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Why do Irish people support English teams?

DEFTLEFTHAND

I was born and raised in Tipperary. My mother kept the home when Dad worked.

Dad worked in the merchant navy for yrs and loved soccer.

He lived in Inchicore when I was born. He was an officer on the Holyhead ferry.

We used to go to Richmond Park. Some of my earliest memomories in life are of him swearing and getting angry with me up on his lap.

He was a very emotive man, but very loving.

I just could never get why most of Dublin and the rest of the country supported the English league .

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tayto lover

Went to work in London after my Leaving Cert exams.
Lived around the corner from Highbury stadium and started going to Arsenal matches. Great year to start following the club, 1971 the first double year. Went to all home games and many away too.
Returned to live in Dundalk years later and have been attending Dundalk games since. I also go to Gaelic games and even went to one Rugby match, Ireland v England. I enjoy all sports except Cricket.
I often refer to Arsenal and Dundalk as “us” or “we”. No apologies either as I feel a part of both clubs. They are also a part of me.

Church on Tuesday

Because there's no even semi pro footbal club near me in Mayo that I can support, hence why I support Arsenal.

I could support Sligo Rovers at a stretch but I'm not from there either.

It's grand having loads of LoI clubs in Dublin but for the rest of the country club intensity is pretty sparse.

Arthur Daley

Maurice Yeltsin wrote: »

Bury, Oldham, Rochdale and Stockport are comparatively ****e.

In a county with a population half of that of Ireland and with four giants within spitting distance they get more through the gates than the whole LOI. Four small teams that share a city with two of the biggest teams in the world get more in the gate of any of the big three Dublin clubs.

But apparently these are still better than the top teams in the League of Ireland. Rochdale play in League One, so the top League of Ireland teams could not live with them we are told. Bury and Oldham were bottom of league one last year, so still probably too good for the League of Ireland, in case anyone gets any ideas here.

They never play each other on a competitive basis, so we will never know for certain will we.

But in this footballing backwater, where even the top clubs can have no realistic sense of competing with League One clubs, people still moan that the national team can't make it to pretty much every tournament. As soon as a manager is in a few months, some cannot wait to get him out. Either because this footballing backwater isn't playing at major championships, or because the football isn't beautiful enough, or most likely a mixture of both. Something doesn't add up about that story.

Perifect

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

More exposure to English teams. No LOI teams near where I'm from so no exposure to them and no connection.

Only football I saw was Irish matches and English football on ITV so you'd pick a team and follow then in your formative years.

There's an excuse when you're a child. Grown adults? It's sad.

Alf Veedersane

DEFTLEFTHAND wrote: »

I just could never get why most of Dublin and the rest of the country supported the English league .

More exposure to English teams. No LOI teams near where I'm from so no exposure to them and no connection.

Only football I saw was Irish matches and English football on ITV so you'd pick a team and follow then in your formative years.

Dravokivich

Maurice Yeltsin wrote: »

Bury, Oldham, Rochdale and Stockport are comparatively ****e.

In a county with a population half of that of Ireland and with four giants within spitting distance they get more through the gates than the whole LOI. Four small teams that share a city with two of the biggest teams in the world get more in the gate of any of the big three Dublin clubs. Tens of thousands through the gates at eternal non achievers in the London area (Crystal Palace, Millwall, West Ham, Brentford, Leyton, Southend, Charlton Athletic, Luton, Crawley, AFC Wimbledon, QPR, Fulham) when the easy option would be to fob these off in favour of Chelsea and, to a lesser extent, Spurs and Arsenal.

It's a cultural problem in this country more than anything. We are event junkies. Kids today wouldn't believe that until 18 or so years ago very few people outside of South east Dublin and Limerick cared for the rugby side.

So what if the popularity of rugby has grown over the last 18 years. It's only been professional for a little over 20 and the irfu is in a much better position to invest in it, than the FAI are, to invest in soccer. But you are comparing 2 different things. Even in rugby the domestic leagues such as AIL, can have issues with attendances. Top tier rugby here and top tier soccer here are miles apart to such an extent that there is no top tier soccer, than can compete to a high level outside of itself.

Perifect

Avatar MIA wrote: »

That was mocking you (I assumed clearly). Do keep up mo chara :pac:

Fail! Backtracking with your tail between your legs.

8-10

RobMc59 wrote: »

Apologies
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/english-soccer/question-of-religion-as-basis-for-support-still-contentious-1.1655070

Article over 5 years old and states:

"anecdotal evidence that, historically speaking, the city’s Catholics were more inclined to become “Blues” "

Hardly proof that it is a Catholic club today. It even says historically speaking. If you think today's fans head to Gooddison after mass with the Eucharist in their belly I don't think you do understand the reality of the club as it is today. You see much more diversity now

ozzy jr

Maurice Yeltsin wrote: »

It's a cultural problem in this country more than anything. We are event junkies. Kids today wouldn't believe that until 18 or so years ago very few people outside of South east Dublin and Limerick cared for the rugby side.

This is it. Irish people are event junkies. They don't want to go to a game every week. They'll do a few games a year and think they're great. Some will even do a few games in more than one sport and think they're some sort of super fan.

Avatar MIA

Omackeral wrote: »

Haven't read the full thread but whoever thinks there's no class in our league needs to check out Morrissey's goal from last night. There's bangers every week.

I saw that earlier, I follow Cork on FB

Avatar MIA

Perifect wrote: »

No, you painted Irish culture as being about dancing at the crossroads and being anti-English.

That was mocking you (I assumed clearly). Do keep up mo chara :pac:

Perifect

limnam wrote: »

Doesn't upset me.

Regular LOI attendee

So you got my point then.

[Deleted User]

Haven't read the full thread but whoever thinks there's no class in our league needs to check out Morrissey's goal from last night. There's bangers every week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8zxYUox-as

Avatar MIA

RobMc59 wrote: »

Apologies

"Parental family ties appear to have been much stronger. "

It was a tradition, but nothing to do with sectarianism. Liverpool was formed after the Everton owners fell out with their Anfield owning landlord, but for money and not religious reasons.

Perifect

Avatar MIA wrote: »

Pointing out the deficiencies in LOI football is looking down on Irish culture?

Pog mo thoin!

No, you painted Irish culture as being about dancing at the crossroads and being anti-English. Sneering attitude so similar to what some in England have. Leannán tú cultúr Shasanach!

8-10

OldMrBrennan83 wrote: »

No, it's barely a sport when you look at the actual skills involved. Most of them haven't a clue what's going on anyway, but that's not why they're there. Prosecco anyone?

Still good that they're going to the Irish grounds and supporting the game here rather than daytrips to England though right?

[Deleted User]

orourkeda1977 wrote: »

Now that you mention it, I have family in the Birmingham Area. A number of them lived in Small Heath for years and are all Birmingham City supporters.

It does happen.

Nowhere near the scale it should if the "my uncle abroad" or the Irish diaspora reasons are used. Most people would hardly know any Blues fans over here

jmayo

tuxy wrote: »

To be fair the vast majority of Irish people support England in world cups that Ireland do not qualify for.

He he he.
Good one.

I don't care if people follow, are fans of, or "support" English teams or teams from wherever.

What I do hate is when they start referring to the WE.
WE played terrible the other night or WE are going to win the league.

Unless you are a die hard regular fan going to the matches, or a native with local links then I think you don't have the right to use the WE.

ShadyAcres

Born in England to Irish parents, grew up there until adulthood and now living in Ireland half my life.
Growing up there I supported my local team who have always floated between Div 1 and the championship. I attended most home games and often away games.
Everybody I knew had two teams, the local team and a premier league team and they still seem to going on Fb posts.
Nowadays I couldn't give a rats ass about any league. The only football I see is when Ireland play (depressing) and then during the world cup or Euro's where I haven't a clue who a lot of the players are but i'll watch as many games as i can and enjoy it.
My housemates sit down in their united jerseys and watch every single EPL game on Sky sports and occasionally fly over to matches.
I can't understand why people are so affected by what other people do. Why work yourself up over it?

limnam

Perifect wrote: »

Having to face up to the fact that you're apart of the little England alliance has upset you. You can do something about it!

Doesn't upset me.

Regular LOI attendee

OldMrBrennan83

8-10 wrote: »

You don't think it's because the teams are good at playing said rugger?

No, it's barely a sport when you look at the actual skills involved. Most of them haven't a clue what's going on anyway, but that's not why they're there. Prosecco anyone?

8-10

OldMrBrennan83 wrote: »

The rugger is loike the place to be seen though loike. Instariffic.

You don't think it's because the teams are good at playing said rugger?

Perifect

limnam wrote: »

It seems to be sailing over most people's.

Maybe you can formulate it better.

Having to face up to the fact that you're apart of the little England alliance has upset you. You can do something about it!

OldMrBrennan83

8-10 wrote: »

Leinster and Munster get good attendances though it has to be said. Their average Pro 14 attendance is higher than many established Premiership clubs like Gloucester, Northampton, Bath etc

The rugger is loike the place to be seen though loike. Instariffic.

8-10

Maurice Yeltsin wrote: »

Bury, Oldham, Rochdale and Stockport are comparatively ****e.

In a county with a population half of that of Ireland and with four giants within spitting distance they get more through the gates than the whole LOI. Four small teams that share a city with two of the biggest teams in the world get more in the gate of any of the big three Dublin clubs. Tens of thousands through the gates at eternal non achievers in the London area (Crystal Palace, Millwall, West Ham, Brentford, Leyton, Southend, Charlton Athletic, Luton, Crawley, AFC Wimbledon, QPR, Fulham) when the easy option would be to fob these off in favour of Chelsea and, to a lesser extent, Spurs and Arsenal.

It's a cultural problem in this country more than anything. We are event junkies.

Leinster and Munster get good attendances though it has to be said. Their average Pro 14 attendance is higher than many established Premiership clubs like Gloucester, Northampton, Bath etc

Avatar MIA

Perifect wrote: »

You look down your nose at Irish culture while embracing English culture.

Pointing out the deficiencies in LOI football is looking down on Irish culture?

Pog mo thoin!

RobMc59

8-10 wrote: »

Right...but I'm the one who needs a link because I don't live there. Why do you think I asked for one? For you?

Apologies
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/english-soccer/question-of-religion-as-basis-for-support-still-contentious-1.1655070

limnam

Perifect wrote: »

On the contrary, the point has completely sailed over your head.

It seems to be sailing over most people's.

Maybe you can formulate it better.

Maurice Yeltsin

Jerichoholic wrote: »

Is it because Irish teams are ****e and English teams are far superior?

Bury, Oldham, Rochdale and Stockport are comparatively ****e.

In a county with a population half of that of Ireland and with four giants within spitting distance they get more through the gates than the whole LOI. Four small teams that share a city with two of the biggest teams in the world get more in the gate of any of the big three Dublin clubs. Tens of thousands through the gates at eternal non achievers in the London area (Crystal Palace, Millwall, West Ham, Brentford, Leyton, Southend, Charlton Athletic, Luton, Crawley, AFC Wimbledon, QPR, Fulham) when the easy option would be to fob these off in favour of Chelsea and, to a lesser extent, Spurs and Arsenal.

It's a cultural problem in this country more than anything. We are event junkies. Kids today wouldn't believe that until 18 or so years ago very few people outside of South east Dublin and Limerick cared for the rugby side.

GinAndBitter

Me uncle worked in Manchester in the 70s, or something.