HARRY GREGG - THE RELUCTANT HERO

I was saddened to learn of the passing of hero survivor from the 1958 Munich air disaster Manchester United legend Harry Gregg who died this week at the age of 87. The Magherafelt native, who was once the world's most expensive goalkeeper, made a total of 210 appearances for the Old Trafford club following stints with Linfield, Coleraine and Doncaster Rovers respectively. A World Cup in 1958 followed with Northern Ireland, where he earned a total of 25 caps; this just months after walking away from the crash which would take away the lives of the majority of his teammates.

Like many, I was not fortunate enough to witness Harry's 'heroics' on the football pitch. But what sets Harry's 'Hero' status apart from other legendary names to have graced the beautiful game was that he was a real-life 'Hero' off the field too. 23 lives were lost when Manchester United's air-plane stopped in Munich to refuel in horrendous conditions. Twice they tried to take-off, twice they abandoned. The fateful third attempt via the snow-laden runway was to prove disastrous, crashing into a fence at the end of the runway before ploughing into a house and losing it's left wing.



In an act of complete selflessness, a still conscious Harry Gregg acted fast in pulling survivors from the burning wreckage. Among them was a Serbian woman and her baby daughter. TV footage many years later reunited them where he was told to his astonishment that she was also pregnant with a baby boy at the time too. When prompted by a journalist to respond to the gratitude received, a visibly emotional Gregg uttered the words "These people owe me nothing". It tells you everything you need to know about the man in one sentence.

Widely acknowledged in the annual commemorations to mark the tragedy, perhaps it's now time this legend of the club be given a lasting legacy in his death. Many supporters have been vociferous in their calls for Manchester United to have another national treasure immortalised alongside Best, Law, Charlton, Ferguson and Busby in the form of a statue at the Theatre of Dreams.

An ironic tribute given that while statues stand still - on that fateful day of the 6th of February 1958 - one courageous man thankfully, did not.

Harry Gregg, 'The Reluctant Hero', and one of our own - may you rest in peace.

MY D-ALE-YMOUNT EXPERIENCE

It was a match that won't live long in the memory as it ended in a stalemate at Dalymount Park where third placed Bohemians hosted fourth placed Derry City. Hot off the back of two very good away wins, both sides seemed content with the point apiece as the summer sunshine in north Dublin failed to hit the high temperatures on the pitch.

It was my first visit to the self-proclaimed 'Home of Irish Football' since Glentoran's 1-1 draw with Bohemians in the 2010 Setanta Cup.  My first impressions were good. The walk to the main entrance of the ground might not have been 'Wembley Way' but it did provide a sense of authenticity that this was working-class North inner-city Dublin, and this was football as it should be. It's surrounding alleyways were awash with red and black graffiti adorning various images telling a story of this particular part of Dublin's fair city and of this great club to which it belongs.  This is a club with a community at its heart, and a community who have football flowing through their veins.

The camaraderie amongst the home support was perhaps the most striking (certainly more-so than any on-field striking). Whether it be the pre-match buzz in the Members Bar, or the post-match analysis in the Phoenix over a pint of the superbly named 'D-ALE-YMOUNT Session IPA', this is a fan-base that share the same passion - 'De Bohs', and with plenty of colourful characters to boot.

The similiarities off the pitch are undoubtedly mirrored throughout the domestic clubs the length and breadth of the island.  During my many experiences following Glentoran for instance, I found common ground with Bohemians very easily.  On the pitch, the football has been decent, but both will admit they are a long way off mounting any real challenge in their respective leagues.

In the stands however, both sets of fans are living off former glories.

Much like Glentoran, 'the Gypsies' are playing in a stadium long past its sell-by date. As with the Oval stadium in East Belfast, Dalymount's demise unfortunately reflects a sign of the times in Irish domestic football. Whilst there are much more severe cases evident nationwide, the former home of the Republic of Ireland national team deserves more. It has been muted for years that a ground-share with near neighbours Shelbourne may be the way forward. This would be a fantastic idea from a financial perspective as it may also provide an opportunity for the club, and the FAI in particular, to regenerate their former national stadium.

Nonetheless, this didn't taint my visit in any way (admittedly the scoreless game did!). The Irish domestic game is a fantastic product and if marketed effectively attendances will inevitably increase. However, this cannot be done by the dye-in-the-wool fans alone.

Investment is key.

Stadia in general must move into the 21st Century, and hopefully performances by clubs in Europe can reap greater financial rewards. As with the 'Glens' of East Belfast, the 'Gypsies' of North Dublin must set their sights on attaining European football first and foremost - then maintaining it.

SHANE MOVE WILL SICKEN THE BIGOTS

Shane Ferguson in action for Northern Ireland

The Premier League's January Transfer window shut with a disappointing late surge of activity for many of the club's. However the same can't be said for Rangers FC who have completed the deadline day signing of FIVE Newcastle United players on loan deals. Of these five, perhaps the most interesting is the switch by Northern Ireland international Shane Ferguson. The move will see the Derry native - a self confessed Celtic fan - join the Gers for the remainder of the season.

The news will come as a huge blow to the mindless minority of Old Firm supporters who still harbour the old sectarian attitudes of the past. Many of a Celtic-minded disposition will find the story of this young Roman Catholc - and former Gaelic footballer -  crossing the once well-guarded religious divide in Glasgow to join a club typecast as 'Loyalist and Protestant' troubling indeed. Others though, welcome it. The myth that Rangers only signed Protestant players has been exposed for what it is - a myth. But then sometimes you're damned if you do and damned if you dont. Take Republic of Ireland native Jon Daly's move to Ibrox last year for example. The player was berrated for breaking the mould and becoming the first post-troubles Irishman to play for the club. Thankfully, much of the vemon directed towards Dubliner Daly was limited to the usual bile that is often spewed on social media websites.

However, it is transfer activity such as this which can help break down the religious barriers that still exist in Glasgow today. But it is important to note, as history has told us before, the deep rooted hatred between the Old Firm support will never be totally eradicated, as the Mo Johnston saga confirmed. The rivalry is what it is. Love them or loathe them, it's what makes the game tick in Scotland and is the reason it is such a big draw for not just UK and Irish audiences, but on a global scale too.

With the Old Firm currently in different leagues, the prospect of a clash with his supposed boyhood favourites Celtic is now firmly off the menu for Shane. For the duration of his loan period, the player can let his footballing do the talking, and try to play his way back into the Newcastle United side. The talent is there in abundance, so it's now up to Shane to live up to those high expectations that had propelled him into international football at such a tender age.

Fair play to Shane for challenging the age-old stereotypes that all too often drag down the old firm.  Although, for the player this move will be seen as an opportunity for some much needed game time. His international manager Michael O'Neill will be espeically delighted considering the crucial couple of games coming up for Northern Ireland in the race for Euro 2016.

There's a reason the FAI were hoping he would defect, you know...

WORLD CUP LEGEND DESERVES OUR BEST WISHES

O'Neill on international duty for Northern Ireland

 

Former Northern Ireland captain Martin O’Neill is the man John Delaney and those nice chaps down at the FAI are closing in on to be new Republic of Ireland manager. It’s an obvious choice in my opinion, and one that unsurprisingly has been warmly welcomed by fans of the "Boys in Green".

The Derry man had successful spells at Leicester City, Celtic, Aston Villa and more recently Sunderland, which albeit ended somewhat prematurely.  However, it was only a few years ago O’Neill was touted as a possible successor to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Now, the man from Kilrea looks set to be presented with the opportunity to try his hand at international management with the Republic of Ireland. It's a proposal O'Neill would find very hard to refuse given that he was very nearly handed the England job at the peak of his managerial career.

Some might say trading one shade of green for another might be a bitter pill to swallow for many Northern Ireland fans, but is it really?

Let’s face facts.

Martin O’Neill has, and always will be, an advocate of an all-Ireland football team. He does not share the same sense of rivalry that many NI and ROI fans may have with one another. He simply does not see a border in footballing terms, therefore no matter which Irish side O’Neill had chosen to manage, you can guarantee he would be 100% behind either one. He is not alone in this view. Amongst others, George Best had said he would be just as comfortable representing a unified team as he was playing for Northern Ireland.  

This concept should not be viewed as a slap in the face to the Irish Football Association -  in fact, to the contrary. For when you delve into the proud history of football in Ireland prior to partition politically, the IFA were at the forefront of organising international and domestic football on an island-wide basis. It was only in 1921 and a decision taken by those based in the newly formed Irish Free State, and in particular it's capital in Dublin, that would serve to rock the very foundations of both the domestic game and international football on the island to the point where even today we are still feeling the tremors.  For the first time in sport, as it was politically, a complete severance of ties between North and South had now taken place.  

The local media on both sides of the border would have many believe a United Ireland football team is viable.  In truth, it has never been further away. The modern day Football Association of Ireland who represent the 26 county Republic of Ireland would not wish to give up their status within FIFA, therefore prospects of a unified 'Ireland' side competing in the near future are extremely unlikely.

Comparisons with rugby are drawn on a regular basis as this is organised on an all-Ireland basis.  But unlike rugby where the the IRFU had no split in it's association, relationships were somewhat strained in football circles. Belfast was football's original home in Ireland.  Perhaps the fact rugby was already based primarily in Dublin and the team played the vast majority of their home games at Lansdowne Road was a factor. Arguably, Ulster rugby could have gone down the 'breakaway' route (many still believe it should) but to date the IRFU remain unscathed from the wreckage of our troubled past.  

However, the unique situation football on this island finds itself in can not be placed at the door of Martin O'Neill.  He is merely grasping a chance to manage on the international stage with an Irish side, albeit not the one he hails from and represented with such pride all those years ago. In contrast, O'Neill's arrival in Dublin will see him reunited with fellow Derry native's James McClean and Darron Gibson, two players who used the IFA and Northern Ireland football as a stepping stone towards defecting to the FAI.  I am quite sure had the proposition of switching associations presented itself to O'Neill forty years ago it would been dismissed without a second thought.  Not many players from such a small footballing Nation can say they've been to two World Cups. O'Neill attended two.

Collectively, Northern Irish fans should be proud of Martin O'Neill's achievements both as a player and now as a high profile manager.  The FAI recognise he is the best man for the job and I would have to agree with their choice.  Of course, it will be uneasy for even the most liberal Northern Ireland supporter to see one of our former players paraded around Dublin before a rival association, but thats football.

But, unlike the bad blood of recent defections across the border, I look forward to seeing this move remain purely about football.  Leave the political baggage at the turnstiles.

Good luck Martin, and we look forward to your return to Windsor Park for the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Third time lucky perhaps...

ON THIS DAY IN 2005...

Venue: Windsor Park, Belfast

Result: Northern Ireland 1-0 England

Message to Michael and the boys: Brazil 2014... Believe.

A WORTHY CAUSE?

I publish this one hour since Northern Ireland's 2-1 defeat to Estonia in Belfast. One long, lonely, depressingly quiet hour (improved marginally by Montenegro's equaliser against England) to let the result at Windsor Park sink in.

The Green and White Army are in complete disarray.  (Michael O'Neill of Shamrock Rovers - are you watching?)

Whilst 2 wins in 22 may tell it's own tale, there have many contributing factors in Northern Ireland's spiralling fortunes of late. For example, take in the apparent increase in defections form the Northern pool of talent to the South. Take in the cry-off's from the likes of Kyle Lafferty who conveniently withdraws from the NI squad to play Serbia and Estonia, yet only to net the winner three days later for his club Rangers. Barring Lawrie's spat with George McCartney, our former expectation-less manager had it easy.

I myself, saw this belly-flop finale from Nigel Worthington's lads coming since the Faroe Islands back in October 2010.  It was that abysmal 1-1 result against Brian Kerr's minnows that highlighted all that is wrong with Northern Ireland under Nigel's leadership.  A defensive display in Italy or Spain can be excused, but to go to the mighty Faroe's with such tactics is nothing short of international footballing suicide.

At that moment Nigel's intentions were clear... "Should we score then, defend what we have."  It was an idea based on the great Arsenal sides of the 80's and 90's. "One-nil to the Ar-sen-il" was the frequent chant at Highbury.  The difference being though, Arsenal had the quality to back this footballing philosophy up. Northern Ireland simply don't.

As one of Northern Ireland's greatest ever left-backs, Nigel Worthington will go down as one of his country's most decorated players to wear the green and white shirt.  As the country's 9th most capped player with 66 appearances he can quite rightly be proud of his record.   It was unfortunate to listen to some of the home support calling out for the return of former manager Lawrie Sanchez to the fold. A cry for help, and some people turn to our greatest ever turncoat, second only to Darron Gibson.  These so called fans were quick to forget Sanchez's loyalty to his country whenever Fulham FC came calling.  From that perspective, Nigel's loyalty to Northern Ireland has been impeccable.  Yet, the Ballymena man has found it almost impossible to follow up on the days of Lawrie's legends doing a David versus Goliath job on the international giants of Spain, Sweden and England.

The placards of "Nigel Out" being waved around Windsor Park following the final whistle in the 2-1 dedeat to minnow Estonia however come as no surprise.  The fans frustration was always going to boil over into something a little more than a rant on the Nolan Show.  Yet, whilst this "Nigel Out" mentality resonates throughout large numbers of the green and white army, I do note the strong support for Nigel within large sections of the fan base.  It's an approval however that doesn't shout Nigel's approval, but instead nod's.

The problem for Nigel is, no-one can hear the nods.

CARLING NATIONS FANS CUP 2011

Exclusive to this blog comes some extremely 'rare' video footage from the inaugural Carling Nations Fans Cup match between Northern Ireland and Scotland from Irishtown, Dublin.

The game saw nine goals in total.  (Eight of which were scored by the Green And White Army.)

Oh and I was making my long-awaited international debut. **cringe**

PS: The other game in the group saw the Republic of Ireland thrash Wales 4-1.  The result means both Irish sides lead the way going into next month's rather tasty showdown between the Green and White Army (NI) and the Boys in Green (ROI) back at the Irishtown Stadium.

OH BOY, DANNY WOULD BE A WORTHY ADDITION

Is now the right time for Northern Ireland to have it's own anthem played at it's international football matches?

Recently, I posed this question to a number of Northern Ireland supporters.  Not to be confused with newly acquired goalkeeper Lee Camp, there emerged two further camp's on the issue...

THE YES CAMP

- "The other Celtic nations have their own anthems, so Northern Ireland as a constituent part of the UK, should be no different."

THE NO CAMP

- "The official National Anthem of Northern Ireland is 'God Save The Queen'.  We shouldn't replace facts."

THE YES CAMP

- "We represent Northern Ireland, not the UK as a whole.  We are playing Scotland tonight (Feb, 2011) who will be singing 'Flower of Scotland', however we will be singing 'God Save The Queen'. Why?"

THE NO CAMP

- "I don't think we should replace GSTQ just to appease our 'haters' - mainly the republican community.  Next on the agenda would be to change our flag then change the name of Windsor Park  ...the enemies of Northern Ireland will not stop until the very name of Northern Ireland ceases to exist."

THE YES CAMP

- "GSTQ divides our so-called 'cross-community' squad.  Our players should be proud to stand together and sing together.  It should a shot in the arm for our players, not a shot in the foot."

THE NO CAMP

- It shouldn't matter what players mightn't like GSTQ.  The clearly divisive 'Soldier's Song', which some of the Ulster lads have to stand to before Ireland's rugby matches, doesn't seem to impact on their performance."

THE YES CAMP

- "The Commonwealth Games should set the precedent.  'Danny Boy' is played for those representing Northern Ireland.  It's widely seen as our National Anthem already."

THE NO CAMP

- "I sing GSTQ before every game we play with immense pride.  We should be proud of our British heritage and not be seen to be sweeping it under the carpet."

***

The argument's for and against a new anthem for Northern Ireland are not a new phenomenon.  They have come to prominence in recent times for a number of reasons, most notably for me, the reception it received in Dublin for the Carling Nations Cup match between NI and Scotland.

Sat in so-called 'neutral' East Stand Lower of the Aviva Stadium, I watched on as Scottish fans mixed well with their Northern Irish counterparts.  As the few locals in attendance would say 'the craic was at ninety'.  However, that was until it came to the National Anthems.  The first to be played was 'God Save The Queen' representing NI, but on this occasion, might as well have been England with a few tint's of green.  The sheer volume of boo's and jeers from the Scots during the anthem was deafening.  The doubtless 'Buckfast fueled' venom coming from large sections of Tartan Army was quite startling, and at times hostile, with one such fan's face almost turning the colour of his country's shirt as the anthem reached it's end.  Cross Rab C Nesbitt with Gordon Ramsey and you will get a rough idea of the sort of chap.

Yet, as much as I disagree with how disrespectful the booing of any national anthem may be, I understood this aggression was not directed at the Northern Irish support in-particular. The message was read loud and clear - Scotland consider GSTQ to be exclusively an 'English anthem'.  Of course, we know this is not the case.  It is after all the anthem of the United Kingdom of which Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England are all equally entitled to, and is rightfully played when the UK complete as a single country in athletics for example.

But this international football where all four home nations compete independently as separate entities in FIFA.  The thought of Scotland and Wales reverting back to GSTQ wouldn't bare thinking about as the world governing body would surely have to question why exactly a separate UK team wasn't created instead.

Northern Ireland needs to relinquish it's current 'UK anthem' and opt for an anthem of it's own.  We're not Brazil, we're not the United Kingdom either.  Quite simply we are Northern Ireland.  Now is the time for the 'revamped' Irish Football Association to step up to the mark and finally give Danny Boy his long overdue call-up to international football.

If not, then perhaps I should get used to the chant's of "Are you England in disguise?" which are still ringing in my ears from the Aviva this year.

THE WILD SLIGO ROVER UPSETS THE ODDS

The very first FAI Cup Final at the Aviva Stadium was a battle of the Rovers; Sligo and Shamrock.

A far from eventful game went all the way to 'peno's' (otherwise known as a penalty shoot-out) with Sligo Rovers goalkeeper Ciarán Kelly becoming a hero for the night saving a remarkable FOUR penatlies in total to deny league champions Shamrock Rovers a much anticipated 'Double'.

Not the greatest advertisement for the local game but the 36,101 in attendance is truly astonishing.  A phenomenal turn-out from the locals - many of whom didn't support either Sligo or Shamrock Rovers!

But for me, a special mention must go out to the Northern contingent from 'the Hoops'. Alan Mannus and Tommy Stewart in-particular can count themselves very unlucky not to have been selected for Nigel Worthington's Northern Ireland squad.  Certainly, both are due a call-up considering the amount of the expected withdrawals from the squad from next Wednesday's visit of African outfit Morocco.

And as it pains me to say it, I too will be absent from Windsor Park for the up-and-coming friendly international.

"Thigh strain..."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------


PS: Have to point out... there were an awful lot of neutrals in attendance today (a good thing for the local leagues IMO).  However the two lads in-front of me (not exactly 'soccer buffs' as the GAA gear might suggest) headed home after 90 mins of FAI Cup Final itself. Clearly thought the game was going to a replay...


Oh dear...


Foreign games eh?

FAI POACH WHOLE N.IRELAND TEAM... IN 1982

Compliments of The Irish Independent's special 1982 World Cup DVD and commentary provided by none other than Sean Connery.

I give you...

Did you spot the mistake? (and I don't mean the Spanish player's woeful pass to Gerry Armstrong!)

GLENS RED-HAND, NO MATCH FOR GARDA HEAVY-HAND

In the spirit of writing wrongs from our troubled past, it is only right that the spotlight should fall upon our resident police force in the Republic of Ireland; An Garda Síochána na hÉireann.

Saturday 13th March saw over 700 Glentoran supporters travel to Dublin for their club's Setanta Cup match with Bohemian FC.  It was to be a day to remember unfortunately not for the football, but for the needless violence leading to up to, and during, the game itself.

The only known cause for the inflammatory response by the 'Guards'  in calling in the riot squad?

Flags.  What else?

Whilst one or two Ulster Flags/Union Flags could be spotted amongst the away crowd, and easily five Irish tricolours in the home end might I add, the offending flag that really got the old bill's knickers in a twist was a big green, red & black tricolour - coincidentally, the colours of Glentoran FC.  

Please note that it wasn't until the second half that this flag was reinstated amid fears of another mini-riot, like this one...

And like the red of a St Patricks Athletic shirt to a raging bull, many within the Jody Stand of Dalymount Park which held the away support, a direct confrontation between Glentoran fans and the 'Guards' had been firmly established.  Heavy-handed batons were yielded to those who dared question the reasoning behind the removal of their flags.  I thought scenes like this were only acted out in flashpoint areas of Northern Ireland?  Surely not over the border too?

Haven't an Garda Síochána learnt anything from 30 years of violence up North?  A hostile police force creates a hostile atmosphere.  This wasn't a high risk Old Firm game.  It was Glentoran vs Bohemians playing what was essentially a 'nothing' game as Boh's had already progressed to the final stages of the tournament.

An Garda Síochána roughly translates as 'Guardians of the peace'.  God help the poor lad (above) on the receiving end of such peace.  It's a shame they didn't guard this peace instead of inflame tensions with their over-zealous actions.  Actions that I am informed even had the home fans looking on disbelief at what had kicked off - excuse the pun.

A bad taste was left in the mouth at the end for many fans' excursion down South from the trouble that ensued, perhaps even more-so than their club's exit from the all-Ireland club cup.  And needless to say, it certainly made a mockery of my pre-match assurances to the various Glenmen that there would be no trouble at all.   The scuffle outside The Bohemian Bar between the 10 or 15 'Ultras' from both teams looked minuscule in comparison to the unexpected riot police threat.

Then again, was it really to be that unexpected?

FANTASY FOOTBALL 2010/11

The Official Fantasy Team of Irish Connection UK

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Only at...  Premier League Fantasy Football

If you've registered a team already why not get involved in the 'Buckfast Premieriership'
Our code to join is: 241946-65174

Happy spending!

ELIGIBILITY RULING DIVIDES NOT UNITES

A dark day for Northern football limits Nigel Worthington's talent pool

Make no mistake, today is a landmark day in Irish football.

It seems player eligibility on the island of Ireland has reached it's climax.  The topic follows on from a post I did almost three years ago, and does not make pretty reading for the Irish Football Association.

Following a number of defections to the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) of it's players, the Irish Football Association (IFA) took the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in an attempt to stop the talent drain to the Republic which threatens to spiral out of control.

The IFA case has quite clearly fell on deaf ears with those at CAS, and has now opened the door to Northern Ireland's footballing elite to switch allegiances to the Republic of Ireland if they so wish.

In a statement, the IFA said it was "disappointed by the decision".  Rubbish.  Underneath, they will be absolutely seething and will be left reeling by the decision, and rightly so.  Why would an association who govern's, trains, and educates it's emerging talent wish to see that talent then handed over to a rival association whenever they are wanted?

The FAI 'victory' can no doubt be attributed to their continued referral throughout the case to the historic 'Good Friday Agreement' whereby anyone born on the island of Ireland can indeed be recognised as a citizen of Ireland.

However, this farcical situation where two Irish Associations go against one another is quite blatantly based on religious affiliation, and not citizenship; a right which the Gibson's, Duffy's and Wilson's of this world are guaranteed from day one by the way.  Therefore the FAI's insistence on quoting the GFA in order to bolster it's already minimal local based talent looks to be both narrow-minded and greedy.  Of course the FAI strategy would have to be expected when you take into consideration the number of non-Irish born Republic of Ireland internationals in the past.  When an association is so used to having it's pool of talent UK-wide, Northern Ireland was always going to be vulnerable to the prying eye of the FAI.

But it is also extremely insensitive.  Many within Northern football would view the FAI's strategy of claiming players not entitled to them as out-of-touch with the 'new' Northern Ireland that is being created following the signing of that historic agreement.

'Shared', 'inclusive', 'partnership' were all keywords that feature within creating peace and prosperity in Northern society.

Did those at the FAI miss that section of the agreement?

Their claims that they maintain good relations with their Northern counterparts may well be true, but is something more sinister lurking in the background?  Their actions can be seen as opportunism, yet for many in Northern football it is seen as a blatant sectarian grab for the Roman Catholic population who might be easily 'sweet-talked' into a switch of associations.

A defection based on religious grounds then.  Really...

Does this seriously respect a 'shared' future?

No.

It places yet another religious barrier over a 'war-weary' Northern society that is trying it's best to find a way to embrace the relatively new concept of 'shared future' together.  Unfortunately, it was the high profile Northern Ireland youth international Darron Gibson that set the negative trend, and so far Armagh's Marc Wilson and Derry's Shane Duffy have followed suit.  No doubt there will be more to come following Don Givens appointment to Chief Scout in the United Kingdom.

I'll leave you with a depressing scenario that could well emerge from the whole elligibility debacle...

Envisage five to ten years down the line where 'Catholic Ireland' is led by the FAI, and a 'Protestant Ireland' is governed by the IFA.  The so-called 'Orange' and 'Green' firmly set apart from each other.  An Ireland of equals?  A building of bridges?

Don't believe the local media hype for one minute.

Football Apartheid in Ireland is progressing from a political level to a religious one, and like it or not the FAI have been handed a huge advantage over their Northern counterparts from this decision.

TALLAGHT IS 'RAELI' EXCITED ABOUT JUVE GAME

Stewart scores goal that banks a game with Juventus in next round

"Bnei Yehuda 0-1 Shamrock Rovers (Agg 1-2)"

If you can pronounce the afore mentioned name, then well done you.  Thankfully, we won't be hearing from them again any time soon as part-time League of Ireland outfit Shamrock Rovers have knocked them out of this season's Europa League.

A 1-0 victory in Israel tonight sealed the 'Hoops' passage into the next round where a lucrative tie with European heavyweights Juventus awaits.  A former schoolboy team-mate of mine Tommy Stewart will be the toast of Tallaght tonight as he popped up with the crucial goal to send Rovers through.

The 'Nordie' influence has been prevalent in Shamrock Rovers for the previous two seasons in particular with ex-Glentoran man Michael O'Neill recruiting the best of Northern football.  The first fellow countryman to jump ship to the League of Ireland was arguably the best goalkeeper in the Irish League, Alan Mannus of Linfield FC.  O'Neill then snapped up former NI U21 international Chris Turner on a free transfer. The latest move for the Northern stars came when ex-Linfield & Derry City forward Thomas Stewart signed up for Michael O'Neill's Green & White Army.

Many's a grumble could be heard amongst the Tallaght faithful with this Northern invasion, but tonight should put that element of the support back in their box for another couple of weeks at least. 

A fantastic night in Irish football was capped off with the bonus of North Belfast side Cliftonville's progression to the next round where they will come up against Bulgarian outfit CSKA Sofia.

However, all wasn't hunky dory for others in Irish club football as Europe's newcomers Sporting Fingal went down 3-2 on the night and 6-4 on aggregate against one of the top Portuguese side Maritimo.  Portadown also put on a brave show going out by the odd goal.  Meanwhile spare a thought for Dundalk FC who gained entry to this seasons Europa League thanks to Derry City's demise.  The border side went down 8-0 on aggregate!

Current Irish League champions Linfield can hold their heads high following a 2-0 defeat in Norway to Champions League regulars Rosenberg.  The 0-0 result in Belfast the previous week was highly unexpected, yet offered hope to us all that maybe qualifying for the proper stages of European competition isn't as far away off as many had anticipated...

Those in East Belfast and the Northside of Dublin mightn't be so optimistic after two disastrous defeats left both sides with that sinking feeling.  Glentoran did their usual 'choke' on the big stage after a 5-2 aggregate defeat to Icelandic champions RK Reykjavik.  However, Bohemians careless surrendering of a 1-0 first leg lead against Welsh champions TNS came at a complete shock to both myself and many local football supporters throughout the island.  4-0? Wow. All I can  presume is that the two pre-season games TNS had with both Linfield and Glentoran paid dividends.  Inspired choices!

But this side of the British Isles, all the credit must go to Shamrock Rovers and Cliftonville.  Two small steps forward for local football, one big UEFA pay-day lies in wait for both clubs - and hopefully, their respective leagues!

SPIRIT OF '82 CAN SINK ITALIAN RISING

25th June 2010 - This day marks 28 years since Northern Ireland upset hosts Spain at World Cup '82. 

"A match straight out of a Boy's Own comic. Arguably the best performance by a British team in any World Cup.  Needing to beat the Spaniards to reach the second stage, Northern Ireland took the lead two minutes in the second half, when goalkeeper Luis Arkonada could only push out a low cross and Gerry Armstrong fired it back underneath him.




As if playing the hosts wasn't hard enough, the Irish had to face a Paraguayan referee who hadn't taken charge of an international for two years. With half an hour to go, he sent off Mal Donaghy for a push. But veteran keeper Pat Jennings was cool as ever, and the ten men held out. Northern Ireland couldn't have picked a better time, a more vibrant night, to record their first win over Spain."

So, 28 years later, to quote the Scots, "When Will We See Your Likes Again?"

Certainly not this year anyway as our lack of World Cup participation might suggest.  However, last night saw the astonishing exit from this years competition by current World champions Italy.  Northern Ireland can take great satisfaction especially seeing as it was the much under-rated Slovakians who put the final nail in the Italian coffin.  It was Slovakia who topped the Northern Ireland group for qualification.  Wins in Bratislava and Belfast went a long way to assuring their progression to this years World Cup finals and last nights win over Italy certainly wouldn't have come as a surprise to supporters from the Emerald Isle.

But what next for Northern Ireland?  Should expectations from the Green & White Army take on an even greater significance having seen arguably both their toughest opponents in the up-and-coming Euro 2012 qualifiers; Serbia, and now Italy eliminated in the first round?  The end of the road is clearly within range for an ageing Italian side still very much living off the spirit of Marco Materazzi's 'gift of the gab' in THAT match against France in 2006.  And as for Serbia, for me they have been a big let-down in South Africa.  My decision to stick a few sneaky quid on them at partybets.com completely back-fired.

Which brings me back to Nigel Worthington's men.  Hot off the heels of another ever-improving, yet unsuccessful qualifying campaign, Northern Ireland can go into September's qualifiers with a considerable level of confidence.  The Italians should be treated like a wounded animal - be wary, but be ruthless. 

As many have found out to their detriment in the past, Windsor Park is not the ideal place to try and pick up points as you try and pick up the pieces from a shocking World Cup campaign.  Just ask the Spanish.

COME ON YOU PAUL'S NAMED GREEN !!

Match programme €5. Armagh GAA hat at a ROI soccer game, priceless.

Friday night saw a new name emerge in Irish football, Paul Green.  A debut on Tuesday followed up with a first goal on Friday evening, as far as starts to an international career go, they don't get much better.  Pulling the strings in the central midfield area alongside Glenn Whelan there was no doubt the Republic of Ireland looked like a side reborn following that fateful night at the Stade de France in November.  Two comfortable wins over World Cup finalists Paraguay and Algeria respectively cement the notion that this is an Irish side on the up. 

Unfortunately for the Republic the timing of this resurrgence in form has come 12 months too late.  Had they converted those draws into wins during the qualifiers, the boys in green would be on that plane to South Africa leaving Italy and France in what would in effect be the 'Celebrity Deathmatch' of international football.  Can you imagine the reaction at FIFA HQ?!  Sepp Blatter and co. would be left scampering for 'Plan B' and forcing through that 33rd team for the Finals after all...

Fear not though, Giovanni Trappatoni looks like he is here for another campaign at least.  The Italian is a man on a mission, and that is to guide the Republic of Ireland to a major Championship.  He has the perfect opportunity too.  The strongest side in his group for the European Championship's are Russia.  Hardly spine-tingling.  Infact, I'd fancy their chances to qualify as group winners.  At 11/4 with partybets.com they're certainly worth a flutter.

THE FOOLS, THE FOOLS

On a more serious note, following tonight's game at the RDS in Dublin between ROI and Algeria, I have to come to the conclusion that 'Nordies' at Republic of Ireland football matches are quite possibly the most deluded people you will come across on the island.  Imagine (if you will) a rather obese Northerner sporting an orange Armagh GAA shirt with Irish Tricolour painted on his forehead.  Imagine him plonking himself directly behind you stuffing what could have been a hot-dog (gone in seconds whatever it was) down his throat, whilst belting out Amhrán na bhFiann in what could have been the Craigavon dialect of Ulster-Scots.  After his sense of national pride had clearly been established, the much anticipated pre-match analysis was filtered through to the rest of the onlookers in the 16,000 strong crowd...

"Here mate, is that Hun b****** Bougherra startin'?"

As cringeworthy as it was, the response from the gentleman sat next to the young ill-informed Northerner was nonchalant...

"Which one's Hun-Bougherra buddy?"

Oblivious to the young lad's bigotry, the local man went on to watch the game with the rest of us in the 21st century.  However, it summed up for me all that is wrong with the large sections of people from Northern Ireland that regularly follow the Republic of Ireland at football.  These sections are intent on forcing their politics upon fans of the Southern team - many of whom simply arn't interested. 

When will the people who tar the Northern Ireland support as bigots come to the realisation that infact, the scourge of sectarianism is still alive and kicking in certain sections of the Republic of Ireland support too?

And when will these 'patriotic' fans who flock across the border in the name of 'Irish Unity' understand a 26-county Irish team is just as much a partitioned Irish side as a 6-county one? 

To quote another cringeworthy Irishman, the answers may be.....

"Never".

FRANKIE BRINGS IT TO THE BOYLE

Frankie's first of five night Irish Tour at Dublin's Vicar Street venue

If I were a referee I would be Graham Poll.  Why?  Because after my visit to Vicar Street last night I would have given Glaswegian comic Frankie Boyle three yellow cards and one red, he was that good.  Of course by 'good', I mean surprisingly bad.

I'll confess to be no comedy guru, but I know the difference between a Bill Hicks and say... a Roy Chubby Brown.  Last night's performance from fun-time Frankie made 'Chubs' bigoted 'angry-man' performances look like the work of a genius. 

Although in fairness to Frankie, he brought along an excellent warm-up act in the marvellous Craig Campbell from Canada (yes, it is a very Canadian name isn't it?).  The Billy Connelly look-a-like had the Irish crowd in stitches with some interesting 'Dublinisms' as well as tales of how he almost got a kiss in Glasgow.  But, it was the headline act the sold-out crowd were there to see.  Step forward Frankie, son. 

The former 'Mock The Week' funnyman had some great material.  His hecklers were put down with hilarious ease.  Ripping the piss out of the 'The Britz' also went down well with the home faithful.  But much of this was lost amidst his perverted obsession to focus on hard-hitting gags on sex-abuse, Down's Syndrome and Baby P.  Much of the routine tended to be just one endless dreary drive down the same miserable Fritzl family infested road... with admittedly, a few enjoyable speed bumps along the way.   In his autobiography he claims to be a big fan of Monbiot and Chomsky. It was a crying shame he didn't focus more on political subjects. 

Looking back, I still don't know what to make of Frankie's performance.  He is no doubt a very talented comedian with a huge target audience out there.  Infact one in which I would still include myself in.  But, last night I was just disappointed to leave the Thomas Street venue questioning the length of time spent on 'sex-abuse' sensationalisms rather than giggling cheekily at some expected outrageous gags.  However, not to the extent I had anticipated.

There was no need for goal-line technology last night. Frankie Boyle had rather emphatically crossed it already himself.

HOLYWOOD BOYS FC - R.I.P

The 'Treble'-winning U10 team of 1998 & Champions of Northern Ireland    (me: 6th back-row)

It was with great sadness recently to learn that my first junior football club Holywood Boys were taken over by the ex-Formula One driver Eddie Irvine and exported to Bangor.  The new name...

... "Eddie Irvine Sports Football Club".

Founded in 1991 Holywood Boys was a junior football club based predominately in the North Down area of Ulster.  As the name suggests, it was originally an all boys youth football club. It's training pitches were based at Redburn before relocating to Spafield further in the town.  They were also a club with whom I was proud to have represented for six years.  It was at the tender age of ten that I was 'scouted' whilst on international duty (otherwise known as school football) by the club's founder, and current County Down IFA coach, Raymond Alexander.  A knock on the door of the house one memorable day in June by the man himself persuaded me to give up my Saturday morning lie-in's for the more-often-than-not muddy slogfests on the slightly over-sized King George's Playing Fields, just next to the famous Oval stadium.  Following a slightly deluded swap with a friend I parted ways with my recently aquired Nintendo Gameboy and traded it for none-ther than a pair of (wait for it...) 'Patrick' football boots.  I was ready for action.

Holywood Boys FC was where I would showcase my Cruyff turns, Baggio flicks (not mullets), and Gazza celebrations for a total of six years.  At 16 (and a couple of dodgy stints with George Best's old club Boyland FC of Sydenham) I'm quite happy to admit as a player, I had peaked.  A season-long spell on my boyhood club Glentoran FC's books had ended and with a tinge of regret.  I parted ways with East Belfast's finest and it was back to North Down I went, joining hometown club Holywood FC (no connection whatsoever to Holywood Boys FC) then finally into the welcoming arms of Bangor Swifts FC. 

However, it was with those youthful years at Holywood Boys with whom I enjoyed the most success.  In 1998 at U10 level we quite simply were 'the Cream of Northern Ireland' at our age group.  A Dundonald Junior League 'Double' success was followed up by victory in what was known then as 'The Champions of Champions' (the Champions' League - except better).

I started off as a centre forward, dropped into centre midfield, won player of the year two seasons on the trot as a centre-back (hated it), and laterly found myself occupying the left-wing (politically too on occasion).  Mr Versatile.  What can I say, John O'Shea learnt from the best!

On the whole our club had a massive appeal country-wide.  Our chief scout (Walter Windrum) only needed to murmer the words 'Holywood Boys' and manys a young lad's ear would perk up immediately.  Off the top of my head current stars of the Irish and English leagues such as Chris Brunt (West Brom) and Jamie Mulgrew (Linfield) both plyed their trade early on at Holywood Boys.  Jamie himself would testify that Holywood Boys played a crucial part in his development and had undoubtably nurtured his obvious talent at such a young age.

Players within my age-bracket in-particular tended to flock from all over the UK and Ireland to join us.  The most notable was the signing of four players from the now defunct Antrim Eagles who travelled at least 20 miles just to come to training in Holywood every Wednesday night.  Fair play to those lads inparticular because if truth be told, I wasn't even willing to spend my Wednesday nights enduring the 3 mile bus journey to Glentoran Colts for training (lack of car in the family ruined my GFC career, there I said it!).

In an era in Northern Ireland which can only be classified as 'transition', Holywood Boys excelled.  Whether you be of Catholic or Protestant; it simply did not matter.  Our club was quintessentially the ultimate cross-community junior football club.  I can recall a tournament in Blackpool where our club was ridiculously accused of being 'bigoted' by someone from a rival club who took offence to seeing a one of our players who had the indignity of sporting a Rangers FC shirt post-match.  This grievance was countered by the sight of a Rangers shirt displayed on our teams window - alongside a Glasgow Celtic top. The aggreived party's head must have been doing Obafemi Martins somersaults at the absurtity of it all!

However on the playing side of things it was to be, and rather inevitably, the huge Bangor influx of players which would be to the detriment of Holywood Boys Football Club.  In recent years the club even re-located to Bangor which all but resigned the 'Holywood' name into obscurity.  Indeed, along came Eddie Irvine in 2008 with his very own sports' complex to promote in Bangor.  The final nail in our club's coffin was finally within range.  Eddie's target... my once great junior club Holywood Boys.

Rest In Peace HBFC (1991-2008).

BATTLE OF THE CHAMPIONS - PART DEUX

This weekend see's the final round of group games in the Setanta Cup where three of four teams will progress to the semi-finals of the all-Ireland tournament.  St Pat's Athletic head north to Belfast as they face-off against Irish League runners-up Linfield, in what should be an 'All-or-Nothing' encounter.  Following last week's 1-1 draw at Richmond Park it's hard to know what way the game will swing, but I'd expect home advantage to push the Blues over the finishing line - which Sligo Rovers so far are the only one's to cross.

However, the pick of the clashes will be in the Dublin suburb of Phibsboro where Irish League champions Glentoran travel south of the border to meet League of Ireland champions Bohemians at Dalymount Park.  The former home of international football in the Republic will play host to a near-capacity crowd as will it's current home, at Croke Park, which should also be full of northern soul come Saturday afternoon as Ireland's rugby team take on Wales - a double-whammy for the Ulster support amongst the travelling Glentoran contingent, no doubt. 

The East Belfast men will be out for revenge following their 2-1 defeat at the Oval in December.  However, the 'Cock n Hens', who are under new management in the rookie Scott Young, will know they can still do what is required of them. With the 'Gypsies' progression in the competition guaranteed, there is a fair chance it will be against a weakened Bohemian FC.  But with the League of Ireland season only just under way, there will be players on the fringes looking to impress their manager - ex-Linfield player - Pat Fenlon. 

This will be my second time at Dalymount Park, having had the "unique" experience of sitting amongst the fans of Boh's Dublin rivals... Shamrock Rovers.  It wasn't a good night for ' The Hoops' in that clash last season with Boh's winning 2-0, and by all accounts the post-match riots on the city's O'Connell Bridge produced a similar result.  Legion 1882, you have met your match.

The Future of the Setanta Cup...

Ticket allocation for the Glens was set at 1,000 although with popularity of the all-Irish competition fading rapidly this season, I wouldn't be surprised if the away support is closer to 500 come kick-off.  There have been various calls for a massive overhaul of the Setanta Cup.  I would agree with that.  First stage of the overhaul  would be to remove the FAI from any kind of power.  This would eliminate the potential of making a mockery of the competition (see last year's Setanta Cup Final fiasco).  Playing cup final's on opposing team's grounds make it a home game for the opposing team.  IFA take note.

The current Setanta Cup format involves:
- 4 teams (Irish League, NI)
- 5 teams (League of Ireland, ROI)
- 3 groups of 3.
- 3 winner's progress to Semi Final.
- 1 (best) runner-up progress to Semi-Final.
- Final venue decided by FAI/IFA (alternating years)

The basic concept is certainly there, but the teacher's report to the organising committee would be "could do better".  There is the possiblity that the competition could revert to a plain and simple 'knock-out' tournament which would open matches up to teams lower down in their domestic leagues.  We could be kicking-off this new format with Larne heading to Limerick and Athlone going to Ards.  Then, as with the FA Cup in England, the big teams could then enter the competition at a later stage. 

But of course, money would play a huge part in such plans for these clubs.  As we have seen this season with the unfortunate demise Cork City and Derry City, money is scarce at the bigger Irish clubs too.  Both club's eviction from the Setanta Cup hasn't helped the competition's credibility in the slightest, although in fairness Setanta can't be blamed for a club's financial troubles.  Infact, their willingness to stick by the all-Ireland competition in such dire times must be commended, especially as the broadcaster itself can't be making that much money from two poorly supported leagues on the island.  Shame on you EPL and SPL armchair 'fans'!

Also, in order to avoid the sheer bias on either associations part, let Setanta choose the venue for their 'prestigious final' once the two teams have been decided.  The FAI's last-ditch attempt to pump money into a dying Cork City FC by handing them home advantage at the last minute in the 2009 final was wreckless, and did nothing to convince me and many other local football enthusiasts that this island is ready for an 'All-Ireland League'. 

Until then, a revamped Setanta Cup will suffice. 

Saturday evening's game between Boh's and Glens, which is being billed as "The Battle of the Champions - Part Deux", will be televised on Setanta Ireland from 5:15pm.

Bring on the Champions !!

IRISH CONNECTION... UK?

Glamour friendly: ROI face Brazil in London, England

The mighty Brazil are in London town for what's being billed as the 'glamour friendly' of this weeks international fixtures.  However, the game itself which is set to take place at Arsenal FC's Emirates Stadium, won't see the 'Boys from Brazil' up against England.  Instead Giovanni Trappatoni's Republic of Ireland team will be the 'acting hosts' for the night.  It's not the first time an English stadium has been used by the Irish for friendly matches, and seems to be an increasing trend which will be no doubt be warmly welcomed amongst the UK's ever-expanding Irish community. 

The decision to play the game in London should of course also go down well amongst the following 10 (ten) UK-born contingent in the Republic's squad...

Keiran Westwood (Manchester, England)
Kevin Kilbane (Preston, England)
Kevin Foley (Luton, England)
Sean St Ledger (Birmingham, England)
Marc Wilson (Armagh, NI)
Aiden McGeady (Glasgow, Scotland)
Darron Gibson (Derry, NI)
James McCarthy (Glasgow, Scotland)
Liam Lawrence (Nottingham, England)
Leon Best (Nottingham, England)

Aside from almost half of the Republic's squad, the United Kingdom's other connection to Ireland is of course Northern Ireland.  The Green and White Army (the fans) face a truly ugly friendly match in comparison to their Southern cousins.  Albania are the opposition, and the capital Tirana can expect a wave of green and white on Wednesday night as Northern Ireland (the team) are in town.  It is a game which, no matter how unattractive, is a useful workout for Nigel Worthington's men.  A vast improvement in the side's away form is a neccisity ahead of the upcoming Euro 2012 Qualifiers in September. 

Both Irish sides face very different tests, but nevertheless, can expect two tough matches.  One, against the silky samba skills of Brazil where Aiden McGeady should feel at home.  The other, an unknown quantity in Albania - and an unpredictable Northern Ireland on the road.

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Albania vs NI is available on BBC red button
ROI vs Brazil is available on Sky Sports
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