Soccer in the North

[Orior]

Up until sometime in the 1970's , Glenavon was supported by both sections of the community. Then they decided to fly the union jack. Now its only one community attends.

[laoislad]

A British soccer team fly a British flag at their ground.
Shocker

[Tony Baloney]

Up until sometime in the 1970's , Glenavon was supported by both sections of the community. Then they decided to fly the union jack. Now its only one community attends.

I was at Lurgan Rugby Club last night and it is fair to say Mourneview estate doesn't appear to be the most welcoming location for a Catholic.

[Feckitt]

Up until sometime in the 1970's , Glenavon was supported by both sections of the community. Then they decided to fly the union jack. Now its only one community attends.

I know Cliftonville have a largely Nationalist support, and obviously Donegal Celtic, but are there any other soccer clubs in the IFA premier league who would have any cross community support?

[Mickey Linden]

Is this what the gaaboard has become? A thread on glentoran(the pride of East Belfast) flying a union fleg? I used to read this thread on a daily basis where sensible discussion about sensible issues was the norm. think ill revert to the hogan stand in future!

[armaghniac]

A thread on glentoran(the pride of East Belfast) flying a union fleg

It makes a change from the "Pope is a Catholic" threads.

Next up; dog licks balls, bears shit in the woods.....

[J OGorman]

During the 80s I travelled across from Derry maybe a dozen or so times to see the Glens play at the Oval (supporting them) and the Bass Irish Cup Final in 87....never had any hassle at all. Always enjoyed the craic

[Tony Baloney]

During the 80s I travelled across from Derry maybe a dozen or so times to see the Glens play at the Oval (supporting them) and the Bass Irish Cup Final in 87....never had any hassle at all. Always enjoyed the craic

Did they know you were a Catholic?

[J OGorman]

During the 80s I travelled across from Derry maybe a dozen or so times to see the Glens play at the Oval (supporting them) and the Bass Irish Cup Final in 87....never had any hassle at all. Always enjoyed the craic

Did they know you were a Catholic?

Aye..we were there cause Gerry (Gerry Mullan) was their captain and talisman who we knew. Great footballer too

[T Fearon]

Remember seeing Gerry Mullen play for Norn Iron against England,1983, nil all draw,against an England team with Hoddle,Barnes etc.Good feat for a player with a local club to get into that team,that had qualified for previous year's World Cup Finals and was in the midst of beating West Germany,home and away,in that same season in Euro qualifiers.

[Silver hill]

Jim cleary from Fermanagh in the 80s was an exceptionally talented player for Glentoran. Very stylish midfielder, great vision; very similar to Paul mcstay for Celtic during the same era. Apparently,  Cleary was also an excellent Gaelic footballer. He would have played with Gerry Mullan, the token Taigs!

[The Worker]

Sawker in the north won't improve until they have an all island league with greater promotion.

[CD]

Sawker in the north won't improve until they have an all island league with greater promotion.

I know a few lads who played for the Glens around the time the Setanta Cup started and they were really convinced that it would be the precursor to an All Ireland League. They were really keen for this to happen as obviously it would mean a higher standard of football and a bit more money floating around which for them would mean they could train as full time players rather than holding down a couple of coaching jobs to make ends meet.

I'd say that's still the case - these lads just want to play football and an All Ireland league would be better for their development as players. I think it could be feasible to have a competitive three tier league with 12 teams in each. It would drum up a bit of interest as well. The LOI teams are obviously much stronger and far better supported.

Unfortunately the sectarianism would still be bubbling away under the surface for a few years and would deter sponsors from coming on board and supporters like myself from going to these games.

[T Fearon]

Jim Cleary was in the Norn Irn 22 man squad for Espagna 82. In those days you could have got the bones of a good GAA side from the ranks,Jennings,Cleary,Martin O'Neill,Gerry Mc Elhinney,Gerry Armstrong,Gerry Mullen.