Popularity of Sunderland AFC in Ireland

**Ryhopian** · 09/07/2007, 11:33 AM

Here in Sunderland we are hearing a lot about the increased popularity of Sunderland AFC in Ireland since St Niall bought the club and Keano took over as manager. Apparently airlines are having to make more flights available on matchdays next season to cope with the demands from fans wanting to fly from Ireland to watch home games. Is it just paper talk or has there been a noticeable increase in red and white shirts on the Emerald Isle?

**GavinZac** · 09/07/2007, 11:36 AM

This isnt about the Irish international team. This should either be in World Football, or if you feel lucky, the Eircom League section.

I've seen one or two, which is a noticeable increase on none. Then again I live around the corner from Roy Keane's old house.

**noby** · 09/07/2007, 11:46 AM

There is a lot of interest in the Irish players there, which was there pre-Niall/Roy, just like there's a lot of interest in Reading. As far as people becoming fans - I'm not so sure (in my experience anyway).
Although, I've seen a few offers for flights/tickets to Man Utd v Sunderland games alright.

**Roadend** · 09/07/2007, 11:53 AM

I've not seen one Sunderland jersey round my way. I did notice them on sale(gathering dust) in a few sports shops though

**bellavistaman** · 09/07/2007, 12:19 PM

Jeses theres loads around cobh and cork city, remember when i was in college in may passin mahers sport seein sunderland jersey with 16 gaffer on the back. come on like!

reder · 09/07/2007, 12:37 PM

Seen a fair few around Cork when I was down there. Reckon there will be a large rise in the number travelling alright. Always saw a few Sunderland jerseys in the airport now and again last season.

Most of the new people travelling will be corporate though I reckon.

Hope to venture up to the S.O.L in a few weeks when you are playing the greatest club in the history of British football.

How do you think you will fare this season?

**Dodge** · 09/07/2007, 12:41 PM

Haven't seen a single person in a Sunderland jersey in Dublin but the flags are flying outside Chawkes and Fitzgerald's pubs

Think a fair bit of it is hype by Sunderland but a few years ago they wouldn't have sold out friendlies in Ireland and now they are...

**Lionel Ritchie** · 09/07/2007, 12:56 PM

I've seen several kids and a couple of students wearing Sunderland shirts around Limerick.

Taking a long view -kids would be the ones for Sunderland to target as any adult "convert" to Sunderland will likely have already discarded a black Cantona shirt, a blue Drogba shirt and will move on to whatever the next flavour of the month happens to be ...probably Keane dumping Sunderland for Man U.

**Steve Bruce** · 09/07/2007, 1:32 PM

I know, Belfast is in a seperate country, but as their are different areas of Belfast that regard themselves as Irish, I can confidently say, that Sunderland have made no impact in West Belfast(i go through the West several times a day)

I can go further and actually say I have seen more LINFIELD merchandise on the falls than Sunderland.(I seen 1 Linfield top on a child, playing football with another child in a GAA top, how things are changing)

**Bald Student** · 09/07/2007, 2:00 PM

Originally Posted by Dodge

Haven't seen a single person in a Sunderland jersey in Dublin but the flags are flying outside Chawkes and Fitzgerald's pubs

Chawke owns shares in Sunderland.

**Dodge** · 09/07/2007, 2:07 PM

Yep and so does Fitzgerald...

**Roadend** · 09/07/2007, 3:07 PM

Originally Posted by bellavistaman

Jeses theres loads around cobh and cork city, remember when i was in college in may passin mahers sport seein sunderland jersey with 16 gaffer on the back. come on like!

Who did they sign this Gaffer chap from or has he been promoted from the reserves?

**galwayhoop** · 09/07/2007, 4:00 PM

Originally Posted by Ryhopian

Here in Sunderland we are hearing a lot about the increased popularity of Sunderland AFC in Ireland since St Niall bought the club and Keano took over as manager.

There is definately an increase in the popularity of Sunderland. Especially in the media.

Originally Posted by Ryhopian

Apparently airlines are having to make more flights available on matchdays next season to cope with the demands from fans wanting to fly from Ireland to watch home games.

The new Galway - Newcastle flight is marketing Sunderland on their adverts and in a recent photo shoot. So in a way, yes, it is true about the flights as I reckon the Newcastle flight wouldn't be overly successiful on it's own.

Originally Posted by Ryhopian

Is it just paper talk or has there been a noticeable increase in red and white shirts on the Emerald Isle?

I have seen Jerseys on younger football people. 8-15 year olds mainly. Perhaps when the Premiership season starts this may increase even further.

**jebus** · 09/07/2007, 5:26 PM

I've seen jerseys on kids, and on sale, and also HMV stocking the Sunderland season review DVD, so thats noticeable enough for me

**holidaysong** · 09/07/2007, 6:55 PM

Seen a SAFC rain jacket on a guy in the IFSC today.

**DmanDmythDledge** · 09/07/2007, 7:48 PM

A Drogheda fan was wearing a Sunderland jersey in Belfield last Friday.

**superfrank** · 09/07/2007, 9:35 PM

I only know of two Sunderland fans and they have been Sunderland fans for a lot longer then the Keane/Quinn deal.

**pete** · 09/07/2007, 9:43 PM

I saw an "adult" wearing a Sunderland jersey in Cork last week.

Just wait for the massive media hype when Sunderland arrive for the friendlies & it will be out of control when the Premiership starts... Its amazing what a few free junkets will buy you...

**Ash** · 10/07/2007, 8:20 AM

I think Quinn was trying to get some hotel chain to build a new one near the
ground to accomodate all the travelling Irish and to keep them around
Sunderland for the weekend instead of flying and staying in Newcastle and
bus/train it to Sunderland.

Only half read the article the other week so might not have got the details right
but I think that was the bones of the story.

reder · 10/07/2007, 9:31 AM

Something must have changed cos the price of flights to Newcastle for the Sunderland v Liverpool game are ridiculous with both aer lingus and ryanair.