Selling Sunderland to the Paddies

**Raheny Red** · 21/09/2006, 6:25 PM

Originally Posted by R�iteoir

Barclays Fan of the Year from last season:

He could be English, no?!

**el punter** · 21/09/2006, 6:43 PM

Originally Posted by R�iteoir

Barclays Fan of the Year from last season:

'as well as attending as many away and European games as he can'

can't imagine that took up too much of his time

**Macy** · 22/09/2006, 7:51 AM

Originally Posted by el punter

can't imagine that took up too much of his time

3 games, including one in Wales that would actually be closer than the Boo Camp.

Massive.

**Ash** · 22/09/2006, 7:59 AM

Just caught the end of an interview with Quinn on TV3 last night.

He was on about hoping Irish people get sick of the Jose Mourinho's,
Man Uniteds and Liverpools and instead of sticking to the traditional
Irish supported teams they would switch to a great alternative ... Sunderland!!!

I think Greame Kavanagh was saying something about them bringing out
a green jersey too ... but he could have been taking the p!ss.

**R�iteoir** · 22/09/2006, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by Raheny Red

He could be English, no?!

Heard him being interviewed on Radio 5 when he won the award - he's 100% Irish (from near Athlone iirc)

**DmanDmythDledge** · 24/09/2006, 10:20 PM

Originally Posted by R�iteoir

Barclays Fan of the Year from last season:

GARETH HAYES

24 year-old Manchester City fan Gareth Hayes has been a fan since City�s famous 5-1 derby win over United in 1989. Since then he has missed just four home games in the last five years, as well as attending as many away and European games as he can � a fantastic achievement for someone who makes the trip over from Ireland for each game. Gareth has slept in airports and train stations to follow his team. He sports an incredible 24 Manchester City tattoos, including one on his back paying homage to his all-time favourite player, Shaun Goater.

He was featured on MOTD 2. Only caught it half way through though and missed most of it.

**BohDiddley** · 25/09/2006, 10:45 AM

It was hilarious stuff. In fairness, he spend part of his childhood in Manchester and lived near Maine Rd.

**MariborKev** · 04/10/2006, 7:39 PM

http://www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/....950697.0..php

They're obviously going all guns to attract the Irish support.

**Soper** · 04/10/2006, 8:10 PM

Has anyone got Niall Quinn's email address or similar way to contact him?

**The Sheliban** · 04/10/2006, 8:30 PM

Originally Posted by BohDiddley

All very well (though you really need to decide which side you are on) but all the PR and business logic in the world doesn't alter the absurdity at a fundamental level of a mass following for Sunderland among Irish football fans.
Whatever about following Liverpool or Glasgow Celtic, there is no basis on which Irish fans might reasonably support this club. Take a look at the club history and see if you can find the slightest hint of green.
I remember when we used to collect Esso (I think) cards of the old First Div. No one, but no one, ever wanted a Sunderland one.
PS: there has to be a t-shirt in this one!

Didn't one of the greatest Irish players of all time play for Sunderland - Charlie Hurley?

Still, between the Mayfield Traitor, Brian bleeding McFadden and that guy from the Libertines, they seem to have the tabloids sewn up.