FAI...June 2024 Friendlies v Hungary and Portugal

[Denn Forever]

The way it sounded to me was the IFA were talking to the  catholic players as if we don't want  your sort around here.

[JPGJOHNNYG]

One more point the 'investment' by the IFA and FAI into these players is bollox and next to nothing both associations are pretty much relying on the English clubs to develop their players so lets knock that on the head straight away

[Tyrone Gaa]

Players will look after themselves.  I'm pretty sure that if Niall McGinn was asked to represent ROI he would have jumped at the chance. He wasn't so to play international football he plays for NI and has marked the big stage by scoring at the last European Championships.  He has came out and said that he is a ROI fan.

If the IFA addressed some of the issues that still exist and that created a more welcoming environment for Catholics/Nationalists then I feel in time the want to represent ROI will deteriorate.   

those Issues are (I'm aware they have made progress in a lot of these areas but they still exist, some to a lesser extent):

Anthem
Flag
Supporter Chants/Flags
NI Supporters Clubs/Pubs (Wouldn't feel safe going there for a pint)

[From the Bunker]

One more point the 'investment' by the IFA and FAI into these players is bollox and next to nothing both associations are pretty much relying on the English clubs to develop their players so lets knock that on the head straight away

Yes they are just Piggybacking on Clubs. There is a bit spent at under 15, but after that the clubs are the main investors!

If Northern Ireland want the Catholic Boys to play for them. They have to look at what will entice them!

[smelmoth]

I see /Jim just assumes those tapping up ravings as 100% true .....Jesus weeps again.
The FAI have always maintained that if a player calls them up, they respond, that's not tapping up.

Not guilty of a bit of an assumption there yourself?

If FAI say they are not doing it you seem to think that's conclusive proof of it not happening

[Main Street]

I see /Jim just assumes those tapping up ravings as 100% true .....Jesus weeps again.
The FAI have always maintained that if a player calls them up, they respond, that's not tapping up.

Not guilty of a bit of an assumption there yourself?

If FAI say they are not doing it you seem to think that's conclusive proof of it not happening

Guilty my arse,
Where do I say there's conclusive proof of anything? The article was one sided and I just don't swallow hook line and sinker the IFA refrain about the FAI poaching players.

[Jim_Murphy_74]

Players will look after themselves.  I'm pretty sure that if Niall McGinn was asked to represent ROI he would have jumped at the chance. He wasn't so to play international football he plays for NI and has marked the big stage by scoring at the last European Championships.

Fair enough, so what do you think about Michael O'Neill's point of signing players up to FAI who then win no caps?  Would it be fair enough to have agreement (by both associations), not to tie down a player unless capped? 

That way players would have the option "to look after themselves".  If another McGinn comes along and is ignored by the Republic management and is willing to put aside discomfort of NI trappings, he can at least do that.

/Jim.

[Main Street]

I see /Jim just assumes those tapping up ravings as 100% true .....Jesus weeps again.

I am not particularly interested in whether lads approach the FAI or vice versa.  I am sure there is plenty of hinting etc. done quietly.

What I do accept is the it is particularly galling when a lad who plays U-20 or senior friendly games for Northern Ireland then decides to make the jump.  So whether you think that is fair enough or not, it's surely fair enough for Michael O'Neill to ask his buddy Martin O'Neill to not do that.  If Martin says no dice then fair enough.

However, I think it's a joke that lads go straight for getting personal about Michael O'Neill and alcoholism etc..l as if it's completely out of whack.

/Jim.

Micheal o'Neill can talk to whoever he wants, but just because he might be galled by something doesn't make it a legitimate gripe.
You don't know the statutes do you? or how they have evolved over the years? or much about  how this Irish eligibility situation has evolved over the last 20 years?
Your hypothetical example is weak and  presumptuous. It's not about an association, it's about the player and his choice, that choice is the equivalent of a constitutional civil right in football parlance. How the IFA "feel" about it has little value when it comes to a player identifying with his/her irish ethnicity and choosing the FAI. Should it not work out for the kid, they can chose to declare for the IFA.  Whisky nose Michael is not even au fait with the statutes on player eligibility.

The statutes exist to protect the choice of the dual national player, for were it any other way, the IFA would certainly tie down any young player to their cause from an early age.

[smelmoth]

I see /Jim just assumes those tapping up ravings as 100% true .....Jesus weeps again.

I am not particularly interested in whether lads approach the FAI or vice versa.  I am sure there is plenty of hinting etc. done quietly.

What I do accept is the it is particularly galling when a lad who plays U-20 or senior friendly games for Northern Ireland then decides to make the jump.  So whether you think that is fair enough or not, it's surely fair enough for Michael O'Neill to ask his buddy Martin O'Neill to not do that.  If Martin says no dice then fair enough.

However, I think it's a joke that lads go straight for getting personal about Michael O'Neill and alcoholism etc..l as if it's completely out of whack.

/Jim.

Micheal o'Neill can talk to whoever he wants, but just because he might be galled by something doesn't make it a legitimate gripe.
You don't know the statutes do you? or how they have evolved over the years? or much about  how this Irish eligibility situation has evolved over the last 20 years?
Your hypothetical example is weak and  presumptuous. It's not about an association, it's about the player and his choice, that choice is the equivalent of a constitutional civil right in football parlance. How the IFA "feel" about it has little value when it comes to a player identifying with his/her irish ethnicity and choosing the FAI. Should it not work out for the kid, they can chose to declare for the IFA.  Whisky nose Michael is not even au fait with the statutes on player eligibility.

The statutes exist to protect the choice of the dual national player, for were it any other way, the IFA would certainly tie down any young player to their cause from an early age.

You are being very mature about it all

Whisky nose FFS

[smelmoth]

The way it sounded to me was the IFA were talking to the  catholic players as if we don't want  your sort around here.

Which specific bit sounded like that to you?

[Jim_Murphy_74]

Should it not work out for the kid, they can chose to declare for the IFA.  Whisky nose Michael is not even au fait with the statutes on player eligibility.

According to Article 8.1 a player can only request once to change nationality.

Presuming a player has gone through Northern Ireland schoolboy system, he will have request to change to ROI.  Then that is it.  "should it not work out for the kid" he cannot go back.  I understand from O'Neill articles this has happened to players.

With your knowledge of the statues and the history of the eligibility rules can you confirm if this is the case or not?

As an aside why do you continually make the snide references to the man's relationship with alcohol?

/Jim.

[Syferus]

Should it not work out for the kid, they can chose to declare for the IFA.  Whisky nose Michael is not even au fait with the statutes on player eligibility.

According to Article 8.1 a player can only request once to change nationality.

Presuming a player has gone through Northern Ireland schoolboy system, he will have request to change to ROI.  Then that is it.  "should it not work out for the kid" he cannot go back.  I understand from O'Neill articles this has happened to players.

With your knowledge of the statues and the history of the eligibility rules can you confirm if this is the case or not?

As an aside why do you continually make the snide references to the man's relationship with alcohol?

/Jim.

Because he was caught drink driving a few months ago? I have no respect for those who let their vices endanger others.

[red hander]

Should it not work out for the kid, they can chose to declare for the IFA.  Whisky nose Michael is not even au fait with the statutes on player eligibility.

According to Article 8.1 a player can only request once to change nationality.

Presuming a player has gone through Northern Ireland schoolboy system, he will have request to change to ROI.  Then that is it.  "should it not work out for the kid" he cannot go back.  I understand from O'Neill articles this has happened to players.

With your knowledge of the statues and the history of the eligibility rules can you confirm if this is the case or not?

As an aside why do you continually make the snide references to the man's relationship with alcohol?

/Jim.

Cos he's a well-known serial piss artist... why would you want to listen to the ramblings of a drunkard?

[michaelg]

Players will look after themselves.  I'm pretty sure that if Niall McGinn was asked to represent ROI he would have jumped at the chance. He wasn't so to play international football he plays for NI and has marked the big stage by scoring at the last European Championships.  He has came out and said that he is a ROI fan.

If the IFA addressed some of the issues that still exist and that created a more welcoming environment for Catholics/Nationalists then I feel in time the want to represent ROI will deteriorate.   

those Issues are (I'm aware they have made progress in a lot of these areas but they still exist, some to a lesser extent):

Anthem
Flag
Supporter Chants/Flags
NI Supporters Clubs/Pubs (Wouldn't feel safe going there for a pint)

I for one would like an NI sports anthems used for matches Danny Boy would be my choice).  Hopefully this wil come in time.

What supporter chants / flags are an issue?  The stadium is full of folk wearing green and white, with very few NI flags or Union Jacks on display.

Although I can understand catholic players and fans not being in favour of GSTQ at WP, how come there is not the same contention in relation to Ulster Protestants either playing or attending Ireland rugby matches at the Aviva?  When I attend Ireland games in Dublin, I stand respectfully during the Soldier's Song.  It's not a big deal.

Finally, I know of 1 NI Supporters' Club Bar on the Shankill.  I'm not sure I would be that keen on drinking on any bar on the Shankill Road myself, so don't see this as a big issue.

[seafoid]

Players will look after themselves.  I'm pretty sure that if Niall McGinn was asked to represent ROI he would have jumped at the chance. He wasn't so to play international football he plays for NI and has marked the big stage by scoring at the last European Championships.  He has came out and said that he is a ROI fan.

If the IFA addressed some of the issues that still exist and that created a more welcoming environment for Catholics/Nationalists then I feel in time the want to represent ROI will deteriorate.   

those Issues are (I'm aware they have made progress in a lot of these areas but they still exist, some to a lesser extent):

Anthem
Flag
Supporter Chants/Flags
NI Supporters Clubs/Pubs (Wouldn't feel safe going there for a pint)

I for one would like an NI sports anthems used for matches Danny Boy would be my choice).  Hopefully this wil come in time.

What supporter chants / flags are an issue?  The stadium is full of folk wearing green and white, with very few NI flags or Union Jacks on display.

Although I can understand catholic players and fans not being in favour of GSTQ at WP, how come there is not the same contention in relation to Ulster Protestants either playing or attending Ireland rugby matches at the Aviva?  When I attend Ireland games in Dublin, I stand respectfully during the Soldier's Song.  It's not a big deal.

Finally, I know of 1 NI Supporters' Club Bar on the Shankill.  I'm not sure I would be that keen on drinking on any bar on the Shankill Road myself, so don't see this as a big issue.

I think it's cos rugby is a middle class sport and punters are less sensitive about the politics. Soccer is more working class so there is more sensitivity..