We in the LOI community have to be a fair bit more politically active and demanding, and prepare to mobilize around positive LOI policies.
The only way I see things developing in the LOI.
https://twitter.com/SeanKellyMEP/sta...YYtNtxPxw&s=08
Sean Kelly and Fine Gael talking about the need for supporting the LOI in terms of facilities and academies. Fair Play. Also highlights the growth of attendances.
We in the LOI community have to be a fair bit more politically active and demanding, and prepare to mobilize around positive LOI policies.
The only way I see things developing in the LOI.
Its great to see LoI growth making it relevant enough for politicians to court votes. Wonder what Joe Brolly's rection was to this after previous comments on Kelly, 'used to call hmself a Gael but is nothing more than a Free Stater'....great craic to watch!
We all know of Independent TD Mick Wallace and his association with Wexford FC and I think Sinn Fein TD Jonathan O'Brien had some connection with Cork City for a time.
Anyone aware of TD's that have some connection to their local Airtricity club?
Maybe we could create a list and forward it to the FAI !
https://kesslereffect.bandcamp.com/album/kepler - New music. It's not that bad.
Good man Sean. I spoke with him at last Kerry game in the Markets Fields and he does seem interested in the league. Goes to quite a few home games as well when he's around.
Aul Michael D was fond of a visit to Dalymount in the early days of his tenure as president and has always been a fan of football in Ireland.
Bohs specific I know various parties and/or politicians have sponsored either matches or match balls.
I think politicians (at least in Dublin) have a lot of time for the LOI and LOI fans. The problem seems to be more along the lines of clubs not working together & FAI malpractice rather than political apathy.
Pre orders for your Mary Lou Bohemian FC special now - well she can fix everything so get ahead of the curve!
Last edited by Nesta99; 25/04/2024 at 8:06 PM.
I think it needs more than just having a few politicians being a fan of a club. We need pressure on policies, and the best way to do that is at election time and representing a 'voting bloc'.
I wonder, has any supporters club endorsed a a policy stance publicly before?
I have a feeling that Marc McSharry is a big Sligo Rovers fan and I think his dad was too also. I could be wrong mind you!
Gary Cronin is he the right man to manage Longford Town?
Fitzer campaining outside Oriel Park last election was great craic - purely out of curiosity on what hed say asked him about about ground developments (specificlly Oriel Park) and his reply was any time Dundalk FC need a stadium the Louth County Ground would be available and he as county chairman would grant permission to use the ground any time. So asked how there was no need to go to Congress, Central Council, HQ, County Board et al and a couple of his campaigners basically hooked him and ushered him off. Ok he is one person but I dont think Ive ever heard such a bluff or a completely blank look when asked a question to which there was no rehearsed default answer. Ive no particular party leanings but I reckon I could pretty much write the next 6 months of opposition questions, rants and and government answers! (...and there is still no county ground in Louth).
I thought that we would get somewhere after the charade at the PAC with Delaney and his ousting only for the FAI to shift in to reverse at their more recent PAC appearances. It shouldnt impact on wider infrastructure development of the sport but it obviously does unless somehow you can get round the FAI image as being a bunch of chancers. Its refreshing if obviously opportunistic also for Sean Kelly to call for soccer specific development and to acknowledge the almost 1 million spectator attendances. A decent FAI with credibility would have facility development in the faces of party policy makers now while prepping manifestos in an election year rather than us just canvassing canvessers on doorsteps prior to the upcoming local and general elections.
Imo contributions to County and Enviorns Development plans could be just as effective when their cycle for renewal is in progress - otherwise contravening such plans will always be rolled out as an excuse and if were not in theres no win. Part of that process is of course pushing facilities with local candidates initially and that may filter up to a wider committment to investing in what is currently the major growth area of the Irish sports industry and an area where there would be very obvious and tangible evidence of investment. I also think a collective bargaining type policy for ground development to turn the heads of the construction industry would be useful - eek out every possible value for grant € allocated. It could prevent future half built projects where a grant is (so far) wasted, removes claims of regional bias which is basicaly claimed by every region outside the capital and Dubs will also claim neglect in relation to large population provisions.
More or less the days of the individual politician, as a fan of a club, being able to pull a stroke on swaying grant allocation are passed (remember the old days when if a minister was appointed from your consituency people thought the funding would roll in?) so definitely agree it all needs to be credible national policy proposal, made on the back of a wide but collective community or block vote if we were ever able to agree a consensus beyond our immediate sphere.
Last edited by Nesta99; 25/04/2024 at 8:10 PM.
Bray are installing new dugouts in the Carlisle Grounds, and honestly, it's the worst placement they could possibly have attempted. A big steel structure placed in the middle of the away side, blocking large parts of the pitch from spectators view on that side.
It's utterly mindless from them.
https://kesslereffect.bandcamp.com/album/kepler - New music. It's not that bad.
I suppose there's no chance of anyone from the FAI inviting him in for a cup of tea to get his advice on how best to go about acquiring funding. Or is that too much to ask.
Good news for Shels with the 250 year lease. Have the club any long term plans for developing Tolka?
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