The Other View

Over the years there have been many debates if the governing soccer bodies of this island should unite and propagate an all-Ireland approach to soccer from grass-roots level to the International arena.

In the last issue of The Other View, staff reporter John Clarke berated the current status quo which exists within Northern Ireland soccer, and referred to it as being " a sectarian ridden and exclusive domain" where fans at Northern Ireland games yell out to their players "No Taigs here".

Mr. Clarke obviously has a very jaundiced view of soccer here in "Norn Iron"; sadly many of his points are applicable. However, even sadder is his apparent blindness to changes that may only ripple through the sport but nonetheless are positive moves in bringing down barriers and increasing the general appeal of "footie" here in Northern Ireland.

Last Wednesday night’s International fixture against the Ukraine was totally devoid of ugly sectarianism. This did not happen overnight; on the contrary it has taken an age. It has taken the IFA to adopt the "Give Bigotry the Boot" campaign; it has taken Official Supporters Clubs to give leadership on the terraces. Cross-Community schemes organised by the likes of Linfield and Glentoran have, in many cases, all helped greatly in broadening the appeal of local football. Change for the better, no matter how small, should be applauded, not derided just because it appears an easy target and a guaranteed "Headline Grabber".

Much has been made of the whole Neil Lennon saga. While a wee country like Northern Ireland can ill afford to lose one of our best players,one must question Lennon’s commitment to Northern Ireland. I, like many others, get the feeling that Lennon has very little interest in wearing the Northern Ireland shirt. "Rightly so", some may say. However, I don’t feel the "cos he plays for Sellick" charge is the real reason why he is a target of the Windsor boo boys. If that is the case why has he received so much more attention than the likes of Anton Rogan and Allen McKnight etc? Truth is Lennon has been at times too outspoken on his views on all-Ireland issues. (One muses if he would be good enough to be selected for the Republic of Ireland). Also, Lennon’s apparent Lazarus ability to recover from International curbing injuries to be able to perform for a full ninety minutes for Celtic a couple of days later. Northern Ireland has never had a truly great side. The population determines that. Sadly it is doubtful if we will ever be "World-beaters". However, the blood and guts commitment shown by all Northern Ireland players, be they Protestant or Catholic, has seen them achieve some awe-inspiring successes. The "No Taigs here" charge is proven fallible when one witnesses the entire Windsor Park support chanting "Hughsie" in unison.

Whilst Michael Hughes is a firm favourite with the support, he is also a Larne Catholic; this to the best of my knowledge has never been an issue. On the contrary, the fact the wee man gives 100% and plays for the jersey every time is the reason he is a favourite of the fans. Many other players whom Mr Clarke would regard as "Taigs" have also won the hearts and minds of the supporters. These include the likes of Gerry Armstrong, Martin O’Neill, big Pat, and many many more.

League soccer is poor from tip to toe, but like the International scene, things are indeed changing. Several clubs such as Ards, Glentoran and even lowly Carrick Rangers are in various stages of building new purpose built, family-orientated stadia. No doubt about it the current state of many of our League grounds are a shambles, with basic facilities being virtually non-existent. While the Leagues are competitive, there is indeed a large gulf between the top of the Premier and the bottom of the First.

Today, with the greatly improved air travel/fares, a trip to Anfield, Highbury and Old Trafford is affordable to many; a boat trip to Scotland and you can savour the prospect of watching a top class Scottish side, (e.g. Rangers or Hearts!). Also, with the coverage of so much football on the TV, the Irish League does appear to be on its knees - but all is not lost. Perhaps the proposals suggested by the football "Task Force" may prove fruitful, and already many of the recommendations have earned plaudits from most of the clubs. But the gist of it all boils down to greater funding to be pumped into the game and the right people in place to see the transitions that are inevitable, but long overdue. Whilst Mr. Clarke espouses the size of the crowds at Croke Park or other GAA stadia, can he really be proud of the standard of facilities at such venues? The size of the crowds at GAA games has never been an issue to me personally, nor have I ever looked at them in an envious way. I have, however, become more increasingly envious of the coverage afforded to anything with an Irish slant. For example, while UTV feels the need to produce an in-depth weekly programme on GAA, our National Sport receives only the scraps from the cutting room table.

This has increased more since the GAA’s decision to scrap the rule on barring N.I. Security Force personnel from taking part in Gaelic games. While the "32 Counties" as a whole reversed the sectarian, archaic rule, the decision still is a thorn in the side of the majority of GAA members here in Ulster.

With regard to all-Ireland leagues, I believe they are a non-starter. Could the like of Carrick Rangers, for example, afford the trip to a match against Cork City? Could the Part-time players be able to get time off work from their "proper jobs" for wee mid-week jaunts down to Limerick? - Not too mention security issues, etc,Ireland has one recognised National Rugby Union side which has always been well-represented by players from Northern Ireland, but, other than the Phil Coulter composed Anthem, has there really been any conscious efforts made to appreciate the Northern Irish, Protestant players and supporters? Would a Northern Irish, Protestant footballer in an all-Ireland team be required to be subservient to a foreign National Anthem, play his home matches in a foreign Country, and be supported by foreign tricolour-waving supporters? If the shoe were on the other foot would we in Northern Ireland expect the same of players from the Republic? Would a sharing of venues be the answer? Would the Republic, while riding on the crest of a wave welcome such changes, with the only reward maybe being a couple of Northern Ireland players being selected for the squad? The mind boggles!

One only has to attend an Ulster match at Ravenhill to witness the potential of the possibilities that should be exploited in Northern Ireland sport. Does Friday night fixtures hold a key to improved attendances in local sport? This seems to be the case at the likes of Taylors Avenue where Carrick Rangers can testify that crowds are greatly up on the same Saturday fixture.

Yes, it is true there is much work to be done to improve our local game. There are changes afoot and they should be welcomed and harnessed for the good of the game. It will take time as always; it will take money and expertise. However, if Mr. Clarke is serious about change, and I have no reason to doubt him, then he will ditch the negative scurrilous ranting, and, hard as it may appear, equally acknowledge that change is taking place. There is one final point, Mr. Clarke. Can we Protestants in Northern Ireland be patriotic without being labelled sectarian bigots? Evidence to date appears this is not the case.

 Contents

 Home Page