Saturday, January 20, 2007
Call made for all-Ireland football team
I welcome the comments made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern who called for the merging of football's governing bodies north and south.Mr Ahern said an all-island league would generate more income for clubs and provide more talented players for a re-constituted national team.
He told the Soccer Writers Association of Ireland that times had changed since the governing body split in the 1920s:
"Together they can achieve so much more than by remaining apart."
"I believe the time is now right for both football organisations to sit down together for serious discussions on the basis that together they can achieve so much more than remaining apart.
"When they balance the pros and cons of having one all-island football organisation, the ledger will, I believe, come down heavily on a harmonious coming together of two noble Irish football traditions and organisations."
Northern Ireland's most famous player George Best, months before his death, called for an all-Ireland team:
"I've always thought that at any given time, the Republic and Northern Ireland have had some great, world-class players.
"I just believe in trying something. If it doesn't work, at least you've tried."
I think it's a very good idea that will bring many benefits to the people of this island - which is why I don't think the FAI will want it to happen.
The greedy fat cats in Merrion Square will resist any effort to disrupt their nice little arrangement which is currently in place.
A joint all-island organisation would mean changes in order for progress to be made, however this is an organisation that is terrified of change and progress.
What about our power?
It's not even funny the amount of debacles these clowns have been involved in. The Saipan affair, the embarrassing Euro 2008 bid, the deal with Sky to give away Irish football matches, the woeful manager selections etc.
We're expected to believe these guys would be able to work hand in hand with the IFA for the betterment of football on this island? I don't buy it.
These idiots couldn't organise a piss-up in a brewery (though they'd like to I'm sure).
In an ideal world, if this all-Ireland idea does come to fruition, I personally hope that it spells the end for John Delaney and the rest of the luantics who run that asylum.
Now that IS worth a try...
# posted by United Irelander @ 1:01 AM 
© 2008 United Irelander.
