cup finals 82 and 83. Despite occasional big crowds, walking to the stadium you would not know there was a match on Phibsboro had a bed sit population with no links to the club and there was mutual indifference.
All changed following Euro 88, Italia 90, more interest, bigger crowds. Bohs winning the cup in 92 and the three way play offs for the title the following year were massive. A lot of competition in late 90`s Shels /Pats/Cork City/ Drogs/ Derry lifted crowds everywhere
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