Anybody see Paddy's bit in the Irish News today about a letter he received from three founding members of Bellaghy GAC. Is he just stirring things or does he have a point?
Can anyone post the article.
Look out Cork, Red Hands will bring an end to your tall tale Off The Fence
By Paddy Heaney
20/08/09
The big fella: There's no doubting that the 6'7" Michael Cussen is a very big man, but one reader believes Tyrone have what it takes to slay him and his fellow Cork giants Have your say on the sporting issues of the ?day
24-hour comment line: 028 9033 7457; text: 07642 802592 email: offthefence@irishnews.com
Traditionally a domain for ridicule, this week's column is a smorgasbord of mystery, praise and optimism. But don't worry. There's also the standard dosage of ranting and raving.
'Maurice O' begins the proceedings by introducing an air of intrigue to Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final. While the presence of Michael Cussen (6'7"), Pierce O'Neill (6'6"), Alan O'Connor (6'5"), and Nicholas Murphy (6'5") means that Conor Counihan has a squad of skyscrapers, 'Maurice O' reckons that Mickey Harte has some giant-killing personnel on his bench.
"It will be unknown men who will deliver for Tyrone next Sunday," writes 'Mystic Maurice'. He continues: "The big men who come off bench are not the best footballers in Tyrone but they will do the job of stopping Cork's big players."
Maurice, I don't know how to break this to you gently, but Audy Hamilton retired some years ago. With the exception of Colm Cavanagh (6'3"), Tyrone don't have any real tall men among their substitutes. Maybe you know something we don't.
- If our opening message was something of a departure for Off the Fence, then our next email is an equally rare specimen.
After another mediocre Championship, many Down supporters are in a morbid and sorry mood. But not 'Patrick.' When considering the quality of volunteer involved in Down GAA, he reckons it will not be long before the Mournes are rejoicing once again.
"I am reflecting on Ross Carr and the end of his management career. I am also thinking about Pete McGrath and the fact that he's interested in becoming the manager again.
"It strikes me that these are two men who don't rest on their laurels. They could have bathed in the glory of past achievements, but they want to do more and this is due to their love and dedication to the county. That is a part of Down's tradition.
"I think this is a feature of Down football and we are lucky to have people like Ross Carr and Pete McGrath.
"The victory for our minors against Dublin provides reason for further optimism. Down football can look forward to the future."
A good point about two good men.
- Our next caller was in a less sanguine mood. Sitting in front of the box during last Sunday's All-Ireland hurling semi-final, he lifted the phone to vent his spleen about the noble and ancient game.
'Football fan' said: "It's half-time in the Tipperary/Limerick match. This is an absolute joke. Hurling folk used to say that they'd prefer to watch a poor game of hurling rather than a good game of football.
"But I would rather watch a poor game of football. My weans are watching this and they're bored. There's no marking. Call that an All-Ireland semi-final?"
One lop-sided game doesn't justify damning the entire sport of hurling. Did you miss Kerry's 17-point destruction of Dublin, and Cork's 14-point annihilation of Donegal in the football quarter-finals?
- The next offering came via a good, old-fashioned letter that was signed (in the same hand-writing) by three of the founding fathers of Bellaghy football. All three took grave exception to my suggestion in last week's column that many Derry's gaels don't support Tyrone.
To be precise, I stated: "In most parts of County Derry, the ABT (Anybody But Tyrone) contingent has been the ruling body of opinion for many years."
But the Bellaghy trio don't concur with this assertion. Their letter stated: "Paddy Heaney did many Derry supporters a great injustice by stating that many of them are so jealous of Tyrone success they wish to see them beaten.
"This is such a sweeping generalisation that it beggars belief. Petty jealousy can often be rife at club level among the smaller fry who look forward to seeing the more successful ones take a tumble.
"But to state that it prevails at inter-county level in Derry when their neighbours Tyrone are concerned is wide of the mark.
"In the gaelic heartlands of Bellaghy, Newbridge and Ballinderry when there are boxes of medals never opened there is nothing but admiration and support for Tyrone's swashbuckling style and sheer class.
"It's hard to know where Paddy Heaney got his information from but, apart from the odd the crank, our canvass shows that the O'Neill county commands the support of all true gaels in the Oak.
"As Tyrone prepare to travel to the capital once more, thousands of voices will be ringing out in the Derry air 'Come On Tyrone, you are not on your own.'
I would refer you to my initial statement. It said "in most parts of County Derry." I would concede that this doesn't cover the Castledawson Golf Club, where I suspect the bulk of your research was conducted.
Broaden your horizons gentlemen. Take a trip over the Glenshane Pass into the heartland of Derry supporters. Or even venture a few miles down the road to Lavey, Maghera and Magherafelt.
You are seriously deluding yourselves by thinking that antipathy towards the Red Hands in Derry is restricted to the "odd crank".
A charitable soul by nature, I'm going to open your eyes to the real world, and I would ask any "true gael in the Oak" who will be actively supporting Cork on Sunday to contact us immediately. Ideally, email the above address and briefly outline why you would like to see Tyrone lose this year's All-Ireland Championship. But go gently, as the minds of the Bellaghy Three are about to be blown.
- Finally, no All-Ireland semi-final week would be complete without a dig about the price of tickets.
'Sean from Cookstown' will do the needful this week.
"I would like to vent my annoyance at the semi-final ticket prices, £45 is too expensive. Take the wife, the kids, fuel and food into consideration and it's an expensive day out." (Be a real man and leave the wife and kids at home – JOKE, JOKE, JOKE).
"Commonsense would tell you and me that if the GAA wants to fill Croker for these games a cheaper pricing system should apply.
"The country is bang in the middle of recession and with thousands out of work the GAA should provide affordable packages and fill Croke Park."
Thanks Mick, this is the bit where I think he is stirring:
Quote from: mick999 on August 20, 2009, 01:59:23 PM
Off The Fence By Paddy Heaney 20/08/09
The next offering came via a good, old-fashioned letter that was signed (in the same hand-writing) by three of the founding fathers of Bellaghy football. All three took grave exception to my suggestion in last week's column that many Derry's gaels don't support Tyrone.
To be precise, I stated: "In most parts of County Derry, the ABT (Anybody But Tyrone) contingent has been the ruling body of opinion for many years."
But the Bellaghy trio don't concur with this assertion. Their letter stated: "Paddy Heaney did many Derry supporters a great injustice by stating that many of them are so jealous of Tyrone success they wish to see them beaten.
"This is such a sweeping generalisation that it beggars belief. Petty jealousy can often be rife at club level among the smaller fry who look forward to seeing the more successful ones take a tumble. "But to state that it prevails at inter-county level in Derry when their neighbours Tyrone are concerned is wide of the mark.
"In the gaelic heartlands of Bellaghy, Newbridge and Ballinderry when there are boxes of medals never opened there is nothing but admiration and support for Tyrone's swashbuckling style and sheer class.
"It's hard to know where Paddy Heaney got his information from but, apart from the odd the crank, our canvass shows that the O'Neill county commands the support of all true gaels in the Oak.
"As Tyrone prepare to travel to the capital once more, thousands of voices will be ringing out in the Derry air 'Come On Tyrone, you are not on your own.'
[Paddy's reply]
I would refer you to my initial statement. It said "in most parts of County Derry." I would concede that this doesn't cover the Castledawson Golf Club, where I suspect the bulk of your research was conducted.
Broaden your horizons gentlemen. Take a trip over the Glenshane Pass into the heartland of Derry supporters. Or even venture a few miles down the road to Lavey, Maghera and Magherafelt. You are seriously deluding yourselves by thinking that antipathy towards the Red Hands in Derry is restricted to the "odd crank".
A charitable soul by nature, I'm going to open your eyes to the real world, and I would ask any "true gael in the Oak" who will be actively supporting Cork on Sunday to contact us immediately. Ideally, email the above address and briefly outline why you would like to see Tyrone lose this year's All-Ireland Championship. But go gently, as the minds of the Bellaghy Three are about to be blown.
this is a wind up.
Quote from: mick999 on August 20, 2009, 01:59:23 PM
Look out Cork, Red Hands will bring an end to your tall tale Off The Fence
By Paddy Heaney
20/08/09
The big fella: There's no doubting that the 6'7" Michael Cussen is a very big man, but one reader believes Tyrone have what it takes to slay him and his fellow Cork giants Have your say on the sporting issues of the ?day
24-hour comment line: 028 9033 7457; text: 07642 802592 email: offthefence@irishnews.com
Traditionally a domain for ridicule, this week's column is a smorgasbord of mystery, praise and optimism. But don't worry. There's also the standard dosage of ranting and raving.
'Maurice O' begins the proceedings by introducing an air of intrigue to Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final. While the presence of Michael Cussen (6'7"), Pierce O'Neill (6'6"), Alan O'Connor (6'5"), and Nicholas Murphy (6'5") means that Conor Counihan has a squad of skyscrapers, 'Maurice O' reckons that Mickey Harte has some giant-killing personnel on his bench.
"It will be unknown men who will deliver for Tyrone next Sunday," writes 'Mystic Maurice'. He continues: "The big men who come off bench are not the best footballers in Tyrone but they will do the job of stopping Cork's big players."
Maurice, I don't know how to break this to you gently, but Audy Hamilton retired some years ago. With the exception of Colm Cavanagh (6'3"), Tyrone don't have any real tall men among their substitutes. Maybe you know something we don't.
- If our opening message was something of a departure for Off the Fence, then our next email is an equally rare specimen.
After another mediocre Championship, many Down supporters are in a morbid and sorry mood. But not 'Patrick.' When considering the quality of volunteer involved in Down GAA, he reckons it will not be long before the Mournes are rejoicing once again.
"I am reflecting on Ross Carr and the end of his management career. I am also thinking about Pete McGrath and the fact that he's interested in becoming the manager again.
"It strikes me that these are two men who don't rest on their laurels. They could have bathed in the glory of past achievements, but they want to do more and this is due to their love and dedication to the county. That is a part of Down's tradition.
"I think this is a feature of Down football and we are lucky to have people like Ross Carr and Pete McGrath.
"The victory for our minors against Dublin provides reason for further optimism. Down football can look forward to the future."
A good point about two good men.
- Our next caller was in a less sanguine mood. Sitting in front of the box during last Sunday's All-Ireland hurling semi-final, he lifted the phone to vent his spleen about the noble and ancient game.
'Football fan' said: "It's half-time in the Tipperary/Limerick match. This is an absolute joke. Hurling folk used to say that they'd prefer to watch a poor game of hurling rather than a good game of football.
"But I would rather watch a poor game of football. My weans are watching this and they're bored. There's no marking. Call that an All-Ireland semi-final?"
One lop-sided game doesn't justify damning the entire sport of hurling. Did you miss Kerry's 17-point destruction of Dublin, and Cork's 14-point annihilation of Donegal in the football quarter-finals?
- The next offering came via a good, old-fashioned letter that was signed (in the same hand-writing) by three of the founding fathers of Bellaghy football. All three took grave exception to my suggestion in last week's column that many Derry's gaels don't support Tyrone.
To be precise, I stated: "In most parts of County Derry, the ABT (Anybody But Tyrone) contingent has been the ruling body of opinion for many years."
But the Bellaghy trio don't concur with this assertion. Their letter stated: "Paddy Heaney did many Derry supporters a great injustice by stating that many of them are so jealous of Tyrone success they wish to see them beaten.
"This is such a sweeping generalisation that it beggars belief. Petty jealousy can often be rife at club level among the smaller fry who look forward to seeing the more successful ones take a tumble.
"But to state that it prevails at inter-county level in Derry when their neighbours Tyrone are concerned is wide of the mark.
"In the gaelic heartlands of Bellaghy, Newbridge and Ballinderry when there are boxes of medals never opened there is nothing but admiration and support for Tyrone's swashbuckling style and sheer class.
"It's hard to know where Paddy Heaney got his information from but, apart from the odd the crank, our canvass shows that the O'Neill county commands the support of all true gaels in the Oak.
"As Tyrone prepare to travel to the capital once more, thousands of voices will be ringing out in the Derry air 'Come On Tyrone, you are not on your own.'
I would refer you to my initial statement. It said "in most parts of County Derry." I would concede that this doesn't cover the Castledawson Golf Club, where I suspect the bulk of your research was conducted.
Broaden your horizons gentlemen. Take a trip over the Glenshane Pass into the heartland of Derry supporters. Or even venture a few miles down the road to Lavey, Maghera and Magherafelt.
You are seriously deluding yourselves by thinking that antipathy towards the Red Hands in Derry is restricted to the "odd crank".
A charitable soul by nature, I'm going to open your eyes to the real world, and I would ask any "true gael in the Oak" who will be actively supporting Cork on Sunday to contact us immediately. Ideally, email the above address and briefly outline why you would like to see Tyrone lose this year's All-Ireland Championship. But go gently, as the minds of the Bellaghy Three are about to be blown.
- Finally, no All-Ireland semi-final week would be complete without a dig about the price of tickets.
'Sean from Cookstown' will do the needful this week.
"I would like to vent my annoyance at the semi-final ticket prices, £45 is too expensive. Take the wife, the kids, fuel and food into consideration and it's an expensive day out." (Be a real man and leave the wife and kids at home – JOKE, JOKE, JOKE).
"Commonsense would tell you and me that if the GAA wants to fill Croker for these games a cheaper pricing system should apply.
"The country is bang in the middle of recession and with thousands out of work the GAA should provide affordable packages and fill Croke Park."
That's just as pitiful a piece as the dung Martin Brehony wrote a few weeks back about the Championship in 2029 or something like that. Heaney is a lot better than this .... pull the finger out Paddy if your reading.
well the derry men here in coleraine would rather anyone but tyrone win. saw loads of them with dublin, then armagh, then kerry tops on in croke park in recent years. sad really but i love it lol! linfield will win sam before derry do again :)
I also am a cardcarrying member of the ABT brigade. I hope they never win another thing. Most in our club are the same Heaney has a point.
Having said that of course there are some numpties about who are 'happy' Tyrone have done so well and believe theybare a great county blah blah blah
Don't get me wrong their achievements are amazing and I have the utmost respect for them but I hope Cork win on Sunday I'm sick of listening to the hoors!!!!
We all lie awake at night worrying about what a bunch of inbred losers think about us, we really do... ;)
Quote from: red hander on August 20, 2009, 06:54:45 PM
We all lie awake at night worrying about what a bunch of inbred losers think about us, we really do... ;)
When did the inbreeding in Tyrone stop. Glass Houses and Stones here I think Red Hander.
Quote from: In the Onion Bag on August 21, 2009, 12:07:33 AM
When did the inbreeding in Tyrone stop.
At about the time that we jettisoned Doire as part of Tír Eoghain (16th Century).
Quote from: screenexile on August 20, 2009, 06:32:59 PM
I also am a cardcarrying member of the ABT brigade. I hope they never win another thing. Most in our club are the same Heaney has a point.
Having said that of course there are some numpties about who are 'happy' Tyrone have done so well and believe theybare a great county blah blah blah
Don't get me wrong their achievements are amazing and I have the utmost respect for them but I hope Cork win on Sunday I'm sick of listening to the hoors!!!!
Reading this sort of stuff makes victory on Sunday , if we achieve it, even sweeter !!!
Heaney is doing what most good journalists do - creating conversation and debate on a no-news day. In that issue of the Irish News there was no breaking GAA stuff.
I used to think that the Tyrone rivalry was with Armagh but that view was corrected at the 2006 Ulster championship game with Derry and again reconfirmed this year at Casement Park.
in 2006 Tyrone were well beaten but what history failed to write was that Derry also won the battle of bad manners, bad language and the annual 'teach your child new bad words' competition. I know that they don't have the monopoly on that kind of behaviour but they excelled that day.
Using the phrase 'Anyone But Tyrone' is almost the best kind of flattery - in that there is absolutely nothing positive to say about your own team. Heaney use the old 'the team are great' in one articles but the 'fans are twats' in the other routine, and can use the cloak of professional journalism, to somehow make it OK for him to say it.
Ultimately Tyrone have alot more to talk about
incidently i think we'll go down by a point this weekend
As a good Derry man nothing would make me happier than to see Cork give Tyrone a good hammering on Sunday.
One of my best football memories was being in Croke park in 96 when Meath give Tyrone a bit of their own medicine, even now when I think about it I can't stop a big smile from breaking out on my face.
Quote from: red hander on August 20, 2009, 06:54:45 PM
We all lie awake at night worrying about what a bunch of inbred losers think about us, we really do... ;)
Thats one of the funniest things I've ever read on this board :D :D :D. Imagine a Tyrone man calling any one else inbreds. Holy Jesus the boys around Galbally make that wee banjo player out of deliverence look a city slicker.
It's simply a measure of success. Steve Davis, Man Utd, Liverpool in the 80s, Martina Navratilova and even Jesus suffered the same ill-will.
Quote from: ONeill on August 21, 2009, 09:08:16 AM
It's simply a measure of success. Steve Davis, Man Utd, Liverpool in the 80s, Martina Navratilova and even Jesus suffered the same ill-will.
I know what your saying but I always loved it when Tyrone got beat even when they where shite. ;D
If I was as full of self loathing as the average derry supporter - these would be the weekends Id be waiting for all year round, when Tyrone playing as theres a chance to turn the attention off themselves.
Quote from: Master Yoda on August 21, 2009, 09:00:57 AM
As a good Derry man nothing would make me happier than to see Cork give Tyrone a good hammering on Sunday.
One of my best football memories was being in Croke park in 96 when Meath give Tyrone a bit of their own medicine, even now when I think about it I can't stop a big smile from breaking out on my face.
Quote from: red hander on August 20, 2009, 06:54:45 PM
We all lie awake at night worrying about what a bunch of inbred losers think about us, we really do... ;)
Thats one of the funniest things I've ever read on this board :D :D :D. Imagine a Tyrone man calling any one else inbreds. Holy Jesus the boys around Galbally make that wee banjo player out of deliverence look a city slicker.
you're a bit like a thicker version of Paddy Heaney - maybe thats as much of a contradiction as you calling your self a 'good derry man'
Quote from: NaomhBridAbú on August 21, 2009, 09:38:59 AM
Quote from: Master Yoda on August 21, 2009, 09:00:57 AM
As a good Derry man nothing would make me happier than to see Cork give Tyrone a good hammering on Sunday.
One of my best football memories was being in Croke park in 96 when Meath give Tyrone a bit of their own medicine, even now when I think about it I can't stop a big smile from breaking out on my face.
Quote from: red hander on August 20, 2009, 06:54:45 PM
We all lie awake at night worrying about what a bunch of inbred losers think about us, we really do... ;)
Thats one of the funniest things I've ever read on this board :D :D :D. Imagine a Tyrone man calling any one else inbreds. Holy Jesus the boys around Galbally make that wee banjo player out of deliverence look a city slicker.
you're a bit like a thicker version of Paddy Heaney - maybe thats as much of a contradiction as you calling your self a 'good derry man'
Wise up lads there is no way in this world that Tyrone people would be support Derry if the shoe was on the other foot.
Quote from: ONeill on August 21, 2009, 09:08:16 AM
It's simply a measure of success. Steve Davis, Man Utd, Liverpool in the 80s, Martina Navratilova and even Jesus suffered the same ill-will.
O'Neill in "we're bigger than Jesus" shocker! Naive bushman fails to learn from Beatles clanger. Nelson McCausland preparing press release.
Quote from: Hardy on August 21, 2009, 09:47:35 AM
Quote from: ONeill on August 21, 2009, 09:08:16 AM
It's simply a measure of success. Steve Davis, Man Utd, Liverpool in the 80s, Martina Navratilova and even Jesus suffered the same ill-will.
O'Neill in "we're bigger than Jesus" shocker! Naive bushman fails to learn from Beatles clanger. Nelson McCausland preparing press release.
:D :D :D
considering our PP,our former chairman and our primary school principle are all tyrone through and through theres a strong tyrone presence in bellaghy,just as there was a strong army presence in south armagh,doesnt mean they have the support of that particular area.
Quid pro quo... was one of my happiest moments when Galway scored goal in second half to and went on to beat Derry in 2001 All Ireland semi-final. Was wearing Tyrone shirt for minor game and lept about six foot in the air for Galway goal. Derry wans weren't too impressed 8)
Quote from: Drumanee 1 on August 21, 2009, 09:52:25 AM
considering our PP,our former chairman and our primary school principle are all tyrone through and through theres a strong tyrone presence in bellaghy,just as there was a strong army presence in south armagh,doesnt mean they have the support of that particular area.
If that's how she taught you to spell the word ' Principal' then I wouldn't be supporting her either !!!
Quote from: longrunsthefox on August 21, 2009, 09:55:32 AM
Quid pro quo... was one of my happiest moments when Galway scored goal in second half to and went on to beat Derry in 2001 All Ireland semi-final. Was wearing Tyrone shirt for minor game and lept about six foot in the air for Galway goal. Derry wans weren't too impressed 8)
Was in Croke Park for the 95 final when Dublin beat Peter Canavan, in the Minor match before it there was a good number of Tyrone fans that actually booed the Derry minors who where playing Westmeath but I wasn't surprised or disappointed, thats what you expect from them, I wouldn't want the support of any Tyrone rednecks in any shape or description.
Imagine Derry who wont put a footballer next or near Croke Park in 2009, getting their wee piece of the limelight through Paddy Heaneys articles, kepping us relevant sur.. The only GAA costs for yer average derry man this year is renewing the TV license.
Can't tar everyone with the same brush, every set of supporters has its asses!
I must say I do like to see Tyrone getting beat most of the time. But enjoyed watching them winning last years AIF, they were outstanding.
But it's all about having to listen to the neighbours when they win / you lose. Bit of craic at the end of the day!
I always cover myself by betting on Tyrone. If they win, I win, if they lose, I win :D
Only thing that can screw me is a draw!
I'm for croker on sunday, looking forward to a good game of football. Would like to see a Tyrone Kerry final, but probably wouldnt lose any sleep if they were knocked out by Cork :)
I miss the brute ignorance in the Tyrone support. So far the games have hardly encouraged a gulder from the depths of Mid-Ulster. Winning has tamed us. If Mickey really has Tyrone GAA at heart he'd go on a 3-9 game losing run to warm our cockles and eek out that savage begrudgery in us before it's too late. Starting January.
Quote from: Gaffer on August 21, 2009, 09:57:43 AM
Quote from: Drumanee 1 on August 21, 2009, 09:52:25 AM
considering our PP,our former chairman and our primary school principle are all tyrone through and through theres a strong tyrone presence in bellaghy,just as there was a strong army presence in south armagh,doesnt mean they have the support of that particular area.
If that's how she taught you to spell the word ' Principal' then I wouldn't be supporting her either !!!
another spelling policeman ::),i bow to your greater knowledge of spelling.
Quote from: Master Yoda on August 21, 2009, 09:46:56 AM
Wise up lads there is no way in this world that Tyrone people would be support Derry if the shoe was on the other foot.
Not altogether true, I remember well supporting Derry on the occasion of their (one and only ;)) All-Ireland win back in 93. Same with Down in 91 and 94, Donegal in 92 and Armagh in 2002. Know plenty of others who felt the same. There would have been a bit of envy certainly but still happy to see the neighbours winning the big prize.
Funnily enough Drumanee those were the three "founder members" that I thought about as well. Do you not think "he" has embarrassed Bellaghy enough without adding to it on here. Your spelling Drumanee. ???
being anti tyrone allows derry fans to have an interest in the championship right up to the AIF. :-*
Quote from: Master Yoda on August 21, 2009, 09:46:56 AM
Quote from: NaomhBridAbú on August 21, 2009, 09:38:59 AM
Quote from: Master Yoda on August 21, 2009, 09:00:57 AM
As a good Derry man nothing would make me happier than to see Cork give Tyrone a good hammering on Sunday.
One of my best football memories was being in Croke park in 96 when Meath give Tyrone a bit of their own medicine, even now when I think about it I can't stop a big smile from breaking out on my face.
Quote from: red hander on August 20, 2009, 06:54:45 PM
We all lie awake at night worrying about what a bunch of inbred losers think about us, we really do... ;)
Thats one of the funniest things I've ever read on this board :D :D :D. Imagine a Tyrone man calling any one else inbreds. Holy Jesus the boys around Galbally make that wee banjo player out of deliverence look a city slicker.
you're a bit like a thicker version of Paddy Heaney - maybe thats as much of a contradiction as you calling your self a 'good derry man'
Wise up lads there is no way in this world that Tyrone people would be support Derry if the shoe was on the other foot.
One of your best memories is watching Tyrone getting banjaxed by Meath in 96, yet one of my favourite is Tyrone winning in 2003, 2005 and in 2008 - and not a mention of Derry anywhere.
As it goes, I support the sight of good football and Hurling - right now Tyrone are pretty good to watch...Down v Tyrone last year were great to watch adn i certainly wasnt bitter about their victory. Armagh in 2002 - delighted for them - all of the ulster victories in the 90s delighted for them - thats where we are different.
you shoiuld be glad that tyrone are doing well -gives you something to about
And don't forget that to the likes of Kerry we in the north are all the same
Quote from: Gaffer on August 21, 2009, 02:40:14 PM
And don't forget that to the likes of Kerry we in the north are all the same
One of your best memories is watching Tyrone getting banjaxed by Meath in 96, yet one of my favourite is Tyrone winning in 2003, 2005 and in 2008 - and not a mention of Derry anywhere.
As it goes, I support the sight of good football and Hurling - right now Tyrone are pretty good to watch...Down v Tyrone last year were great to watch and I certainly wasn't bitter about their victory. Armagh in 2002 - delighted for them - all of the Ulster victories in the 90s delighted for them - that's where we are different.
You should be glad that Tyrone are doing well - gives you something to talk about
..spell-checker version
I see these videos on the Gaelic Life website back up Mr Heaney's argument, even the President joked about the support for cork among Derry folk in Magherafelt last weekend, all in good humour mind you, and no harm in that, but nevertheless clearly all for the Rebels.
http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/GL/gl_features.php
Seems Heaney's gettin married tomorrow. Can the fellas giving him the traditional bumps at the end of the night please leave a brogue or 2 in when he's on the way down?
Quote from: Lamh Dhearg Alba on August 21, 2009, 11:58:25 AM
Quote from: Master Yoda on August 21, 2009, 09:46:56 AM
Wise up lads there is no way in this world that Tyrone people would be support Derry if the shoe was on the other foot.
Not altogether true, I remember well supporting Derry on the occasion of their (one and only ;)) All-Ireland win back in 93. Same with Down in 91 and 94, Donegal in 92 and Armagh in 2002. Know plenty of others who felt the same. There would have been a bit of envy certainly but still happy to see the neighbours winning the big prize.
Sure there would be no craic if the whole of Derry supported Tyrone.
I'm sure Tyrone fans love keeping Derry fans going about being shite. If it was the other way about I would love to be giving it to them.
I do admit however that I enjoy watching Tyrone the last couple of years, the football they play is breathtaking at times. They have lifted the bar to a different level which is why it is so disapointing to see gifted footballers like Sean Cavanagh and Brian Dooher diving to get players sent off, it would be brilliant if they would cut this out of their game. ;)
I don't understand why people have the impression that you should support your neighbouring county. It is the most natural thing in the world that they become your enemy.
Ireland and England don't get on. Canada and the US. Liverpool and Manchester. Springfield and Shelbyville etc.
The gaaworld is no different. The rivalry that manifests itself as begrudgery and mild abusiveness translates to a competitiveness and a desire to win that ultimately increases your chance of success.
If Tyrone fans weren't such assholes then my desire for Fermanagh to win an Ulster Title would be ever so slightly less (but still huge of course). Rivalry is healthy. It is the people that say they enjoy seeing their rivals win that I worry about
Quote from: Caid on August 21, 2009, 04:25:30 PM
I don't understand why people have the impression that you should support your neighbouring county. It is the most natural thing in the world that they become your enemy.
Ireland and England don't get on. Canada and the US. Liverpool and Manchester. Springfield and Shelbyville etc.
The gaaworld is no different. The rivalry that manifests itself as begrudgery and mild abusiveness translates to a competitiveness and a desire to win that ultimately increases your chance of success.
If Tyrone fans weren't such assholes then my desire for Fermanagh to win an Ulster Title would be ever so slightly less (but still huge of course). Rivalry is healthy. It is the people that say they enjoy seeing their rivals win that I worry about
I concur.
Funny story about Derry - Tyrone rivalry.
It was in 2001 the year that Tyrone beat Derry in the Ulster final, got drawn against each other in the AI quarter finals and Derry beat them.
Myself and a few mates one of which was on the Derry team at the time was in the Glenavon the following Sunday night having a few beers. The lad who was on the Derry team says don't look round now lads but there's a class lookin thing standing over there and she's staring right at me, of course we all turned around straight away to get a look at her and sure enough this deadly lookin article was starring right at your man. I said Jesus Christ man go over and talk to that thing but being quite a shy bein he wouldn't go over. This went on for about 5 minutes your woman giving him the eye and us trying to get him to not be so gay and go over and talk to her, next thing your woman starts coming over towards us looking absolutely unbelievable our mate steps out to meet her and as he opened his mouth to speak she says you make me sick you Derry Bastard and walked on. I swear to God it was the funniest thing I have ever seen in my life, your man didn't know what way to look and the rest of us where rolling around the floor in stitches. :D :D :D :D
Quote from: Caid on August 21, 2009, 04:25:30 PM
I don't understand why people have the impression that you should support your neighbouring county. It is the most natural thing in the world that they become your enemy.
Ireland and England don't get on. Canada and the US. Liverpool and Manchester. Springfield and Shelbyville etc.
The gaaworld is no different. The rivalry that manifests itself as begrudgery and mild abusiveness translates to a competitiveness and a desire to win that ultimately increases your chance of success.
If Tyrone fans weren't such assholes then my desire for Fermanagh to win an Ulster Title would be ever so slightly less (but still huge of course). Rivalry is healthy. It is the people that say they enjoy seeing their rivals win that I worry about
Exactly. Not rooting for your neighbours is a perfectly natural thing- there's nothing to be ashamed of!
agree with the above. it's called banter. i took serious slaggin for ten years after derry won sam. quite enjoyed the craic if i'm honest
Quote from: talktothehand on August 21, 2009, 06:09:40 PM
agree with the above. it's called banter. i took serious slaggin for ten years after derry won sam. quite enjoyed the craic if i'm honest
Agree .. and we promise not to celebrate like we've won the World Cup after winning a first round Ulster championship game only to be knocked out of the qualifiers by the mighty Longford a couple of weeks later :D
Quote from: Caid on August 21, 2009, 04:25:30 PM
I don't understand why people have the impression that you should support your neighbouring county. It is the most natural thing in the world that they become your enemy.
Ireland and England don't get on. Canada and the US. Liverpool and Manchester. Springfield and Shelbyville etc.
The gaaworld is no different. The rivalry that manifests itself as begrudgery and mild abusiveness translates to a competitiveness and a desire to win that ultimately increases your chance of success.
If Tyrone fans weren't such assholes then my desire for Fermanagh to win an Ulster Title would be ever so slightly less (but still huge of course). Rivalry is healthy. It is the people that say they enjoy seeing their rivals win that I worry about
I dont disagree with any of this and Ive had a good laugh at some of Derry's performances in recent years. That doesnt mean I didnt support them back in 93 and that I wouldnt wish them all the best if they ever reached that stage again. Not saying all Derry people should support Tyrone or vice versa, I was just correcting the point that not all supportes feel they have to wish failure on their rivals.
And some Derry men like Muldoon are Tyrone men at heart..
Quote from: Gaffer on August 21, 2009, 02:40:14 PM
And don't forget that to the likes of Kerry we in the north are all the same
yeah, and you all love Kerry ::)
Quote from: Mike Sheehy on August 22, 2009, 05:40:28 AM
Quote from: Gaffer on August 21, 2009, 02:40:14 PM
And don't forget that to the likes of Kerry we in the north are all the same
yeah, and you all love Kerry ::)
Was in Killarney in July. Lovely part of the country !
... 13 men against the wind in Clones!
(http://wiw.org/~jess/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/yeehaw.jpg)
YEEHAW!!
Quote from: sandwiches_in_the_boot on August 22, 2009, 04:14:45 PM
... 13 men against the wind in Clones!
(http://wiw.org/~jess/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/yeehaw.jpg)
YEEHAW!!
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Quote from: ONeill on August 21, 2009, 09:08:16 AM
It's simply a measure of success. Steve Davis, Man Utd, Liverpool in the 80s, Martina Navratilova and even Jesus suffered the same ill-will.
We hated you before you where any good and will continue to hate you long after you have returned to your rightful place in the world, at this time of year you should be in the bog bringing turf home.
As far as ABT's go its a wide spread thing in Derry. Myself I dont mind them and was glad to see them win their first. Will be cheering them on today as well.
South Derry Gael - are you Paddy heaney?
I remember talking to an oldish Tyrone woman at the Mayo-Tyrone league game earlier in the year and she said she had nothing but contempt for Derry. She gave me no reason at all.
Quote from: Farrandeelin on August 23, 2009, 08:35:37 PM
I remember talking to an oldish Tyrone woman at the Mayo-Tyrone league game earlier in the year and she said she had nothing but contempt for Derry. She gave me no reason at all.
As an educated outsider, I think this contempt is down to jealousy - anything worth doing in the GAA was done first by the Oakleafers. Winning Sam, playing club championship games under lights, having a high profile GAA figure appearing in an illegal blood sports documentary. All achieved first by the London boys.
Either that or she lives in the diocese of Derry.