How would you feel about NI qualifying for the Euro championships?, and would you support them?
Does anyone actually know any Catholics who support them?
I'd like to see them do well and yes I know quite a few.
Couldn't care less. No, definitely not.
Apart from a certain Mr Clarke, no.
don't actually mind NI
don't support them but am ambivalent also towards roi soccer team
both teams sum up what is wrong with this island and why rugby sets a great example
Quote from: DennistheMenace on March 30, 2015, 12:24:41 PM
I'd like to see them do well and yes I know quite a few.
We all seem to know a catholic that supports the occupied six soccer team. I wonder is it the same person?
Quote from: Feckitt on March 30, 2015, 12:21:19 PM
How would you feel about NI qualifying for the Euro championships?, and would you support them?
Does anyone actually know any Catholics who support them?
I would be fairly ambivalent about them. I like the manager ok and most of the players are ok. Kyle lafferty is a complete t***er though and the supporters who follow them around are to my knowledge almost exclusively from one side of the community. I remember cheering them on as a youngster in 1982 but the way their supporters behaved in 1993 v Ireland put me of them for a long time. The excellent play "A night in November" was written about that match and the disgusting behaviour of the Norn Iron fans.
Quote from: Orior on March 30, 2015, 12:47:31 PM
Quote from: DennistheMenace on March 30, 2015, 12:24:41 PM
I'd like to see them do well and yes I know quite a few.
We all seem to know a catholic that supports the occupied six soccer team. I wonder is it the same person?
I would imagine the manager supports them, that's one, Gerry Armstrong would be another
Quote from: naka on March 30, 2015, 12:41:04 PM
don't actually mind NI
don't support them but am ambivalent also towards roi soccer team
both teams sum up what is wrong with this island and why rugby sets a great example
First, you have to ask yourself why so few Northern Catholics support Norn Iron.
Quote from: BennyCake on March 30, 2015, 01:37:15 PM
Quote from: naka on March 30, 2015, 12:41:04 PM
don't actually mind NI
don't support them but am ambivalent also towards roi soccer team
both teams sum up what is wrong with this island and why rugby sets a great example
First, you have to ask yourself why so few Northern Catholics support Norn Iron.
As somebody said earlier the "performance" of Billy Bingham and the rabble in Windsor Park in 93 would have quite a lot to do with it.
Quote from: BennyCake on March 30, 2015, 01:37:15 PM
Quote from: naka on March 30, 2015, 12:41:04 PM
don't actually mind NI
don't support them but am ambivalent also towards roi soccer team
both teams sum up what is wrong with this island and why rugby sets a great example
First, you have to ask yourself why so few Northern Catholics support Norn Iron.
Did they get rid of their anthem yet? That would be a stumbling block, no?
Not as big a one as their supporters
Quote from: 5 Sams on March 30, 2015, 02:02:47 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on March 30, 2015, 01:37:15 PM
Quote from: naka on March 30, 2015, 12:41:04 PM
don't actually mind NI
don't support them but am ambivalent also towards roi soccer team
both teams sum up what is wrong with this island and why rugby sets a great example
First, you have to ask yourself why so few Northern Catholics support Norn Iron.
As somebody said earlier the "performance" of Billy Bingham and the rabble in Windsor Park in 93 would have quite a lot to do with it.
I got banned from owc for calling Bingham "Billy Bigot" in reference to his antics in the game against the Republic!
He was a disgrace that night and any support of them I had for them was gone after that disgraceful evening, that said I want all teams that pull on the green of Ireland to do well.
Quote from: foxcommander on March 30, 2015, 03:02:07 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on March 30, 2015, 01:37:15 PM
Quote from: naka on March 30, 2015, 12:41:04 PM
don't actually mind NI
don't support them but am ambivalent also towards roi soccer team
both teams sum up what is wrong with this island and why rugby sets a great example
First, you have to ask yourself why so few Northern Catholics support Norn Iron.
Did they get rid of their anthem yet? That would be a stumbling block, no?
Did anyone else find it amusing how the Scottish fans booed God Save The Queen when it was played as the NI anthem before last week's friendly considering the recent referendum?
Quote from: Esmarelda on March 30, 2015, 04:13:17 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on March 30, 2015, 03:02:07 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on March 30, 2015, 01:37:15 PM
Quote from: naka on March 30, 2015, 12:41:04 PM
don't actually mind NI
don't support them but am ambivalent also towards roi soccer team
both teams sum up what is wrong with this island and why rugby sets a great example
First, you have to ask yourself why so few Northern Catholics support Norn Iron.
Did they get rid of their anthem yet? That would be a stumbling block, no?
Did anyone else find it amusing how the Scottish fans booed God Save The Queen when it was played as the NI anthem before last week's friendly considering the recent referendum?
did 100% of Scots folk vote 'no' in the referendum?
Quote from: naka on March 30, 2015, 12:41:04 PM
don't actually mind NI
don't support them but am ambivalent also towards roi soccer team
both teams sum up what is wrong with this island and why rugby sets a great example
The day that nonsense of a song Ireland's Call is played at an Irish soccer match instead of our Anthem is the day I stop going to Irish soccer matches.
Rugby lads are welcome to it, leave the soccer the way it is imo.
Quote from: laoislad on March 30, 2015, 04:24:54 PM
Quote from: naka on March 30, 2015, 12:41:04 PM
don't actually mind NI
don't support them but am ambivalent also towards roi soccer team
both teams sum up what is wrong with this island and why rugby sets a great example
The day that nonsense of a song Ireland's Call is played at an Irish soccer match instead of our Anthem is the day I stop going to Irish soccer matches.
Rugby lads are welcome to it, leave the soccer the way it is imo.
So you support the partitioning of football in Ireland?
Quote from: Esmarelda on March 30, 2015, 04:13:17 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on March 30, 2015, 03:02:07 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on March 30, 2015, 01:37:15 PM
Quote from: naka on March 30, 2015, 12:41:04 PM
don't actually mind NI
don't support them but am ambivalent also towards roi soccer team
both teams sum up what is wrong with this island and why rugby sets a great example
First, you have to ask yourself why so few Northern Catholics support Norn Iron.
Did they get rid of their anthem yet? That would be a stumbling block, no?
Did anyone else find it amusing how the Scottish fans booed God Save The Queen when it was played as the NI anthem before last week's friendly considering the recent referendum?
They pull out the Braveheart stuff when they need it.
Shouldn't "Flower of Scotland" be on a banned list as it incites violence? How many arrests were there?
I mention this in contrast to the authorities detaining fans at SPL matches for singing songs.
Quote from: stew on March 30, 2015, 04:06:08 PM
Quote from: 5 Sams on March 30, 2015, 02:02:47 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on March 30, 2015, 01:37:15 PM
Quote from: naka on March 30, 2015, 12:41:04 PM
don't actually mind NI
don't support them but am ambivalent also towards roi soccer team
both teams sum up what is wrong with this island and why rugby sets a great example
First, you have to ask yourself why so few Northern Catholics support Norn Iron.
As somebody said earlier the "performance" of Billy Bingham and the rabble in Windsor Park in 93 would have quite a lot to do with it.
I got banned from owc for calling Bingham "Billy Bigot" in reference to his antics in the game against the Republic!
He was a disgrace that night and any support of them I had for them was gone after that disgraceful evening, that said I want all teams that pull on the green of Ireland to do well.
What did Bingham do that night?
What I find amusing is that 'Princess'Anne is the patron of Scottish rugby and they all stand for the Flower of Scotland.....
Quote from: michaelg on March 30, 2015, 04:44:56 PM
Quote from: stew on March 30, 2015, 04:06:08 PM
Quote from: 5 Sams on March 30, 2015, 02:02:47 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on March 30, 2015, 01:37:15 PM
Quote from: naka on March 30, 2015, 12:41:04 PM
don't actually mind NI
don't support them but am ambivalent also towards roi soccer team
both teams sum up what is wrong with this island and why rugby sets a great example
First, you have to ask yourself why so few Northern Catholics support Norn Iron.
As somebody said earlier the "performance" of Billy Bingham and the rabble in Windsor Park in 93 would have quite a lot to do with it.
I got banned from owc for calling Bingham "Billy Bigot" in reference to his antics in the game against the Republic!
He was a disgrace that night and any support of them I had for them was gone after that disgraceful evening, that said I want all teams that pull on the green of Ireland to do well.
What did Bingham do that night?
I think he may have stirred the pot before the game. During it all I can remember him doing was waving to the crowd as if he was royalty. 2 cracking goals were scored that night, people forget that.
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 30, 2015, 04:57:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on March 30, 2015, 04:44:56 PM
Quote from: stew on March 30, 2015, 04:06:08 PM
Quote from: 5 Sams on March 30, 2015, 02:02:47 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on March 30, 2015, 01:37:15 PM
Quote from: naka on March 30, 2015, 12:41:04 PM
don't actually mind NI
don't support them but am ambivalent also towards roi soccer team
both teams sum up what is wrong with this island and why rugby sets a great example
First, you have to ask yourself why so few Northern Catholics support Norn Iron.
As somebody said earlier the "performance" of Billy Bingham and the rabble in Windsor Park in 93 would have quite a lot to do with it.
I got banned from owc for calling Bingham "Billy Bigot" in reference to his antics in the game against the Republic!
He was a disgrace that night and any support of them I had for them was gone after that disgraceful evening, that said I want all teams that pull on the green of Ireland to do well.
What did Bingham do that night?
I think he may have stirred the pot before the game. During it all I can remember him doing was waving to the crowd as if he was royalty. 2 cracking goals were scored that night, people forget that.
Did he not pretend to play the flute at a stage or am I imagining that?
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 30, 2015, 04:57:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on March 30, 2015, 04:44:56 PM
Quote from: stew on March 30, 2015, 04:06:08 PM
Quote from: 5 Sams on March 30, 2015, 02:02:47 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on March 30, 2015, 01:37:15 PM
Quote from: naka on March 30, 2015, 12:41:04 PM
don't actually mind NI
don't support them but am ambivalent also towards roi soccer team
both teams sum up what is wrong with this island and why rugby sets a great example
First, you have to ask yourself why so few Northern Catholics support Norn Iron.
As somebody said earlier the "performance" of Billy Bingham and the rabble in Windsor Park in 93 would have quite a lot to do with it.
I got banned from owc for calling Bingham "Billy Bigot" in reference to his antics in the game against the Republic!
He was a disgrace that night and any support of them I had for them was gone after that disgraceful evening, that said I want all teams that pull on the green of Ireland to do well.
What did Bingham do that night?
I think he may have stirred the pot before the game. During it all I can remember him doing was waving to the crowd as if he was royalty. 2 cracking goals were scored that night, people forget that.
To be fair, it was his last match in charge and his last match at Windsor after leading the team to 2 World Cups. Jackie Charlton seemed to think that NI should have just rolled over.
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 30, 2015, 04:57:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on March 30, 2015, 04:44:56 PM
Quote from: stew on March 30, 2015, 04:06:08 PM
Quote from: 5 Sams on March 30, 2015, 02:02:47 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on March 30, 2015, 01:37:15 PM
Quote from: naka on March 30, 2015, 12:41:04 PM
don't actually mind NI
don't support them but am ambivalent also towards roi soccer team
both teams sum up what is wrong with this island and why rugby sets a great example
First, you have to ask yourself why so few Northern Catholics support Norn Iron.
As somebody said earlier the "performance" of Billy Bingham and the rabble in Windsor Park in 93 would have quite a lot to do with it.
I got banned from owc for calling Bingham "Billy Bigot" in reference to his antics in the game against the Republic!
He was a disgrace that night and any support of them I had for them was gone after that disgraceful evening, that said I want all teams that pull on the green of Ireland to do well.
What did Bingham do that night?
I think he may have stirred the pot before the game. During it all I can remember him doing was waving to the crowd as if he was royalty. 2 cracking goals were scored that night, people forget that.
This is not waving to the crowd...this is stirring them up...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI1KuKKY7JU
Quote from: 5 Sams on March 30, 2015, 05:15:21 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on March 30, 2015, 04:57:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on March 30, 2015, 04:44:56 PM
Quote from: stew on March 30, 2015, 04:06:08 PM
Quote from: 5 Sams on March 30, 2015, 02:02:47 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on March 30, 2015, 01:37:15 PM
Quote from: naka on March 30, 2015, 12:41:04 PM
don't actually mind NI
don't support them but am ambivalent also towards roi soccer team
both teams sum up what is wrong with this island and why rugby sets a great example
First, you have to ask yourself why so few Northern Catholics support Norn Iron.
As somebody said earlier the "performance" of Billy Bingham and the rabble in Windsor Park in 93 would have quite a lot to do with it.
I got banned from owc for calling Bingham "Billy Bigot" in reference to his antics in the game against the Republic!
He was a disgrace that night and any support of them I had for them was gone after that disgraceful evening, that said I want all teams that pull on the green of Ireland to do well.
What did Bingham do that night?
I think he may have stirred the pot before the game. During it all I can remember him doing was waving to the crowd as if he was royalty. 2 cracking goals were scored that night, people forget that.
This is not waving to the crowd...this is stirring them up...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI1KuKKY7JU
Ah jeez I dunno about that. If Jack had been doing it in Dublin you wouldnt have batted an eyelid.
That was a hell of a goal that Jimmy Quinn scored.
Whatever about the politics I would venture to suggest that not too many Republic players would get into the current North of Ireland team.You would have to concede that Michael O'Neill is enhancing his reputation as an excellent young manager,destined for a big club job in England.
Yes he's doing great. Is the time right to put out the olive branch to the struggling south.
I went to a Nordie Ireland game in Windsor Park in a Laois GAA hoodie one night.
Didn't have any problems.
Stayed in a house in Sandy Row the same night actually.
Quote from: laoislad on March 30, 2015, 06:30:18 PM
I went to a Nordie Ireland game in Windsor Park in a Laois GAA hoodie one night.
Didn't have any problems.
They are huge Billy Sheehan fans up there!
They probably mistook if for a Linfield hoodie!
Quote from: T Fearon on March 30, 2015, 05:56:51 PM
Whatever about the politics I would venture to suggest that not too many Republic players would get into the current North of Ireland team.You would have to concede that Michael O'Neill is enhancing his reputation as an excellent young manager,destined for a big club job in England.
Are you being serious? Evans I think would start for the Republic and a maybe for McAuley, Brunt and Davis. The rest aren't close IMO.
Quote from: laoislad on March 30, 2015, 06:30:18 PM
I went to a Nordie Ireland game in Windsor Park in a Laois GAA hoodie one night.
Didn't have any problems.
Stayed in a house in Sandy Row the same night actually.
Well, you are from Queens County.
Just something about the ROI team that i cant warm to, been that way a long time too.
I'd definitely be more interested in NI's fortunes, having said that i turned over to watch the game v Finland yesterday evening and my heart sank as they started GSTQ. I also think the GAWA carry on is a load of nonsense, how anybody can be arsed with that for 90 minutes is beyond me, open to correction but i think that was born out of keeping the billy boy songs drowned out???
I reckon they have to lose GSTQ if they want to attract the likes of me to games.
Quote from: bennydorano on March 30, 2015, 07:40:16 PM
Just something about the ROI team that i cant warm to, been that way a long time too.
I'd definitely be more interested in NI's fortunes, having said that i turned over to watch the game v Finland yesterday evening and my heart sank as they started GSTQ. I also think the GAWA carry on is a load of nonsense, how anybody can be arsed with that for 90 minutes is beyond me, open to correction but i think that was born out of keeping the billy boy songs drowned out???
I reckon they have to lose GSTQ if they want to attract the likes of me to games.
Significant number of support would be in favour of getting rid of GSTQ. Although I understand your point of view, would it really put you off going to games? After all, Unionist players and supporters are happy enough to see past Irish anthem at international rugby matches in Dublin.
Petty and all as it seems, yes probably. Rugby has had several generations of getting used to their situation.
Quote from: bennydorano on March 30, 2015, 09:11:55 PM
Petty and all as it seems, yes probably. Rugby has had several generations of getting used to their situation.
Fair enough. By the way, GSTQ is a damp squib at Windsor with loads not singing. Embarassing I think too perhaps for players from Unionist community when their teammate is looking at floor when anthem is being played. You should give it a go when new stadium is built. You might enjoy it. If nothing else,you will get to see quality footballers on your doorstep for about £30 a ticket and support team from both sides of community.
Quote from: michaelg on March 30, 2015, 09:35:39 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 30, 2015, 09:11:55 PM
Petty and all as it seems, yes probably. Rugby has had several generations of getting used to their situation.
Fair enough. By the way, GSTQ is a damp squib at Windsor with loads not singing. Embarassing I think too perhaps for players from Unionist community when their teammate is looking at floor when anthem is being played. You should give it a go when new stadium is built. You might enjoy it. If nothing else,you will get to see quality footballers on your doorstep for about £30 a ticket and support team from both sides of community.
Could you imagine the f**king rioting if they lost GSTQ? You think taking down the flag on city hall was bad, imagine how'd they take losing the anthem and all.
Quote from: trileacman on March 30, 2015, 09:43:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on March 30, 2015, 09:35:39 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 30, 2015, 09:11:55 PM
Petty and all as it seems, yes probably. Rugby has had several generations of getting used to their situation.
Fair enough. By the way, GSTQ is a damp squib at Windsor with loads not singing. Embarassing I think too perhaps for players from Unionist community when their teammate is looking at floor when anthem is being played. You should give it a go when new stadium is built. You might enjoy it. If nothing else,you will get to see quality footballers on your doorstep for about £30 a ticket and support team from both sides of community.
Could you imagine the f**king rioting if they lost GSTQ? You think taking down the flag on city hall was bad, imagine how'd they take losing the anthem and all.
You might be surprised. Significant proportion of support in favour of having a NI sporting anthem.
There's a job for Gary Lightbody. No Ireland's call / Danny Boy shite either!
Quote from: michaelg on March 30, 2015, 09:47:05 PM
Quote from: trileacman on March 30, 2015, 09:43:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on March 30, 2015, 09:35:39 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 30, 2015, 09:11:55 PM
Petty and all as it seems, yes probably. Rugby has had several generations of getting used to their situation.
Fair enough. By the way, GSTQ is a damp squib at Windsor with loads not singing. Embarassing I think too perhaps for players from Unionist community when their teammate is looking at floor when anthem is being played. You should give it a go when new stadium is built. You might enjoy it. If nothing else,you will get to see quality footballers on your doorstep for about £30 a ticket and support team from both sides of community.
Could you imagine the f**king rioting if they lost GSTQ? You think taking down the flag on city hall was bad, imagine how'd they take losing the anthem and all.
You might be surprised. Significant proportion of support in favour of having a NI sporting anthem.
True but I think the type of people who would be most upset would be those most likely not to have ventured into Windsor in donkey's years. I mean neither Wullie or Jim Allister are frequent visitors (I think) but they'd live for stirring up a it of shite.
Despite the make-up of the team and management over the years I can well remember the type of flags on display back in the day. Sure what northern Catholic wouldn't love to be standing amongst thousands of vermin singing The Billy Boys ::)
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 30, 2015, 09:55:37 PM
Despite the make-up of the team and management over the years I can well remember the type of flags on display back in the day. Sure what northern Catholic wouldn't love to be standing amongst thousands of vermin singing The Billy Boys ::)
Hate to disappoint you, but there are not, as you so eloquently put it, 'thousands of scum singin the Billy Boys.' Have you been to a match or even watched one on TV in the last 10 - 15 years?
Billy Boys etc was sung at internationals at Windsor during the worst of The Troubles. Although no excuse, it was a fairly difficult time that we all lived through. To the best of my knowledge, when 40+ thousand supporters regularly attended matches in Belfast, which presumably included many thousands of northern Catholics, there was no Billy Boys etc. In time, it would be great if more northern Catholics started to attend matches again.
I couldn't care less if they get through, it's the love in bbc ni and utv will have with the ni soccer team that'll curdle my crap.
Quote from: michaelg on March 30, 2015, 10:08:54 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 30, 2015, 09:55:37 PM
Despite the make-up of the team and management over the years I can well remember the type of flags on display back in the day. Sure what northern Catholic wouldn't love to be standing amongst thousands of vermin singing The Billy Boys ::)
Hate to disappoint you, but there are not, as you so eloquently put it, 'thousands of scum singin the Billy Boys.' Have you been to a match or even watched one on TV in the last 10 - 15 years?
Billy Boys etc was sung at internationals at Windsor during the worst of The Troubles. Although no excuse, it was a fairly difficult time that we all lived through. To the best of my knowledge, when 40+ thousand supporters regularly attended matches in Belfast, which presumably included many thousands of northern Catholics, there was no Billy Boys etc. In time, it would be great if more northern Catholics started to attend matches again.
"Vermin" was the term I used and I probably haven't seen a match in years. The same people that sang those "party songs" are still the same people going therefore the songs may have changed but the sentiments towards their nationalist neighbours will remain. So forgive us if we don't rush down Tate's Ave to the next match.
Can't believe the nonsense I'm reading on here. Wearing a gaa hoodie to Windsor park and it not being too bad. Good luck to anyone going to watch games there. It's only in very recent years that the IFA have tried to make Windsor more welcoming. I would have had more respect for them if they moved their ground to a different area. What respect does playing gstq show to baird, mcginn etc. Catch yerself on. U wouldn't have to scratch too far beneath the surface to find the Windsor of 30/40 years ago.
Quote from: An Watcher on March 30, 2015, 10:50:47 PM
Can't believe the nonsense I'm reading on here. Wearing a gaa hoodie to Windsor park and it not being too bad. Good luck to anyone going to watch games there. It's only in very recent years that the IFA have tried to make Windsor more welcoming. I would have had more respect for them if they moved their ground to a different area. What respect does playing gstq show to baird, mcginn etc. Catch yerself on. U wouldn't have to scratch too far beneath the surface to find the Windsor of 30/40 years ago.
Good luck to anyone going to watch games there. What exactly do you think is going to happen?
I would have had more respect for them if they moved their ground to a different area. Not sure they could have afforded a move. In any case, the Lisburn Road / Tates Avenue is now populated by students and Polish people etc.
What respect does playing gstq show to baird, mcginn etc. The same argument could be applied to the playing of the Irish anthem at Ireland rugby matches. In short, it's not that big a deal what anthem is or isn't played.
Quote from: T Fearon on March 30, 2015, 05:56:51 PM
Whatever about the politics I would venture to suggest that not too many Republic players would get into the current North of Ireland team.You would have to concede that Michael O'Neill is enhancing his reputation as an excellent young manager,destined for a big club job in England.
Comedy gold there T Fearon!
The group that Northern Ireland are in is a Mickey Mouse group compared to Republic's. Poland, Germany & Scotland would beat the pick of any of the teams in N.I's group. I mean, Romania top the group, and that's saying something.
Johnny Evans would start, possibly Gareth McAuley. as for the rest, Chris Brunt etc, no. Regardless of how they perform for the Republic, names like McLean, McCarthy, McGeady, Long, all would step into the Northern Ireland team at ease.
The mere thought of the north qualifying fills me with dread only because it will mean Jackie Fullerton been dug up again to lead the love in ably assisted by that insufferable p***k "winker" Watson.
Quote from: 50fiftyball on March 31, 2015, 10:35:14 AM
Quote from: T Fearon on March 30, 2015, 05:56:51 PM
Whatever about the politics I would venture to suggest that not too many Republic players would get into the current North of Ireland team.You would have to concede that Michael O'Neill is enhancing his reputation as an excellent young manager,destined for a big club job in England.
Comedy gold there T Fearon!
The group that Northern Ireland are in is a Mickey Mouse group compared to Republic's. Poland, Germany & Scotland would beat the pick of any of the teams in N.I's group. I mean, Romania top the group, and that's saying something.
Johnny Evans would start, possibly Gareth McAuley. as for the rest, Chris Brunt etc, no. Regardless of how they perform for the Republic, names like McLean, McCarthy, McGeady, Long, all would step into the Northern Ireland team at ease.
I reckon ROI would still make hard work of that group if they were in it, like they are currently doing at the minute. Germany are still hung-over from the WC, Poland are certainly beatable as are the Scots. Individually ROI are better hands down than NI, but as a team they are clearly not.
Most of the time international football is more about being organised, well drilled and disciplined, rather than just having good players. The NI team are punching above their weight and are almost playing like a club team. I for one hope they qualify, two teams to support the way I look at it.
Quote from: The Subbie on March 31, 2015, 10:51:37 AM
because it will mean Jackie Fullerton been dug up again
When did Jackie Fullerton die? Or is he a Zombie?
Quote from: general_lee on March 31, 2015, 10:59:51 AM
Quote from: 50fiftyball on March 31, 2015, 10:35:14 AM
Quote from: T Fearon on March 30, 2015, 05:56:51 PM
Whatever about the politics I would venture to suggest that not too many Republic players would get into the current North of Ireland team.You would have to concede that Michael O'Neill is enhancing his reputation as an excellent young manager,destined for a big club job in England.
Comedy gold there T Fearon!
The group that Northern Ireland are in is a Mickey Mouse group compared to Republic's. Poland, Germany & Scotland would beat the pick of any of the teams in N.I's group. I mean, Romania top the group, and that's saying something.
Johnny Evans would start, possibly Gareth McAuley. as for the rest, Chris Brunt etc, no. Regardless of how they perform for the Republic, names like McLean, McCarthy, McGeady, Long, all would step into the Northern Ireland team at ease.
I reckon ROI would still make hard work of that group if they were in it, like they are currently doing at the minute. Germany are still hung-over from the WC, Poland are certainly beatable as are the Scots. Individually ROI are better hands down than NI, but as a team they are clearly not.
Most of the time international football is more about being organised, well drilled and disciplined, rather than just having good players. The NI team are punching above their weight and are almost playing like a club team. I for one hope they qualify, two teams to support the way I look at it.
The most sensible post here yet.
Windsor of 30+ years ago was not a pleasant place to go. Spain were a top team then (Butragueno, Hierro, Michel, Nadal et al) and a group of us were assured by some Protestant friends that all would be OK if we wanted to go down and see some world class players on view. It was a WC qualifier if memory serves me right around 1985/1986. Off we went, sat in top deck of stand and lo and behold we meet another few GAA lads from neighbouring club who were sat about 8-10 rows in front of us.
Spain quickly went into a 2 goal lead and sure enough one of our GAA friends from the neighbouring club got a wee bit braver and during a lull in the game he shouted back to us 'who won the minor game'??
Needless to say we went for a burger at HT and scampered on home....
The Republic have some very good players and excuses like that they dont have any players playing at the big clubs is also rubbish. There are plenty of teams we have struggled against of late who have half their team playing club football for teams you have never even heard of. The problem with the Republic is they have forgotten how to win. The list of teams who we have beaten competitively in the last 15 years is nothing but minnows and there is an even bigger list of very average teams who we are incapable of beating and looks like Scotland and Poland are joiningg that rather long list of ridiculously average teams. At least Northern Ireland despite their limitations give it a go and as a result have beaten Spain, Russia, England, Sweden, Denmark and many more since we last did anything. The only problem with the North is they have a tendency to lose to a Luxembourg or Faroe Islands every so often which wrecks their chances.
By the way Windsor park has improved unbelievably in 20 years however there is still a nasty core of fans, not many but significant. Ps the IFA had a great chance to deal with stadium location but decided to go for Windsor upgrade which not only stank of Linfield favourtism but kept the stadium in a very loyalist area despite some demographic shift. Thye also have run a mile from the anthem issue. When former player Paul McVeigh said it was something that needed changing the blazers and token Gerry all kidded themselves that it was a non-issue
The Republic has some "very good" players? I would respectfully disagree. They have some good players who are solid members of teams/squads outside the top of the premiership. Beyond that they've a few decent lads. That's about the height of it.
I know someone who is a die hard Celtic fan (travelled over every week for about 10 years), and his son is a current Linfield player. He wouldnt cross the road to watch NI, but if it helps his sons career then so be it.
Quote from: gallsman on March 31, 2015, 04:51:07 PM
The Republic has some "very good" players? I would respectfully disagree. They have some good players who are solid members of teams/squads outside the top of the premiership. Beyond that they've a few decent lads. That's about the height of it.
Your missing my point. We are not a tier 1 nation but we should still be able to deal with the likes of Scotland, Poland, Austria, Sweden, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Israel, Switzerland etc fine and maybe even win the occasional match FFS. The current squad has 15 players playing at premiership teams compare that to Scotlands 8 and take Lewandowski and the goalkeepers out of that Poland squad and the rest is pretty brutal
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on March 31, 2015, 05:24:16 PM
Quote from: gallsman on March 31, 2015, 04:51:07 PM
The Republic has some "very good" players? I would respectfully disagree. They have some good players who are solid members of teams/squads outside the top of the premiership. Beyond that they've a few decent lads. That's about the height of it.
Your missing my point. We are not a tier 1 nation but we should still be able to deal with the likes of Scotland, Poland, Austria, Sweden, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Israel, Switzerland etc fine and maybe even win the occasional match FFS. The current squad has 15 players playing at premiership teams compare that to Scotlands 8 and take Lewandowski and the goalkeepers out of that Poland squad and the rest is pretty brutal
I disagree. Several of those are Tier 2 teams with a world class player or two and a few others who pay at the highest level repeatedly. We don't even have that.
I wouldn't bet on the outcome of a NI V Republic game today.NI have players from Man Utd and Liverpool,whereas the Republic rely on the spine of Derby Co,and those well past their sell by dates like Shay Given,and Robbie Keane.Away wins in Greece and Hungary are not to be sneezed at
Guy i know says that alot of the fans want their own anthem and flag. Problem is no one will take this on and make the change. Until this happens alot of the Catholic majority in the north will not set a foot in it.
Quote from: T Fearon on March 31, 2015, 06:12:54 PM
I wouldn't bet on the outcome of a NI V Republic game today.NI have players from Man Utd and Liverpool,whereas the Republic rely on the spine of Derby Co,and those well past their sell by dates like Shay Given,and Robbie Keane.Away wins in Greece and Hungary are not to be sneezed at
It's pretty obvious who you'd be supporting though...
Quote from: laoislad on March 31, 2015, 07:59:57 PM
Quote from: T Fearon on March 31, 2015, 06:12:54 PM
I wouldn't bet on the outcome of a NI V Republic game today.NI have players from Man Utd and Liverpool,whereas the Republic rely on the spine of Derby Co,and those well past their sell by dates like Shay Given,and Robbie Keane.Away wins in Greece and Hungary are not to be sneezed at
It's pretty obvious who you'd be supporting though...
It is?
Quote from: Hereiam on March 31, 2015, 07:52:39 PM
Guy i know says that alot of the fans want their own anthem and flag. Problem is no one will take this on and make the change. Until this happens alot of the Catholic majority in the north will not set a foot in it.
When i was posting last night this was in my mind also. Wasn't it the Executive Committee of the IFA that presided over the Sunday related fiasco - showing a fundamentalist attitude that make a Duper blush? If men of this ilk are still running the show what chance is there that GSTQ will ever disappear? I realise removal of the NI flag, that would be on a wish list of things to be removed to attract all elements of Nationalism, would be a bridge too far (& not necessary imo).
Personally I don't think anyone will go to Windsor Park....the stand is falling down
Quote from: T Fearon on March 31, 2015, 09:26:19 PM
Personally I don't think anyone will go to Windsor Park....the stand is falling down
See that on the news. Does Casement have a surface they could use?
The end of Castle Greyskull would be no bad thing
Casement is tumbleweed already.
Quote from: foxcommander on March 31, 2015, 02:42:36 PM
Quote from: The Subbie on March 31, 2015, 10:51:37 AM
because it will mean Jackie Fullerton been dug up again
When did Jackie Fullerton die? Or is he a Zombie?
Jackie is still amongst the living as far as I know, he usually wanders around the ether that is BBC sport "ni" that thinks sport consists of men's hockey, a few mervyns racing their Talbot sunbeams at nutts corner and distillery vs ards in the Antrim shield or some such nonsense,all the while desperately coat tailing anyone or anything that hints of the "mainland" & basks in their glow as they pat Jackie & co on the back and tell them what a great wee province they have here.
Don't get me started on "winker" f**king Watson, another flat earther that is oblivious to the most attended sport within his broadcast region.
Did you know that Jackie did the first ever commentary on a GAA highlights match shown on UTV (Down v Dublin) and also he presented the BBC's Championship programme? Hardly a bigot
Quote from: T Fearon on March 31, 2015, 11:53:58 PM
Did you know that Jackie did the first ever commentary on a GAA highlights match shown on UTV (Down v Dublin) and also he presented the BBC's Championship programme? Hardly a bigot
I didn't say he was a bigot Tony.
I did say he was a p***k though, never liked him.
You can though, no problem with that.
Quote from: The Subbie on March 31, 2015, 11:30:51 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on March 31, 2015, 02:42:36 PM
Quote from: The Subbie on March 31, 2015, 10:51:37 AM
because it will mean Jackie Fullerton been dug up again
When did Jackie Fullerton die? Or is he a Zombie?
Jackie is still amongst the living as far as I know, he usually wanders around the ether that is BBC sport "ni" that thinks sport consists of men's hockey, a few mervyns racing their Talbot sunbeams at nutts corner and distillery vs ards in the Antrim shield or some such nonsense,all the while desperately coat tailing anyone or anything that hints of the "mainland" & basks in their glow as they pat Jackie & co on the back and tell them what a great wee province they have here.
Don't get me started on "winker" f**king Watson, another flat earther that is oblivious to the most attended sport within his broadcast region.
The situation you explain above is about 20 years out of date - There is now thorough coverage of GAA and the ROI football team on both local channels. Funny how you only mention Watson and Fullerton etc, and make no mention of presenters from the Nationalist community. Strange that.
Quote from: michaelg on April 01, 2015, 07:35:10 AM
Quote from: The Subbie on March 31, 2015, 11:30:51 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on March 31, 2015, 02:42:36 PM
Quote from: The Subbie on March 31, 2015, 10:51:37 AM
because it will mean Jackie Fullerton been dug up again
When did Jackie Fullerton die? Or is he a Zombie?
Jackie is still amongst the living as far as I know, he usually wanders around the ether that is BBC sport "ni" that thinks sport consists of men's hockey, a few mervyns racing their Talbot sunbeams at nutts corner and distillery vs ards in the Antrim shield or some such nonsense,all the while desperately coat tailing anyone or anything that hints of the "mainland" & basks in their glow as they pat Jackie & co on the back and tell them what a great wee province they have here.
Don't get me started on "winker" f**king Watson, another flat earther that is oblivious to the most attended sport within his broadcast region.
The situation you explain above is about 20 years out of date - There is now thorough coverage of GAA and the ROI football team on both local channels. Funny how you only mention Watson and Fullerton etc, and make no mention of presenters from the Nationalist community. Strange that.
So by your metric Michael the BBC issued a new policy statement in or around 1995 that GAA and the ROI football team would get "thorough" coverage, I must have missed that whilst filtering my way through the men's hockey results and the latest excitement from the monster truck demolition derby in Nutts corner....
Are you seriously trying to tell me that the ulster club championship is given as much coverage as the irish league? Men's hockey? Women's hockey? despite the attendances from the three combined not coming close to matching one half significant GAA match.
Anyway winker Watson is still a w**ker. So's Jackie.
Quote from: michaelg on March 30, 2015, 09:47:05 PM
Quote from: trileacman on March 30, 2015, 09:43:00 PM
Quote from: michaelg on March 30, 2015, 09:35:39 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 30, 2015, 09:11:55 PM
Petty and all as it seems, yes probably. Rugby has had several generations of getting used to their situation.
Fair enough. By the way, GSTQ is a damp squib at Windsor with loads not singing. Embarassing I think too perhaps for players from Unionist community when their teammate is looking at floor when anthem is being played. You should give it a go when new stadium is built. You might enjoy it. If nothing else,you will get to see quality footballers on your doorstep for about £30 a ticket and support team from both sides of community.
Could you imagine the f**king rioting if they lost GSTQ? You think taking down the flag on city hall was bad, imagine how'd they take losing the anthem and all.
You might be surprised. Significant proportion of support in favour of having a NI sporting anthem.
They would need to drop the loyalist rag as well
If a county PRO promptly emailed club SFC results into any news agency I guarantee they would be broadcasted.
Never ever underestimate how favourably those in the media view news items/ sports results handed to them on a plate and which make their job easier.
Quote from: The Subbie on April 01, 2015, 08:51:58 AM
Quote from: michaelg on April 01, 2015, 07:35:10 AM
Quote from: The Subbie on March 31, 2015, 11:30:51 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on March 31, 2015, 02:42:36 PM
Quote from: The Subbie on March 31, 2015, 10:51:37 AM
because it will mean Jackie Fullerton been dug up again
When did Jackie Fullerton die? Or is he a Zombie?
Jackie is still amongst the living as far as I know, he usually wanders around the ether that is BBC sport "ni" that thinks sport consists of men's hockey, a few mervyns racing their Talbot sunbeams at nutts corner and distillery vs ards in the Antrim shield or some such nonsense,all the while desperately coat tailing anyone or anything that hints of the "mainland" & basks in their glow as they pat Jackie & co on the back and tell them what a great wee province they have here.
Don't get me started on "winker" f**king Watson, another flat earther that is oblivious to the most attended sport within his broadcast region.
The situation you explain above is about 20 years out of date - There is now thorough coverage of GAA and the ROI football team on both local channels. Funny how you only mention Watson and Fullerton etc, and make no mention of presenters from the Nationalist community. Strange that.
So by your metric Michael the BBC issued a new policy statement in or around 1995 that GAA and the ROI football team would get "thorough" coverage, I must have missed that whilst filtering my way through the men's hockey results and the latest excitement from the monster truck demolition derby in Nutts corner....
Are you seriously trying to tell me that the ulster club championship is given as much coverage as the irish league? Men's hockey? Women's hockey? despite the attendances from the three combined not coming close to matching one half significant GAA match.
Anyway winker Watson is still a w**ker. So's Jackie.
What exactly do you expect? Local sports bulletins exclusively covering Gaelic Games? Incidentally, I never said that the Ulster Club Championship got as much coverage as the Irish League. It does, however, get regular coverage with highlights and features relating to those clubs progressing well in the competition. Funnily enough, the highlights tend to be shown on a Sunday after the matches have been played. i.e. The same way that the goals from the IL are shown in the round-up on a Saturday afternoon after the 'soccer' games have been played. As for your nonsense about coverage of hockey, they pretty much simply call out the scores at the end of the Final Score from NI programme on a Saturday.
Anyway, you seemed to have missed out one key word from your final sentence.
Quote from: michaelg on April 01, 2015, 05:06:38 PM
What exactly do you expect? Local sports bulletins exclusively covering Gaelic Games? Incidentally, I never said that the Ulster Club Championship got as much coverage as the Irish League. It does, however, get regular coverage with highlights and features relating to those clubs progressing well in the competition. Funnily enough, the highlights tend to be shown on a Sunday after the matches have been played. i.e. The same way that the goals from the IL are shown in the round-up on a Saturday afternoon after the 'soccer' games have been played. As for your nonsense about coverage of hockey, they pretty much simply call out the scores at the end of the Final Score from NI programme on a Saturday.
Anyway, you seemed to have missed out one key word from your final sentence.
BBC NI is much better than any of the commercial radio stations. For example, U105 will often annouce English County cricket scores, but not club championship nor county minor results.
To be fair Jackie Fullofhimself is a kindly soul and no harm to anyone. Maybe Jerome Q can offer some more insight to the goings on at the BBC.
Ah lads I've met jackie a few times and he's a decent spud,loves the high life but who doesn't,Watson on the other hand, well let's just say he'd not a very popular guy within his own fraternity let alone outside it
Is abhrann na Vian outdated? Should we consider a new one?
Quote from: Johnnybegood on April 01, 2015, 05:30:38 PM
Is abhrann na Vian outdated? Should we consider a new one?
Should be replaced with something more contemporary.
Westlife's "Flying without wings" would be a top pick.
Or Micheal Hucknall's "Money's too tight to mention"
Quote from: foxcommander on March 30, 2015, 04:44:08 PM
Quote from: Esmarelda on March 30, 2015, 04:13:17 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on March 30, 2015, 03:02:07 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on March 30, 2015, 01:37:15 PM
Quote from: naka on March 30, 2015, 12:41:04 PM
don't actually mind NI
don't support them but am ambivalent also towards roi soccer team
both teams sum up what is wrong with this island and why rugby sets a great example
First, you have to ask yourself why so few Northern Catholics support Norn Iron.
Did they get rid of their anthem yet? That would be a stumbling block, no?
Did anyone else find it amusing how the Scottish fans booed God Save The Queen when it was played as the NI anthem before last week's friendly considering the recent referendum?
They pull out the Braveheart stuff when they need it.
Shouldn't "Flower of Scotland" be on a banned list as it incites violence? How many arrests were there?
I mention this in contrast to the authorities detaining fans at SPL matches for singing songs.
No, it should be on the banned list because those bunch of skirt-wearing chickenhearts lost any right to use it as their anthem when they spurned the opportunity to grab - at long last - their freedom from England
Freedom is a state of mind. We're all ruled from Europe now anyway. Even an United Ireland would mean diddly squat in reality.
Quote from: Orior on April 01, 2015, 05:13:02 PM
Quote from: michaelg on April 01, 2015, 05:06:38 PM
What exactly do you expect? Local sports bulletins exclusively covering Gaelic Games? Incidentally, I never said that the Ulster Club Championship got as much coverage as the Irish League. It does, however, get regular coverage with highlights and features relating to those clubs progressing well in the competition. Funnily enough, the highlights tend to be shown on a Sunday after the matches have been played. i.e. The same way that the goals from the IL are shown in the round-up on a Saturday afternoon after the 'soccer' games have been played. As for your nonsense about coverage of hockey, they pretty much simply call out the scores at the end of the Final Score from NI programme on a Saturday.
Anyway, you seemed to have missed out one key word from your final sentence.
BBC NI is much better than any of the commercial radio stations. For example, U105 will often annouce English County cricket scores, but not club championship nor county minor results.
To be fair Jackie Fullofhimself is a kindly soul and no harm to anyone. Maybe Jerome Q can offer some more insight to the goings on at the BBC.
[/b]
Yeah how to make a c**k out of yourself and get sacked would be the height of it.
Quote from: red hander on April 01, 2015, 10:31:29 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on March 30, 2015, 04:44:08 PM
Quote from: Esmarelda on March 30, 2015, 04:13:17 PM
Quote from: foxcommander on March 30, 2015, 03:02:07 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on March 30, 2015, 01:37:15 PM
Quote from: naka on March 30, 2015, 12:41:04 PM
don't actually mind NI
don't support them but am ambivalent also towards roi soccer team
both teams sum up what is wrong with this island and why rugby sets a great example
First, you have to ask yourself why so few Northern Catholics support Norn Iron.
Did they get rid of their anthem yet? That would be a stumbling block, no?
Did anyone else find it amusing how the Scottish fans booed God Save The Queen when it was played as the NI anthem before last week's friendly considering the recent referendum?
They pull out the Braveheart stuff when they need it.
Shouldn't "Flower of Scotland" be on a banned list as it incites violence? How many arrests were there?
I mention this in contrast to the authorities detaining fans at SPL matches for singing songs.
No, it should be on the banned list because those bunch of skirt-wearing chickenhearts lost any right to use it as their anthem when they spurned the opportunity to grab - at long last - their freedom from England
yiz might want to read the lyrics of flower of Scotland! 'those days are gone now and in the past thy must remain'
im of the opionion that our own anthem should be updated with a new tune and lyrics, definitely new lyrics anywhooo
Remember the name.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fr78xHFWcAIPLgl?format=jpg&name=small)
Bate at home by Finland but Denmark lost to Kazakhstan! The group looks fairly open
NI are low on striking options. 2 goals against San Marino and none at home against Finland.