Calls for all Ireland soccer team at Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

As the Republic of Ireland head for Euro 2012, there was plenty of support for the merging of Trap’s men with Northern Ireland at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Kerry yesterday.

27/05/12 4,089 Views 51 Comments

Republic of Ireland's Robbie Keane and Gareth McAuley of Northern Ireland during the Carling Nations Cup in Dublin last summer.

Image: ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

WITH EURO 2012 less than a fortnight away, there were calls for an all Ireland soccer team at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Killarney, Co Kerry yesterday.

Speeches from party members focused on a wide range of issues with TD Sandra McLellan among those to reiterate the party’s call for the island’s two international soccer teams, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, to unite.

She told delegates: “Other sports have shown maturity and rationale, it’s a pity that soccer does not learn from other sports when one team represents Ireland in such sports like rugby, cricket and international rules.

“Having one team from Ireland has witnessed the uniting of the entire county in full support of that team. There are no mentions of divisions between North, South, East or West.”

McLellan claimed that Northern Ireland and Manchester United legend George Best supported the creation of such a team and said that it would “undoubtedly” lead to the creation of a more successful soccer team on the international stage.

While the Republic of Ireland prepare to do battle in Poland at the European Championships next month, Northern Ireland have been less successful in recent times.

They currently lie 100th in the world rankings below the likes of Vietnam, Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda and have seen talented players born in the North such as winger James McClean and midfielder Darron Gibson opt to play for the Republic.

“Even an Italian, Giovanni Trapattoni, knows that an Irish team is better when its an all-Ireland team,” Sinn Féin councillor Matt McCarthy told the conference yesterday.

He added: “Giovanni Trapattoni’s team will be better because James McClean and Darron Gibson will be in the squad alongside Robbie Keane and Shay Given. Because Irish teams are stronger when they’re all-Ireland teams.”

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Hugh O'Connell

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Ivan Connor 27/05/12 #

3 43

It makes sense on so many levels but it won’t happen in the near future. The abuse and threats James McClean received shows just how deep the divide still is. Add to that his statement in a press conference when he said he “never felt at home playing for a team whose anthem wants God to save the Queen of England and whose flags are mostly of a Union Jack variety”, then it shows there are more profound issues to be overcome than just merging the two sides.

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- Bilbo Baggins 27/05/12 #
  
  2 9
  
  well said, let’s take baby steps, get the ni supporters to actually support their team to begin with. and not just its unionist members. a start might be to actually ware the teams jersey and fly their colours….
  
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Gearóid Mac Gabhann 27/05/12 #

9 77

Ironically, it was actually the FAI who broke away to form a Free State team, the reason being the Belfast dominated and Unionist biased IFA.

While it makes perfect sense to have an All-Ireland team, I can’t see it happening anytime soon while soccer continues to attract a disproportionate number of reactionary bigots compared to other sports. However, maybe they could get the ball rolling by staging an annual friendly played by a team composed of players north and south. I believe such a friendly took place in the 70′s under the banner of a “Shamrock Rovers XI”.

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Richard Collumb 27/05/12 #

3 29

Wont happen because the suits in IFA & FAI like their power

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Nellysroom 27/05/12 #

27 126

It’s one if those things that make so much sense but will be held back by parish pump dinosaur thinking.

The synergy of an all Ireland team would be a wonderful prospect.

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Bryan Murray 27/05/12 #

5 28

Are we not kinda moving that way anyway with a good few of the Northern players now playing wth the South??

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- Gearóid Mac Gabhann 27/05/12 #
  
  2 14
  
  Somewhat yes, but it’s drawn along sectarian lines, having one team for Catholics, and one team for Protestants. This doesn’t really set the precedent for a truly All-Ireland team that embraces both traditions.
  
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James Hickey 27/05/12 #

0 8

Johnie Evans actually would be great addition

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toorkeel 27/05/12 #

27 75

Unfortunately there are too many clowns supporting teams in both NI and ROI who couldn’t make this happen. The Celtic/Rangers jersey wearing apes who love abusing each other and anyone else. Unlike the Irish Rugby team, completely different type of supporter. Can’t see it happening for at least a couple of generations. Maybe an Ireland XI playing a friendly in NI and ROI once a year might help

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- Irish-in-USA 27/05/12 #
  
  34 62
  
  Nice of you to tar all Celtic and Rangers supporters as apes! It’s that very attitude the would prevent a single team representing the Island of Ireland. I am a life long Celtic supporter and a season book holder for the past 15 years. I certainly don’t consider myself an ape although obviously some others do. I know plenty of bigots who support multiple teams out side of Celtic and Rangers. Granted Celtic and Rangers have their issues but please don’t assume we are all apes. I know plenty of decent Celtic and Rangers supporters. I can also assure you having lived in both Glasgow and Edinburgh for multiple years there is just as much bigotry among the “Rugby” crowd as any other sport! No one sport, club or fan base has a monopoly on bigotry or intolerance.
  
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- toorkeel 27/05/12 #
  
  19 43
  
  @Irish in USA. You know the type of clown I am talking about. The type that protests with a no foreign sports placard outside Croke Park before an historic rugby match between Ireland (All Ireland team by the way) and England while wearing a said Celtic jersey…
  
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Billie Hetfield 27/05/12 #

1 10

It will never happen. The main reason being the money men won’t allow it. They don’t want to lose their cushy numbers.

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finbar m 27/05/12 #

34 59

Would love to see it but it will never go ahead in my life time

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Declan Fitzgerald 27/05/12 #

1 7

Anyone watching “Green is the colour” on RTE? Episode 1 shows why it will never happen.

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smithan_irl 27/05/12 #

28 33

Nice idea, would be great to see it but realistically won’t happen. Yet more not-thought-through populist trite from Sinn Fein.

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- Ailís McKernan 27/05/12 #
  
  10 11
  
  So which is it, a nice idea or a trite idea?!!! At least some people have the vision to look beyond the cage and start thinking of ways to break it down.
  
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- Seán Ó Briain 27/05/12 #
  
  3 8
  
  Populist idea = A good idea, re-described as populist if it’s by someone you don’t like.
  
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- smithan_irl 27/05/12 #
  
  4 3
  
  Compulsory 3 day weekend would be popular (and a great idea in my book..) but ain’t gonna happen for a variety of reasons. Therefore it’s trite
  
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- AilÃs McKernan 27/05/12 #
  
  2 3
  
  smithan that’s not what trite means! It means banal and overused. what you describe is more like wishful thinking! I also suspect you are confusing popular with populism
  
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- smithan_irl 27/05/12 #
  
  3 3
  
  I’m always whining about wanting a 3 day weekend Ailish so it’s definitely “trite” in my house !
  
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Gerry Cullen 27/05/12 #

8 13

its only a matter of time…2 leagues on the island of ireland make no sence at all.the north league is very weak and has little support…how they pay wages is a wonder? only the republic`s league has done well over the last 5 to 7 years with a move too summer soccer…an all island of ireland soccer league would be a start to great things on this island,as for the international teams..they both wear (green jersey`s) so thats sorted as a start. as for songs use the same as for the rugby internationals (ireland call& the solders song or danny boy)…the flag of green,white,orange is in place with an new irish soccer flag design .i think it will happen.if your irish and live in derry,belfast cork,dublin,an all ireland team is a must in a few years, i have friends who are from west belfast and they are not supporters of (n ireland soccer) they want to see an all island team, the irish F.A and F.A.I will in the end meet and join as one…too form (A.F.I) THE ASSIOCTION FOOTBALL OF IRELAND..A NEW TEAM ALL FANS CAN BE PROUD OF …

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Martin Sinnott 27/05/12 #

73 54

If they are so interested in Irish soccer why did they hold there Ard Fheis on the same day as an International Match ?

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- Cal Mooney 27/05/12 #
  
  8 6
  
  Martin, its exactly that “What aboutery” that holds this country back. SF propose it the idea, and you knock them, because of the day they hold an Ard Fheis. Can you discuss the topic instead of complaining about what day the SF ard Fheis is being held.
  
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- Seán Ó Briain 27/05/12 #
  
  2 13
  
  Um, probably because the Ard Fheis was arranged a year in advance. You’ll have to forgive them for not checking to see if a soccer match was being played on that date. The Journal is a breeding ground for stupid questions.
  
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James Hickey 27/05/12 #

4 6

Can somebody tell me 5 players apart from the northern players we have playing for the republic that would make our euro squad?? HONEST QUESTION

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- Bryan Murray 27/05/12 #
  
  4 13
  
  @James Hickey I’d Imagine all the following would be in with a good shout:
  Defence: Johnny Evans, Aaron Hughes, Gareth McAuley, Chris Baird
  Midfield: Chris Brunt, Steven Davis,
  Forwards: Kyle Lafferty (before everyone goes nuts at least he would offer an aerial presence)
  
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- Billie Hetfield 27/05/12 #
  
  1 10
  
  I’m not having Lafferty. Not good enough. We have the likes of Doyle, Long and Walters who will manage aerially. Keane, Cox, Best and Stokes are all also better.
  
  The rest of those mentioned would be nice additions. Steve Davis would fit in nicely in the system.
  
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- Bryan Murray 27/05/12 #
  
  0 8
  
  Ah yeah Lafferty was a bit of wild-card looking back on it- I will agree with you that all the strikers named are probably better
  
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Kevin McGrath 27/05/12 #

52 35

it would make a much stronger squad Johnny Evans
.pat mc court would make great additions..but god save d queen can ilck my balls

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- mcbab 27/05/12 #
  
  15 38
  
  There you go Kevin. Will never happen with knuckleheads like you around. More populist spouting from sinn fein.
  
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- Billie Hetfield 27/05/12 #
  
  11 13
  
  Sorry, what gives toorkeel, mcbab and Paidi the right to personally attack Kevin? This is the same lot who are on their pedestal claiming to be very tolerant and preaching about an All-Ireland team when they can’t treat someone with a different view with a little bit of respect. Be keyboard warriors elsewhere please.
  
  Question for toorkeel. What makes you different from these “apes” as you call them?
  
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- toorkeel 27/05/12 #
  
  3 5
  
  @Billie, Because I dont preach that I support an All Ireland Soccer Team including both NI and ROI and in the same breath, suggest that “god save d queen can ilck my balls” (sic). Not very inclusive do you think? This same person is a Celtic supporter.
  
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Paul Darby 27/05/12 #

5 6

If N.I were going to euros12 we would not be having this chat.Let themhave the Ranger int.Their fans are a disgrace and have rode on the tails of the real irish fans reputations when on away games.Let them have their billy boys/ english flags and g.s.t.q.

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- Bryan Murray 27/05/12 #
  
  3 5
  
  I imagine on some NI soccer board Paul Darbyshire is saying “let them have their Celtic fans. Let them have their Amhran na Fhiann and Fields of Athenry”
  And that is the crux of the problem
  
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Kevin McGrath 27/05/12 #

24 13

go back to sleep for urself

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Paul Darby 27/05/12 #

6 5

Listen brain.. The protestants up north want a united nothing with the Roi,its time people in the south except that point.

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- Bryan Murray 27/05/12 #
  
  1 7
  
  Thats exactly the point I was making, but I also making the point that some people down south such as yourself also want nothing to do with them.
  Thus that is the crux of the problem
  
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Martin Mac 27/05/12 #

42 19

Great idea. Just do it!!!! Ignore the small percentage of little brain dead cretins who have no lives but hatred. An All Ireland football team is a fantastic idea. We would qualify every tournament with the competition for places for the team and squad. Make Roy Keane or Martin O’Neil Manager.

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- James Darmody 27/05/12 #
  
  21 56
  
  You were doing great until you mentioned Keane for manager.
  
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Darragh Cresham 27/05/12 #

15 8

Not a chance and hopefully not in my lifetime. The majority in the north don’t want it. Why can’t you just keep to yourselves up there.

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Kevin McGrath 27/05/12 #

40 13

well I’m I’m Australia now kid so I don’t need tennents I can drink wat ever I like,u enjoy ur tennents tho man ha ha

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- toorkeel 27/05/12 #
  
  9 24
  
  Interesting logic. Make sure your legs don’t get sunburnt
  
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- mcbab 27/05/12 #
  
  14 24
  
  What did Australia ever do to deserve you. It’s the likes of you who give us a bad name wherever you go.
  
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- Stephen 27/05/12 #
  
  2 2
  
  wat, u, ur, tho, Knob
  
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Kevin McGrath 27/05/12 #

26 8

I give no one a bad name and I know more about soccer international and junior level than u will ever know so shut ur mouth and come back with facts than stupid bullshit..

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- Páid Ó Donnchú 27/05/12 #
  
  7 15
  
  Our gain is Australia’s loss.
  
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Kevin McGrath 27/05/12 #

36 10

no I’m actually wearing Celtic shorts at the moment…but if u think the likes of duffer Keane or Richie dunne would listen to dat b5 a game haha get real

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- toorkeel 27/05/12 #
  
  15 41
  
  They are doing 14 cans of Tennants for £1.50 in tesco this weekend. Would go well with your shorts!
  
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- Stephen 27/05/12 #
  
  2 3
  
  b5 a game
  
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Kevin McGrath 27/05/12 #

41 11

are u calling me an ape ?????

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- toorkeel 27/05/12 #
  
  21 45
  
  …Yes, the Celtic Jersey wearing variety.
  
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Calls for all Ireland soccer team at Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

As the Republic of Ireland head for Euro 2012, there was plenty of support for the merging of Trap’s men with Northern Ireland at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Kerry yesterday.

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