Someone put their foot in it yesterday in the Daily Mirror and let it slip that only 135 people attended a recent game between Dungannon Swifts and Bangor. :D
The IFA and the media obviously have a pact to keep attendances a secret, due to embarrassment. In fairness it was being printed that this was the lowest crowd this season, but surely this means that crowds of 200/300 are commonplace. :o
I would've attended a few IL games in the past, as a neutral.
No joke, but crowds of 100-200 were common place.
I saw a bit of that match on Sky last night. There seemed to be a right few at it.
How could anyone be bothered watching it? The quality is disgraceful. I only watch the "highlights" on a saturday and they use the word highlights very loosely.
Quote from: SidelineKick on October 28, 2008, 12:02:05 PM
How could anyone be bothered watching it? The quality is disgraceful. I only watch the "highlights" on a saturday and they use the word highlights very loosely.
Why anyone would want to go see this rubbish i dont know. I like soccer but the standard in the Irish league is diabolical. I think its a complete joke that there are tv cameras at every match and if you added up all the crowds in the top flight together you wouldnt get as much as a county football or hurling final which reguarly attract crowds of 7000+
While attendances are poor anyone who says the quality is "disgraceful" should really play against some of them players and see how disgraceful they think it is then.
To me it highlights how high a quality the soccer matches that are worth watching actually are. It also highlights the fact that I find GAA much easier to watch than soccer.
I've never watched an Irish league game live but I have played against a few boys in various work leagues who have played lower division Irish league. They're far from a disgrace.
They're probably better than me yes but I would hardly call any of them brilliant footballers. Just watch the highlights this weekend, some of the things they show just baffle me. In my opinion they'd be better stick up the results and forgetting about the highlights. Save themselves a bit of money running round the country putting cameras at every ground.
I stick to my guns, the quality is a disgrace. And some of these fellas walk round thinking they are somebody!
Maybe it's just that soccer is crap.
But regardless, FAI League (or whatever it is called) doesn't fare much better, does it? This isn't unique to IFA surely?
A "disgrace" compared to what ? The Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga? 90% of the players would be part time and have jobs outside of football. You have to compare like for like, the IFA (i am only guessing) would maybe be of similar quality to the conference in England.
Fair point! Like for like and all. But the coverage it gets on the tv only serves to make these average players think they are stars when I couldn't pick the biggest name out of a line up!
I enjoy watching any soccer match at any level. The point has already been made but we are comparing local soccer players to superstars in the premier league. Why do people on here watch their junior clubs play gaa, when the standard is appaulling compared to a county match.
Also if the gaa was as big worldwide as soccer, we'd probably be saying the standard of county matches in Ireland is terrible.
Quote from: Mario on October 28, 2008, 01:52:29 PM
I enjoy watching any soccer match at any level. The point has already been made but we are comparing local soccer players to superstars in the premier league. Why do people on here watch their junior clubs play gaa, when the standard is appaulling compared to a county match.
Also if the gaa was as big worldwide as soccer, we'd probably be saying the standard of county matches in Ireland is terrible.
You insinuate that other nationalities could possibly play Gaelic better than home brewed Gaels :o
The next step in this debate is sparse BBC NI coverage of richly attended GAA matches compared to richl BBC NI coverage of sparsely attended IL matches.
When I look at how good some of the fellas I grew up with are at soccer and ponder how none of them came within an asses roar of playing at any kind of professional level, it makes me realise that the best players must be nothing short of superhuman
Quote from: Feckitt on October 28, 2008, 09:31:07 AM
Someone put their foot in it yesterday in the Daily Mirror and let it slip that only 135 people attended a recent game between Dungannon Swifts and Bangor. :D
The IFA and the media obviously have a pact to keep attendances a secret, due to embarrassment. In fairness it was being printed that this was the lowest crowd this season, but surely this means that crowds of 200/300 are commonplace. :o
The IFA aren't going about this secrecy in a particularly clever way, given that they're publishing the attendances online ::)
Quote from: Main Street on October 28, 2008, 03:28:03 PM
Quote from: Mario on October 28, 2008, 01:52:29 PM
I enjoy watching any soccer match at any level. The point has already been made but we are comparing local soccer players to superstars in the premier league. Why do people on here watch their junior clubs play gaa, when the standard is appaulling compared to a county match.
Also if the gaa was as big worldwide as soccer, we'd probably be saying the standard of county matches in Ireland is terrible.
You insinuate that other nationalities could possibly play Gaelic better than home brewed Gaels :o
The next step in this debate is sparse BBC NI coverage of richly attended GAA matches compared to richl BBC NI coverage of sparsely attended IL matches.
That's actually the funniest thing I've heard all week.
I'd go to a few Derry city games and while it can be enjoyable, the difference in quality between it and the Premiership is stark and affects the enjoyment of the match. Obviously there's also a massive difference in quality between club football and intercounty football yet I don't notice this as much. Is Gaelic football a game that retains its "watchability" much better at a lower standard than soccer does? Or is it just that preferring Gaelic football, I'm more likely to ignore poorer quality?
Quote from: MW on October 28, 2008, 09:35:59 PM
Quote from: Feckitt on October 28, 2008, 09:31:07 AM
Someone put their foot in it yesterday in the Daily Mirror and let it slip that only 135 people attended a recent game between Dungannon Swifts and Bangor. :D
The IFA and the media obviously have a pact to keep attendances a secret, due to embarrassment. In fairness it was being printed that this was the lowest crowd this season, but surely this means that crowds of 200/300 are commonplace. :o
The IFA aren't going about this secrecy in a particularly clever way, given that they're publishing the attendances online ::)
Could you provide a link please.
Quote from: MW on October 28, 2008, 09:36:59 PM
Quote from: Main Street on October 28, 2008, 03:28:03 PM
Quote from: Mario on October 28, 2008, 01:52:29 PM
I enjoy watching any soccer match at any level. The point has already been made but we are comparing local soccer players to superstars in the premier league. Why do people on here watch their junior clubs play gaa, when the standard is appaulling compared to a county match.
Also if the gaa was as big worldwide as soccer, we'd probably be saying the standard of county matches in Ireland is terrible.
You insinuate that other nationalities could possibly play Gaelic better than home brewed Gaels :o
The next step in this debate is sparse BBC NI coverage of richly attended GAA matches compared to richl BBC NI coverage of sparsely attended IL matches.
That's actually the funniest thing I've heard all week.
A poor week for jokes in your household.
Quote from: fred the red on October 28, 2008, 10:01:26 PM
Quote from: MW on October 28, 2008, 09:35:59 PM
Quote from: Feckitt on October 28, 2008, 09:31:07 AM
Someone put their foot in it yesterday in the Daily Mirror and let it slip that only 135 people attended a recent game between Dungannon Swifts and Bangor. :D
The IFA and the media obviously have a pact to keep attendances a secret, due to embarrassment. In fairness it was being printed that this was the lowest crowd this season, but surely this means that crowds of 200/300 are commonplace. :o
The IFA aren't going about this secrecy in a particularly clever way, given that they're publishing the attendances online ::)
Could you provide a link please.
I could, but you can go google it or something :P
Quote from: TacadoirArdMhacha on October 28, 2008, 10:05:38 PM
Quote from: MW on October 28, 2008, 09:36:59 PM
Quote from: Main Street on October 28, 2008, 03:28:03 PM
Quote from: Mario on October 28, 2008, 01:52:29 PM
I enjoy watching any soccer match at any level. The point has already been made but we are comparing local soccer players to superstars in the premier league. Why do people on here watch their junior clubs play gaa, when the standard is appaulling compared to a county match.
Also if the gaa was as big worldwide as soccer, we'd probably be saying the standard of county matches in Ireland is terrible.
You insinuate that other nationalities could possibly play Gaelic better than home brewed Gaels :o
The next step in this debate is sparse BBC NI coverage of richly attended GAA matches compared to richl BBC NI coverage of sparsely attended IL matches.
That's actually the funniest thing I've heard all week.
A poor week for jokes in your household.
S'only Tuesday sure.
Quote from: MW on October 28, 2008, 10:11:15 PM
Quote from: fred the red on October 28, 2008, 10:01:26 PM
Quote from: MW on October 28, 2008, 09:35:59 PM
Quote from: Feckitt on October 28, 2008, 09:31:07 AM
Someone put their foot in it yesterday in the Daily Mirror and let it slip that only 135 people attended a recent game between Dungannon Swifts and Bangor. :D
The IFA and the media obviously have a pact to keep attendances a secret, due to embarrassment. In fairness it was being printed that this was the lowest crowd this season, but surely this means that crowds of 200/300 are commonplace. :o
The IFA aren't going about this secrecy in a particularly clever way, given that they're publishing the attendances online ::)
Could you provide a link please.
I could, but you can go google it or something :P
I tried IFA attendances, IFA premiership attendances, Irish football association attendances, all to no avail.
So since you know the link, could you please provide it?
or are so ashamed of the attendances you are afraid to divulge these details :P
Quote from: MW on October 28, 2008, 10:11:45 PM
S'only Tuesday sure.
I 'll tell you another next Tuesday so.
TAM has better taste,
but then again he i
s reading a thread on the IFA.
Quote from: Feckitt on October 28, 2008, 09:31:07 AM
Someone put their foot in it yesterday in the Daily Mirror and let it slip that only 135 people attended a recent game between Dungannon Swifts and Bangor. :D
The IFA and the media obviously have a pact to keep attendances a secret, due to embarrassment. In fairness it was being printed that this was the lowest crowd this season, but surely this means that crowds of 200/300 are commonplace. :o
when you consider that the players' parents etc would have been allowed in with complimentaries...dying on its feet ..!
http://ifapremiership.com/results.htm (http://ifapremiership.com/results.htm)
Saturday, 25th October, 2008
JJB Sports Premiership
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bangor 3 (McKee, Morrow, Verner)
Dungannon Swifts 1 (McCann)
DUNGANNON Swifts crashed back down to earth following their midweek exploits with this crushing defeat away to Bangor.
Attenance - blank
Coleraine 1 (Carson)
Newry City 0
COLERAINE moved into fourth spot in the standings with this narrow defeat of Newry City at The Showgrounds.
Attenance - 624
Crusaders 1 (Rainey)
Institute 0
CRUSADERS bounced back from their midweek reversal to narrowly defeat Institute at Seaview and hold onto second place.
Attenance - blank
Glenavon 1 (Grant)
Glentoran 2 (Hamilton, Waterworth)
GLENTORAN held onto pole position with this defeat of Glenavon at Mourneview Park thanks to a late Andrew Waterworth winner.
Attenance - blank
Lisburn Distillery 1 (Allen)
Ballymena United 0
A LATE Curtis Allen goal was the difference between the Whites and Sky Blues in a relatively lacklustre encounter at Ballyskeagh.
Attenance - blank
Whoopy-do.
Slightly more at the Clonoe v Dromore match I'd say.
JJB Sports Premiership - Saturday, 18th October, 2008
Newry City
Murphy, Gowdy, Black, Davidson, E. Friars, Clarke, Garrett, Collins, Morgan, L. Feeney, S. Friars subs Havern (replaced Morgan 76), Moran (replaced L. Feeney 76), Keegan (replaced S. Friars 64), Curran (not used), Doherty (not used)
Bangor
Plummer, McKee, Youle, Anderson, Fitzpatrick, Gracey, R. Tumelty, Lockhart, McConnell, Verner, Melly subs Magennis (replaced R. Tumelty 74), Morrow (replaced McConnell 71), Irvine (replaced Verner 82), Walsh (not used), Hand (not used)
Referee
Mark Petch (Deganwy, Wales)
Attendance: 141 :o
Quote from: hardstation on October 28, 2008, 10:45:11 PM
There was more involved in the fecking row at the Clonoe - Dromore match.
LOL
Having seen a few matches over the years, I have a limited knowledge on the subject, but:
1)Attendances are terrible and the coverage devoted to it is bordering on a disgrace
2) The level of football is, in the majority, of a much higher standard than perople give it credit for. People who label it "shite" have probably never seen a match.
3)It is neither dying or flourishing. The re-vamp this season has helped in some regards, but a lot more work is needed.
$)I would put it at League two standard rather than conference.
Quote from: Orior on October 28, 2008, 10:39:49 PM
http://ifapremiership.com/results.htm (http://ifapremiership.com/results.htm)
Saturday, 25th October, 2008
JJB Sports Premiership
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bangor 3 (McKee, Morrow, Verner)
Dungannon Swifts 1 (McCann)
DUNGANNON Swifts crashed back down to earth following their midweek exploits with this crushing defeat away to Bangor.
Attenance - blank
Coleraine 1 (Carson)
Newry City 0
COLERAINE moved into fourth spot in the standings with this narrow defeat of Newry City at The Showgrounds.
Attenance - 624
Crusaders 1 (Rainey)
Institute 0
CRUSADERS bounced back from their midweek reversal to narrowly defeat Institute at Seaview and hold onto second place.
Attenance - blank
Glenavon 1 (Grant)
Glentoran 2 (Hamilton, Waterworth)
GLENTORAN held onto pole position with this defeat of Glenavon at Mourneview Park thanks to a late Andrew Waterworth winner.
Attenance - blank
Lisburn Distillery 1 (Allen)
Ballymena United 0
A LATE Curtis Allen goal was the difference between the Whites and Sky Blues in a relatively lacklustre encounter at Ballyskeagh.
Attenance - blank
Whoopy-do.
Slightly more at the Clonoe v Dromore match I'd say.
Considering it's the Irish League, blank probably means exactly what it says, ie there was nobody there ... they can't be hiding the figures for tax reasons, as they probably wouldn't have to pay tax on such small figures
I get the feeling a lot of you would love to see soccer in the north fail, why?
http://foot.ie/forums/showthread.php?s=e77fcd1b14bb753bd02133c8d2725fe6&t=104320
shocking figures
Quote from: corn02 on October 29, 2008, 03:09:41 PM
http://foot.ie/forums/showthread.php?s=e77fcd1b14bb753bd02133c8d2725fe6&t=104320
shocking figures
compared to what though? Club GAA league games? ALlianz league?
I have never heard anyone claim that enough people go and watch domestic soccer, but as ahas been said, a neutral watching a junior c football game in Leitrim would run a mile, but people still go. Its about proper fans being at games, and I'm struggling to see why people rejoice in another sports troubles.
Quote from: dublinfella on October 29, 2008, 03:26:17 PM
I'm struggling to see why people rejoice in another sports troubles.
There not dublinfella. It's about more airtime been given to sports with poor attendance. Yet sports with large attendance for one game, been overlooked by the media.
Quote from: ziggysego on October 29, 2008, 03:41:58 PM
There not dublinfella. It's about more airtime been given to sports with poor attendance. Yet sports with large attendance for one game, been overlooked by the media.
Who is being overlooked?
I hardly think 10 mins of goals on a Saturday and the odd live game on Sky is excessive coverage for the Irish League.
Dublinfella, I think you have to be a constant viewer to get the idea. They send cameras to very ground yet find it impossible to sen d a camera to county finals or even further down the line. The coverage is top heavey towards the less attended sport. By the way, I am all for soccer surviving, I enjoy it over here.
Quote from: corn02 on October 29, 2008, 04:10:13 PM
Dublinfella, I think you have to be a constant viewer to get the idea. They send cameras to very ground yet find it impossible to sen d a camera to county finals or even further down the line. The coverage is top heavey towards the less attended sport. By the way, I am all for soccer surviving, I enjoy it over here.
I would question whether the coverage is top heavy - the only live game they show is the IFA cup final, which is hardly controversial, and 10 mins a week roundup. There is a dedicated BBC highlights show for the duration of the championship plus numerous live games.
Do RTE show county finals? If they don't, why are the BBC obligated to? How 'far down the line' do you think should be televised that isn't?
Quote from: ziggysego on October 29, 2008, 03:41:58 PM
Quote from: dublinfella on October 29, 2008, 03:26:17 PM
I'm struggling to see why people rejoice in another sports troubles.
There not dublinfella. It's about more airtime been given to sports with poor attendance. Yet sports with large attendance for one game, been overlooked by the media.
The BBC routinely gives a few minutes coverage to the IL during its Saturday afternoon sports round up, and at a time when the actual fans who have been at the matches are still making their way home. And contrary to what some are claiming, they do NOT send cameras to every match. Further, they only show the goals (and not much else) from 3 or 4 games (max), plus carry a two minute interview with a player or manager from whichever of those matches their chief soccer reporter, Jackie Fullerton, has been at. Moreover, they rarely, if ever, send cameras to matches outside of Belfast.
Beyond that, their only coverage of IL football is the once a year televising of the Irish Cup Final.
Now I'm not saying that the BBC devotes
too little time to IL football (though I personally believe that strongly). However, those people who claim that at less than 10 minutes per week during the season it devotes
too much time, are plainly talking nonsense.
P.S. As commercial stations, UTV and Sky etc can spend as little or as much time as they like on domestic soccer in NI. As it happens, UTV's coverage is even worse than that of BBC NI; Sky's is much better, but that is partly because the obligation to televise 5 live IL games per season was a requirement by the IFA if Sky were to be allowed to cover the NI international teams home games for the next 3 years. Of course, the BBC could have maintained their previous monopoly on televising the NI team, except that they weren't prepared to match the money on offer from Sky, nor to undertake to televise any live IL games. I suspect they were saving their money for the next season of "A Dander with Drennan", or some other such high quality programming... ::)
I have been to alot of IFA matches over the years and you cannot fault the passion and support of all the clubs and the part-time management within each of the clubs.
I was told once that the reason for so much coverage of the game within the North is due to the Finacial support of alot of the big companies behind the game in the North give to the sport and whereas the Telegraph once looked at decreasing the coverage it devotes to it - it was left in no uncertain terms that those businesses who advertise with the paper would withdraw all its advertising. It was never given a second look at after that. (This was around the time 10 leading businesses within the North and 3 from down south were looking at the Telegraph to promote the GAA fairly within its paper and told them without saying they would withdraw all their advertising support it the Telegraph did not buck up its act)
What no-one has mentioned is the policing of the games and the cost of that with so few attending.
Plenty of business for these I would imagine ;)
http://www.irishfa.com/megastore/product.php?p=24074664
Oh Good God :o
jesus wept; talk about an own goal there; if the knowledge that that was on this website got into the wrong hands they would have a field day;
im a far out relation of yer woman evangelista who be's modellin a fair bit in ifa/soccer circles; thank gawd she aint "modellin" this item.....
Thank's for the work warning!
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on December 15, 2008, 04:48:41 PM
im a far out relation of yer woman evangelista who be's modellin a fair bit in ifa/soccer circles;
Jeez long gone are the days when she wouldn't get out of bed for less than £10k, times must ne hard on Rodeo Drive.
Quote from: Chrisowc on December 15, 2008, 04:49:52 PM
Thank's for the work warning!
I'm sure you have been on the site often enough in work