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Non GAA Discussion => General discussion => Topic started by: dec on December 11, 2007, 02:57:36 PM

Title: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: dec on December 11, 2007, 02:57:36 PM
Indo story - "http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/secret-allireland-league-talks-at-advanced-stage-1243934.html" (http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/secret-allireland-league-talks-at-advanced-stage-1243934.html)

"Advanced discussions about the introduction of an All Ireland soccer league have taken place between clubs from both sides of the border and interested stakeholders, with the intention of drafting a New Year proposal that will be too good for the FAI and IFA to refuse. The Irish Independent has learned that top eircom League sides have been involved in secret talks with counterparts in the North and with the backing of significant third party encouragement in the hope of bringing the project to fruition. They have been given reason to believe that governments in the North and South would be receptive to the project and are confident that UEFA -- who have been informally sounded out -- and FIFA will give the necessary backing to the venture.

Now, they are looking to put an attractive final package together by January with the necessary levels of support and a business plan to convince the two football associations to give the green light to press forward. Their involvement is pivotal so that any league including the island's top clubs would be capable of gaining the places to compete in European competition.

"If the FAI and the IFA want to buy into it then everyone is happy," says one club source.
"It would be difficult to proceed without their support.
"There's a bigger picture here. Certainly, there are very professional people involved in this project and there is a lot of excitement about what can be achieved.
"This could be very big for football in this country and is capable of bringing it to the next level."

The origins of the initiative came from meetings between the six leading eircom League full time clubs -- Cork City, Drogheda United, Derry City, St Patrick's Athletic, Bohemians and Galway United -- to discuss grievances regarding their participation agreement with the FAI and the wage cap thats coming into place next season. However, those discussions have snowballed with other parties being sought out for advice and to ascertain their interest as the desire for a full time professional All-Ireland league emerged as the ultimate objective. Tentative discussions have taken place with a television company who are willing to offer their backing to the venture.

Other league members, who were not part of the original group of six, have now asked to be kept aware of developments as the project grows wings and some have been invited to subsequent gatherings. Regardless of the success of the plan, the 22 eircom League clubs are preparing to lobby the FAI for the re-drafting of the participation agreement amid widespread unhappiness at its implementation. "
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: his holiness nb on December 11, 2007, 03:22:06 PM
Heard this on the radio, what would the fans of Irish clubs, North and South think of this going ahead, good or bad?
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: J70 on December 11, 2007, 03:35:32 PM
From a Finn Harps point of view, I think it would be great. More derby matches with the likes of Omagh Town would be good for attendances.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Feckitt on December 11, 2007, 03:35:47 PM
If this happened, which clubs from North and South would make the cut for an AI Premiership.  Also would it be a 50/50 split or would the south get more teams in.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Puckoon on December 11, 2007, 04:09:55 PM
Quote from: J70 on December 11, 2007, 03:35:32 PM
From a Finn Harps point of view, I think it would be great. More derby matches with the likes of Omagh Town would be good for attendances.

The same omagh town thats now lost and gone forever? :'( RIP OTFC.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: The Real Laoislad on December 11, 2007, 04:20:08 PM
I think it would be great,but as a Kilkenny City fan im sure it would mean we would be in the lowest division
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: nifan on December 11, 2007, 04:41:37 PM
For club teams it would be good, though there would be obvious security implications around some of the fixtures.

Assuming the NI team is safe I dont care.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: his holiness nb on December 11, 2007, 04:41:53 PM
I'd imagine it would make sense to have more teams in each division, a bit more like in England. To fit all teams in if nothing else.
I have no idea which league is stronger, who would fill the top division if say there were 16 teams in it?
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: his holiness nb on December 11, 2007, 04:42:55 PM
Quote from: nifan on December 11, 2007, 04:41:37 PM
For club teams it would be good, though there would be obvious security implications around some of the fixtures.

Assuming the NI team is safe I dont care.

Didnt follow it at all, but were there any problems with the setanta cup games where teams from north and south played each other?
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: nifan on December 11, 2007, 04:47:26 PM
The teams/fans where fine.

The problem was the buses taking the fans to/from the games getting stoned.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: J70 on December 11, 2007, 04:49:27 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on December 11, 2007, 04:09:55 PM
Quote from: J70 on December 11, 2007, 03:35:32 PM
From a Finn Harps point of view, I think it would be great. More derby matches with the likes of Omagh Town would be good for attendances.

The same omagh town thats now lost and gone forever? :'( RIP OTFC.

I (obviously!) had not heard that. That's a shame.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Puckoon on December 11, 2007, 04:52:01 PM
I think there was a spotlight programme that delved into how they handled the funds raised in the charity games after the bombing. Pretty quick after that they had to fold. Was a shame, I lived within walkin distance to st julians (and healy park).


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omagh_Town_F.C. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omagh_Town_F.C.)
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: brokencrossbar1 on December 11, 2007, 04:55:04 PM
I was shot down by some OWC fans when I suggested that this would happen whenever the Setanta Cup was started.  It is the inevitable movement and should be good for the game in general on the island. If it happens though there will be some serious issues to look at in regards to the infrastructure outside of the games themselves.

Following on from what Heganboy started on the tax implications for GAA players under the grants scheme how can the finances of clubs in two different countries be audited under different revenue procedures.  This is a serious minefield as it stands unless there is some form of unification of the tax system.  These are businesses and therefore should be held up to the same standard.  If, for talk sake, a player can get more money after tax from a club on one side of the then surely they are getting an unfair advantage over clubs on the other side. This is a simple example I know but is a potential stumbling block, unless of course there is something going on between the two Revenue depts which will facilitate this joining of the two leagues.  If there is such an arrangement then this would also presumably be available to GAA players and therefore this might answer the question that Heganboy raised.

Therefore, this could be used as the first steps towrads having a single tax system both north and south, or at least some form of equivalency.

NIFan, I am sorry but I think this woyuld be the first baby step towards a unified team, and no matter how you try to avoid it, if you throw enough incentives before people, ie money they will eventually bite.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: his holiness nb on December 11, 2007, 05:03:34 PM
Quote from: nifan on December 11, 2007, 04:47:26 PM
The teams/fans where fine.

The problem was the buses taking the fans to/from the games getting stoned.

Ah, could you tell me where this happened and what teams fans were involved?
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: dec on December 11, 2007, 05:15:41 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on December 11, 2007, 04:55:04 PM
Following on from what Heganboy started on the tax implications for GAA players under the grants scheme how can the finances of clubs in two different countries be audited under different revenue procedures.  This is a serious minefield as it stands unless there is some form of unification of the tax system.  These are businesses and therefore should be held up to the same standard.  If, for talk sake, a player can get more money after tax from a club on one side of the then surely they are getting an unfair advantage over clubs on the other side. This is a simple example I know but is a potential stumbling block, unless of course there is something going on between the two Revenue depts which will facilitate this joining of the two leagues.

In North America the NHL, NBA and baseball all have teams in both Canada and the US. Hockey has the longest history of having teams operating under two different tax regimes.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: nifan on December 11, 2007, 05:26:24 PM
Quote from: 5iveTimes on December 11, 2007, 05:09:15 PM
Buses carrying Linfield fans were stoned in Derry.

And Derry fans returning from linfield stoned in "londonderry"
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: bingobus on December 11, 2007, 05:40:45 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on December 11, 2007, 04:55:04 PM

Following on from what Heganboy started on the tax implications for GAA players under the grants scheme how can the finances of clubs in two different countries be audited under different revenue procedures.  This is a serious minefield as it stands unless there is some form of unification of the tax system.  These are businesses and therefore should be held up to the same standard.  If, for talk sake, a player can get more money after tax from a club on one side of the then surely they are getting an unfair advantage over clubs on the other side. This is a simple example I know but is a potential stumbling block, unless of course there is something going on between the two Revenue depts which will facilitate this joining of the two leagues.  If there is such an arrangement then this would also presumably be available to GAA players and therefore this might answer the question that Heganboy raised.



BC1, this shouldn't be a problem. Plenty of existing businesses operate both sides of the border under the two different Tax Regimes. Rules are in place to facility it. Basically, would mean been registered in both jurisdictions and been able to extract profits earned in each "region" so that the returns can be made if profit is earned in the other "region".

Any well manged and run business would be able operate under these rules. So applying that logic, every club that enters this league would be wound up by the HMRC and the Revenue Comm within three years.

Surprised that you didn't know about cross border taxation...was it not popular round Cross  ;)  ;D
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: armaghniac on December 11, 2007, 06:19:05 PM
I hardly see what tax has to do with it. All the big soccer teams play in European competition, where they are under different tax regimes. Munster rugby may be in a different tax regime than Stade De France, but that doesn't stop competition. For all that your average soccer player is likely to get paid, the tax will not make much difference.

QuoteSurprised that you didn't know about cross border taxation...was it not popular round Cross

Tax in general is not popular around Cross. The proposition that you pay for your own colonisation is not an attractive one. :)
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: stiffler on December 11, 2007, 06:45:25 PM
How many teams currently in the north and south are professional?

this could possinbly be one of the requirements of joining the top division in the new league.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Solomon Kane on December 11, 2007, 06:47:16 PM
1 shite league + 1 shite league = 1 shite league. The Setanta Cup can be vaguely interesting, but I don't see the point in dumping half the premiership clubs in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland into the second tier of football. The attendances at first division games either dise of the border would never justify, or could financially sustain a new league. I don't see the attendances or quality of football rising that much given the competition from Britain were Liverpool, Man U, Rangers and Celtic are a bigger draw than any from either side of the border and a cheap ferry trip or easy-jet flight away. Perhaps the answer would be to extend the Setanta cup.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: bignifanatic on December 11, 2007, 08:06:25 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on December 11, 2007, 04:55:04 PM
I was shot down by some OWC fans when I suggested that this would happen whenever the Setanta Cup was started.  It is the inevitable movement and should be good for the game in general on the island. If it happens though there will be some serious issues to look at in regards to the infrastructure outside of the games themselves.

Following on from what Heganboy started on the tax implications for GAA players under the grants scheme how can the finances of clubs in two different countries be audited under different revenue procedures.  This is a serious minefield as it stands unless there is some form of unification of the tax system.  These are businesses and therefore should be held up to the same standard.  If, for talk sake, a player can get more money after tax from a club on one side of the then surely they are getting an unfair advantage over clubs on the other side. This is a simple example I know but is a potential stumbling block, unless of course there is something going on between the two Revenue depts which will facilitate this joining of the two leagues.  If there is such an arrangement then this would also presumably be available to GAA players and therefore this might answer the question that Heganboy raised.

Therefore, this could be used as the first steps towrads having a single tax system both north and south, or at least some form of equivalency.

NIFan, I am sorry but I think this woyuld be the first baby step towards a unified team, and no matter how you try to avoid it, if you throw enough incentives before people, ie money they will eventually bite.


We will not amalgamate with the republic for any reason. The IFA is here to stay so get over it. I am opposed to any form of unification of the leagues because this is simplythe republics way of taking over the IFA and I for one will not stand for it.I dont think that our leaders are telling us the full story when it comes to unifying the leagues and we need to get to the bottom of what it is they are scheming. First we have the maze debacle and now this? >:(
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Puckoon on December 11, 2007, 08:09:04 PM
Quote from: bignifanatic on December 11, 2007, 08:06:25 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on December 11, 2007, 04:55:04 PM
I was shot down by some OWC fans when I suggested that this would happen whenever the Setanta Cup was started.  It is the inevitable movement and should be good for the game in general on the island. If it happens though there will be some serious issues to look at in regards to the infrastructure outside of the games themselves.

Following on from what Heganboy started on the tax implications for GAA players under the grants scheme how can the finances of clubs in two different countries be audited under different revenue procedures.  This is a serious minefield as it stands unless there is some form of unification of the tax system.  These are businesses and therefore should be held up to the same standard.  If, for talk sake, a player can get more money after tax from a club on one side of the then surely they are getting an unfair advantage over clubs on the other side. This is a simple example I know but is a potential stumbling block, unless of course there is something going on between the two Revenue depts which will facilitate this joining of the two leagues.  If there is such an arrangement then this would also presumably be available to GAA players and therefore this might answer the question that Heganboy raised.

Therefore, this could be used as the first steps towrads having a single tax system both north and south, or at least some form of equivalency.

NIFan, I am sorry but I think this woyuld be the first baby step towards a unified team, and no matter how you try to avoid it, if you throw enough incentives before people, ie money they will eventually bite.


We will not amalgamate with the republic for any reason. The IFA is here to stay so get over it. I am opposed to any form of unification of the leagues because this is simplythe republics way of taking over the IFA and I for one will not stand for it.I dont think that our leaders are telling us the full story when it comes to unifying the leagues and we need to get to the bottom of what it is they are scheming. First we have the maze debacle and now this? >:(


Spoken like you have all the authority there champ.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: bignifanatic on December 11, 2007, 08:28:02 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on December 11, 2007, 08:09:04 PM
Quote from: bignifanatic on December 11, 2007, 08:06:25 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on December 11, 2007, 04:55:04 PM
I was shot down by some OWC fans when I suggested that this would happen whenever the Setanta Cup was started.  It is the inevitable movement and should be good for the game in general on the island. If it happens though there will be some serious issues to look at in regards to the infrastructure outside of the games themselves.

Following on from what Heganboy started on the tax implications for GAA players under the grants scheme how can the finances of clubs in two different countries be audited under different revenue procedures.  This is a serious minefield as it stands unless there is some form of unification of the tax system.  These are businesses and therefore should be held up to the same standard.  If, for talk sake, a player can get more money after tax from a club on one side of the then surely they are getting an unfair advantage over clubs on the other side. This is a simple example I know but is a potential stumbling block, unless of course there is something going on between the two Revenue depts which will facilitate this joining of the two leagues.  If there is such an arrangement then this would also presumably be available to GAA players and therefore this might answer the question that Heganboy raised.

Therefore, this could be used as the first steps towrads having a single tax system both north and south, or at least some form of equivalency.

NIFan, I am sorry but I think this woyuld be the first baby step towards a unified team, and no matter how you try to avoid it, if you throw enough incentives before people, ie money they will eventually bite.


We will not amalgamate with the republic for any reason. The IFA is here to stay so get over it. I am opposed to any form of unification of the leagues because this is simplythe republics way of taking over the IFA and I for one will not stand for it.I dont think that our leaders are telling us the full story when it comes to unifying the leagues and we need to get to the bottom of what it is they are scheming. First we have the maze debacle and now this? >:(


Spoken like you have all the authority there champ.

I am a member of Limavady and played for them, I have been a member of the NISC for many years and we will not lose our team to the south, I would rather lose it to an all british set up than lose it to those philistines down south, the FAI have proven time and time again they are inept and we dont need to amalgamate with anybody. I also know several high ranking IFA officials and they swear that we are not in any danger. I have to believe that for my own sanity and although I have no authority I do know those who are in authority and they tell me we are safe and that is good enough for me.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Rav67 on December 11, 2007, 08:42:12 PM
Quote from: his holiness nb on December 11, 2007, 04:41:53 PM
I'd imagine it would make sense to have more teams in each division, a bit more like in England. To fit all teams in if nothing else.
I have no idea which league is stronger, who would fill the top division if say there were 16 teams in it?

If they are talking about full-time professionalism somewhere down the line and improving the standard of soccer played on a national level then I would think it could only be a 12-team premier division, perhaps 14 at a push.  The northern league would probably supply Linfield, Glentoran, Cliftonville and Portadown with the rest coming from the Eircom league.

Personally I think the sensible and viable option would be to keep separate leagues but have one of the cup competitions held on a natiowide basis (not just for the elite teams like the present Setanta cup).
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: TacadoirArdMhacha on December 11, 2007, 08:56:58 PM
QuoteWe will not amalgamate with the republic for any reason. The IFA is here to stay so get over it. I am opposed to any form of unification of the leagues because this is simplythe republics way of taking over the IFA and I for one will not stand for it.

Well that's that sorted anyway!

Quotethe FAI have proven time and time again they are inept and we dont need to amalgamate with anybody.

Incompetent as the FAI are, they are a model of efficency compared to the IFA.

I think the All Ireland league would be a good idea although I've been told that this is just a snap reaction by LOI clubs throwing their toys out of the pram because they have to adhere to a wage cap.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: bignifanatic on December 11, 2007, 09:15:16 PM
Quote from: 5iveTimes on December 11, 2007, 08:39:37 PM
bignilunatic, you describe us in the South as " philistines ", it is not us who are stuck in the late Seventeenth Century.
Do you honestly believe that the IFA cares what you think. Do you not realise that their only loyalty, like the rest of us in this market economy, is to the half crown  ;) I have seen much more prinipled men than the IFA sell out for money.
By the way if you have no objection to amalgamating with an all British set up then I think you should seriously think about moving to Britain.

I didnt say I would be ok with it, if an amalgamation had to happen I would prefer it happen with people I could relate to and had something in common with. It doesnt matter, it is not happening. ;D
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: heganboy on December 11, 2007, 09:15:38 PM
If howard wells' actions wrt the FSI coontract don't show you that he puts his financial well being ahead of the IFA's then I don't know what it will take to convince you.
Unfortunately the same boy could well propose any negotiation with the FAI if he saw a few quid in it.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: stew on December 11, 2007, 10:34:41 PM
This seems like the writing is on the wall for the IFA and FAI, the quicker this league kicks in the better and it really does pave the way for a unified football team, now that would be a team worth rallying around.

Healy and Keane up front would scare any country and I look forward to the day when we can all get behind one Irish side.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Fishbat on December 12, 2007, 03:44:28 AM
Quote from: stew on December 11, 2007, 10:34:41 PM
This seems like the writing is on the wall for the IFA and FAI, the quicker this league kicks in the better and it really does pave the way for a unified football team, now that would be a team worth rallying around.

Healy and Keane up front would scare any country and I look forward to the day when we can all get behind one Irish side.

I doubt it.



Bignifanatic - Philistines? classic...
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: his holiness nb on December 12, 2007, 09:03:17 AM
Quote from: bignifanatic on December 11, 2007, 09:15:16 PM
Quote from: 5iveTimes on December 11, 2007, 08:39:37 PM
if an amalgamation had to happen I would prefer it happen with people I could relate to and had something in common with

And there was me thinking we were all starting to get along.

I for one have plenty of relations in the North who I can relate to and have plenty in common with. We aint that different.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Leo on December 12, 2007, 09:05:47 AM
Those clubs that are serious about their survival will go for the all-Ireland league route but it will not happen unless there is a financial backer with sufficient clout to render the self-serving egos of both sets of officialdom irrelevant.
I am not a soccer fan but many people are and they deserve to be served by something more meaningful than the present poor fare played out to empty terraces by players for clubs which are nearly all bankrupt in grounds which are decrepit.

So a backer should set up minimum standards required in terms of :
financial plan and probity, basic spectator accommodation, security of tenure in grounds, community involvement of clubs, etc.

Clubs would also need to agree on a transfer system which would curtail the current situation where the make-up of some teams seems to change completely from one season to the next.

Good luck to them - this looks like a 10-year plan! But a 12-team all-Ireland premier league would be good, with the Irish League & league of Ireland being made up of regional second tier teams.

As for an all-Ireland team this may be a more distant prospect and the amalgamtion of the leagues makes no difference to that issue. Welsh clubs play in Englamd without affecting the respective national teams, and the prospect at one stage of Wimbledon playing in Dublin was never goiung to make a difference to national teams either. And Derry City etc. etc.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: nifan on December 12, 2007, 10:29:23 AM
I can only hope that if the Irish League where to sign up for this the NI team would be guaranteed for as long as there is a northern ireland - which according to some of you shouldnt be that long anyway :o
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: MW on December 12, 2007, 10:55:28 AM
Quote from: bignifanatic on December 11, 2007, 08:28:02 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on December 11, 2007, 08:09:04 PM
Quote from: bignifanatic on December 11, 2007, 08:06:25 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on December 11, 2007, 04:55:04 PM
I was shot down by some OWC fans when I suggested that this would happen whenever the Setanta Cup was started.  It is the inevitable movement and should be good for the game in general on the island. If it happens though there will be some serious issues to look at in regards to the infrastructure outside of the games themselves.

Following on from what Heganboy started on the tax implications for GAA players under the grants scheme how can the finances of clubs in two different countries be audited under different revenue procedures.  This is a serious minefield as it stands unless there is some form of unification of the tax system.  These are businesses and therefore should be held up to the same standard.  If, for talk sake, a player can get more money after tax from a club on one side of the then surely they are getting an unfair advantage over clubs on the other side. This is a simple example I know but is a potential stumbling block, unless of course there is something going on between the two Revenue depts which will facilitate this joining of the two leagues.  If there is such an arrangement then this would also presumably be available to GAA players and therefore this might answer the question that Heganboy raised.

Therefore, this could be used as the first steps towrads having a single tax system both north and south, or at least some form of equivalency.

NIFan, I am sorry but I think this woyuld be the first baby step towards a unified team, and no matter how you try to avoid it, if you throw enough incentives before people, ie money they will eventually bite.


We will not amalgamate with the republic for any reason. The IFA is here to stay so get over it. I am opposed to any form of unification of the leagues because this is simplythe republics way of taking over the IFA and I for one will not stand for it.I dont think that our leaders are telling us the full story when it comes to unifying the leagues and we need to get to the bottom of what it is they are scheming. First we have the maze debacle and now this? >:(


Spoken like you have all the authority there champ.

I am a member of Limavady and played for them, I have been a member of the NISC for many years and we will not lose our team to the south, I would rather lose it to an all british set up than lose it to those philistines down south, the FAI have proven time and time again they are inept and we dont need to amalgamate with anybody. I also know several high ranking IFA officials and they swear that we are not in any danger. I have to believe that for my own sanity and although I have no authority I do know those who are in authority and they tell me we are safe and that is good enough for me.

???
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: T Fearon on December 12, 2007, 12:09:35 PM
Good picture of Roy Millar (IFA) and Packie Bonnar (FAI) in to-day's Irish News with a joint IFA/FAI Banner announcing a joint coaching course to be sponsored by both associations and to be helf in Dundalk on January 25 to 27th 2008.

I reckon the IFA are a bit like the DUP...string their followers along before selling them down the swanee!

FFS Lads you know it makes sense. Soccer should be organised on an island wide basis, one league, one international team, playing in Dublin in a soon to be constructed ultra modern stadium.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Gnevin on December 12, 2007, 12:21:01 PM
Quote from: T Fearon on December 12, 2007, 12:09:35 PM
Good picture of Roy Millar (IFA) and Packie Bonnar (FAI) in to-day's Irish News with a joint IFA/FAI Banner announcing a joint coaching course to be sponsored by both associations and to be helf in Dundalk on January 25 to 27th 2008.

I reckon the IFA are a bit like the DUP...string their followers along before selling them down the swanee!

FFS Lads you know it makes sense. Soccer should be organised on an island wide basis, one league, one international team, playing in Dublin in a soon to be constructed ultra modern stadium.
Under 1 neutral flag and song?
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: T Fearon on December 12, 2007, 12:37:53 PM
I would happily forego all flags, anthems and emblems to see one Irish international soccer team
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: MW on December 12, 2007, 12:42:05 PM
Quote from: T Fearon on December 12, 2007, 12:37:53 PM
I would happily forego all flags, anthems and emblems to see one Irish international soccer team

(http://www.pocopattino.com/shoephotos/Haveana-FlipFlop-Gold.jpg)
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Evil Genius on December 12, 2007, 01:26:19 PM
Quote from: T Fearon on December 12, 2007, 12:37:53 PM
I would happily forego all flags, anthems and emblems to see one Irish international soccer team

Why limit yourself to just one team? Why not adopt the same attitude you take when selecting from the dessert menu: if one is good, two must be twice as good!  ;)
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: T Fearon on December 12, 2007, 01:48:29 PM
I can see it all now. The Football Association of All Ireland. CEO John Delaney, Deputy CEO Howard Wells etc.

Its going to happen. The IFA are broke and they will be watching with envy as the real Ireland team takes on Brazil in front of 82,000 in one of Europe's finest stadia in Dublin in February. They are going to want to be part of it, as are loads of young players born in the 6 counties ;D
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: dublinfella on December 12, 2007, 01:51:11 PM
this story was a kite from the Indo, who are piss weak at soccer coverage, on behalf of 6 LoI clubs who object to next seasons wage cap. threatning to breakaway with the bigger nordie sides. just a pity they forgot to tell the nordies. who promptly came out and rubbished the reports and pointed out no negotiations have taken place.

however, it seems that UEFA are ameniable to the leagues merging but the national sides remaining split for 'reconciliation'purposes.

a 16 team premier and regionalised divisions below this may well happen, but its years away.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Solomon Kane on December 12, 2007, 05:34:50 PM
Quote from: T Fearon on December 12, 2007, 01:48:29 PM
I can see it all now. The Football Association of All Ireland. CEO John Delaney, Deputy CEO Howard Wells etc.


Dumb and dumber.

It's not going to happen. Come to terms with that - you're life will get easier.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: his holiness nb on December 12, 2007, 05:40:47 PM
Quote from: tram on December 12, 2007, 01:59:50 PM
Would be a good laugh to see Shamrock Rovers "fans" up at Windsor Park...

Have they not been there yet in the setanta cup?

The "thomas david GAA, f**k off and die" banner would be appreciated by all I'm sure  ;)
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Solomon Kane on December 12, 2007, 05:59:12 PM
Quote from: tram on December 12, 2007, 01:59:50 PM
Would be a good laugh to see Shamrock Rovers "fans" up at Windsor Park...

As long as those bastards who tried to wreck the bar in Derry are never allowed north of the border again there wouldn't be much in the way of a problem. The peelers on both sides and the clubs know who the scumbags are and should be able to keep them away. We are sadly without a football offences act here which is long overdue.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: his holiness nb on December 12, 2007, 06:04:25 PM
Quote from: Solomon Kane on December 12, 2007, 05:59:12 PM
Quote from: tram on December 12, 2007, 01:59:50 PM
Would be a good laugh to see Shamrock Rovers "fans" up at Windsor Park...

As long as those bastards who tried to wreck the bar in Derry are never allowed north of the border again there wouldn't be much in the way of a problem. The peelers on both sides and the clubs know who the scumbags are and should be able to keep them away. We are sadly without a football offences act here which is long overdue.

In fairness that was Rovers arch enemies, Bohemians. They would deffo be in the top division of the new league, I presume.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Gnevin on December 12, 2007, 06:07:37 PM
Quote from: his holiness nb on December 12, 2007, 06:04:25 PM
Quote from: Solomon Kane on December 12, 2007, 05:59:12 PM
Quote from: tram on December 12, 2007, 01:59:50 PM
Would be a good laugh to see Shamrock Rovers "fans" up at Windsor Park...

As long as those bastards who tried to wreck the bar in Derry are never allowed north of the border again there wouldn't be much in the way of a problem. The peelers on both sides and the clubs know who the scumbags are and should be able to keep them away. We are sadly without a football offences act here which is long overdue.

In fairness that was Rovers arch enemies, Bohemians. They would deffo be in the top division of the new league, I presume.
Don't rovers hate everyone?
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: his holiness nb on December 12, 2007, 06:10:38 PM
I wouldnt dare respond to that Gnevin  ;)
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Orior on December 12, 2007, 06:56:27 PM
Quote from: Solomon Kane on December 12, 2007, 05:34:50 PM
Quote from: T Fearon on December 12, 2007, 01:48:29 PM
I can see it all now. The Football Association of All Ireland. CEO John Delaney, Deputy CEO Howard Wells etc.


Dumb and dumber.

It's not going to happen. Come to terms with that - you're life will get easier.

It will happen. Come to terms with it. Your life will get easier.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: nifan on December 12, 2007, 07:44:41 PM
Quote from: Orior on December 12, 2007, 06:56:27 PM
It will happen. Come to terms with it. Your life will get easier.


Its great when we have these back and forths of knowing comments -everyone so certain of their position.

Pity we cant all be right, and none of us really know for surel. Itd be a safe bet that any such moves will take a considerable time if they do happen.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: his holiness nb on December 12, 2007, 07:56:06 PM
Quote from: nifan on December 12, 2007, 07:44:41 PM
Quote from: Orior on December 12, 2007, 06:56:27 PM
It will happen. Come to terms with it. Your life will get easier.


Its great when we have these back and forths of knowing comments -everyone so certain of their position.

Pity we cant all be right, and none of us really know for surel. Itd be a safe bet that any such moves will take a considerable time if they do happen.

No way, its definately going to happen next tuesday  ;)
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Solomon Kane on December 12, 2007, 08:16:34 PM
Quote from: his holiness nb on December 12, 2007, 06:04:25 PM
Quote from: Solomon Kane on December 12, 2007, 05:59:12 PM
Quote from: tram on December 12, 2007, 01:59:50 PM
Would be a good laugh to see Shamrock Rovers "fans" up at Windsor Park...

As long as those bastards who tried to wreck the bar in Derry are never allowed north of the border again there wouldn't be much in the way of a problem. The peelers on both sides and the clubs know who the scumbags are and should be able to keep them away. We are sadly without a football offences act here which is long overdue.

In fairness that was Rovers arch enemies, Bohemians. They would deffo be in the top division of the new league, I presume.

I wouldn't even blame Bohs per se, more a minority of scum attached to them. The decent Boh's fans and the club were more than good about the whole sorry incident.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Leo on December 12, 2007, 08:32:53 PM
...or at Shamrock Park!

Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: his holiness nb on December 12, 2007, 08:33:14 PM
True, every club has a majority of decent fans.
Unfortunately the bad minority are bigger in some clubs that others.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Rossfan on December 12, 2007, 09:02:52 PM
Quote from: Solomon Kane on December 12, 2007, 05:59:12 PM
[. We are sadly without a football offences act here which is long overdue.
I presume most  Irish League Clubs would fall foul of such a law. :D
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Orior on December 12, 2007, 09:16:21 PM
Quote from: nifan on December 12, 2007, 07:44:41 PM
Quote from: Orior on December 12, 2007, 06:56:27 PM
It will happen. Come to terms with it. Your life will get easier.


Its great when we have these back and forths of knowing comments -everyone so certain of their position.

Pity we cant all be right, and none of us really know for surel. Itd be a safe bet that any such moves will take a considerable time if they do happen.

At least I can spell, unlike sloppyman kane.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: T Fearon on December 12, 2007, 09:53:17 PM
Orior, you missed a great night in the Hall in the Pass on Tuesday night. Cardinal Brady was down presenting medals to a couple of auld wans in Ballyargan and they had tae and sandwiches and all sorts of goodies in the Hall. Got chatting to him and my wife was asking him where his Church in Rome was and explaining we were married there last year and we're going over this weekend. I interjected to tell him we were going to see Lazio and Juventus on Saturday night and he laughed and said "I see you've got your priorities right!" ;D
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Chrisowc on December 12, 2007, 09:55:31 PM
Quote from: T Fearon on December 12, 2007, 09:53:17 PM
Orior, you missed a great night in the Hall in the Pass on Tuesday night. Cardinal Brady was down presenting medals to a couple of auld wans in Ballyargan and they had tae and sandwiches and all sorts of goodies in the Hall. Got chatting to him and my wife was asking him where his Church in Rome was and explaining we were married there last year and we're going over this weekend. I interjected to tell him we were going to see Lazio and Juventus on Saturday night and he laughed and said "I see you've got your priorities right!" ;D

Is Cardinal Brady Ulster Scots :o
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Evil Genius on December 13, 2007, 12:30:46 PM
Quote from: T Fearon on December 12, 2007, 09:53:17 PM
Cardinal Brady was down presenting medals to a couple of auld wans in Ballyargan and they had tae and sandwiches and all sorts of goodies in the Hall. Got chatting to him and my wife was asking him where his Church in Rome was and explaining we were married there last year and we're going over this weekend. I interjected to tell him we were going to see Lazio and Juventus on Saturday night and he laughed and said "I see you've got your priorities right!"  ;D

Are you sure he was referring to the Lazio Juve game, and not your plate piled 3 feet high with "sandwiches and goodies"?  :D
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: T Fearon on December 13, 2007, 01:25:49 PM
Don't be silly I don't speak with my mouth full and had long since finished eating before conversing.

By the way I am mystified as to how the North of Ireland soccer team is being afforded a civic reception in Stormont whilst Cardinal Brady is being denied a similar honour. Afer all, unlike the North of Ireland soccer team, he was actually successful in Europe recently :D
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Maximus Marillius on December 13, 2007, 01:39:25 PM
 :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: lynchbhoy on December 13, 2007, 02:12:26 PM
Quote from: Orior on December 12, 2007, 06:56:27 PM
Quote from: Solomon Kane on December 12, 2007, 05:34:50 PM
Quote from: T Fearon on December 12, 2007, 01:48:29 PM
I can see it all now. The Football Association of All Ireland. CEO John Delaney, Deputy CEO Howard Wells etc.


Dumb and dumber.

It's not going to happen. Come to terms with that - you're life will get easier.
there will never be a ceasefire...
there will never be a revamp of the ruc
there will never be a decommissioning of arms
there will never be an assembly where they all attend and work together
there will never be a hope that paisley will go to dublin or talk to the Irish Gov
there will never be a chance that cross border institutions will ever come about
there will never be a hope that the fai and ifa will allow a 'setanta cup' scenario to happen
there will never be a setanta cup game without sectarian violence
there will never be a merged fai/ifa league
there will never be a merger between ifa/fai teams to form one all Ireland side
there will never be a merger of NI and Ireland to form one unified Ireland again....
;)

It will happen. Come to terms with it. Your life will get easier.

Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: lynchbhoy on December 13, 2007, 02:18:15 PM
Quote from: Solomon Kane on December 12, 2007, 05:59:12 PM
Quote from: tram on December 12, 2007, 01:59:50 PM
Would be a good laugh to see Shamrock Rovers "fans" up at Windsor Park...

As long as those bastards who tried to wreck the bar in Derry are never allowed north of the border again there wouldn't be much in the way of a problem. The peelers on both sides and the clubs know who the scumbags are and should be able to keep them away. We are sadly without a football offences act here which is long overdue.
rovers fans are worse imo and in the opinion of many others
I think once they get their own grounds in tallaght, then it will be a breeding ground for more ultra thugs.
def these guys will be nearly uncatchable given their record thus far in being involved in crime (day job) and following rovers as their past time.

IMO the IFA clubs will not benefit from such a merger, they would lose and lose out on a lot...purely in the name of unification and equality and anti-sectarianism.
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: Evil Genius on December 13, 2007, 02:53:43 PM
Quote from: T Fearon on December 13, 2007, 01:25:49 PM
Don't be silly I don't speak with my mouth full and had long since finished eating before conversing.

"...eating before conversing"

Thereby once again proving where your priorities lie... :o
Title: Re: "Secret All-Ireland league talks at 'advanced' stage"
Post by: his holiness nb on December 13, 2007, 03:17:38 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on December 13, 2007, 02:18:15 PM
rovers fans are worse imo and in the opinion of many others

I do agree, from personal experience with that statement having had the misfortune of attending a few games due to a freind signing with them a few years back.