[SALFORD RED]

I'm using the term Ireland to cover the whole of Ireland here
because i'm sure a lot of people hear Ireland think Ireland is
just one place.

I know we have a lot of Irish members here but non seem
to post much about Irish Football teams.

So lets see if some of our Irish friends would care to enlighten
anyone who might be slightly interested.

I think some of us might know of the "big" teams ( both sides of the border),
like Linfield , Glentoran, Cliftonville and Bangor, Ballymena, Glenavon.

But are they the "big"boys or are they just names most people hear
more often ?

What is the top league in the North ?
What is the top league in the South ?

Who are the top teams from both ?

How does "Irish" football compare to the English leagues ?
ie..Premiership level, Championship level etc.

.

 

[Keano!]

The reply so far says it all TBH....




Its a falling league in all honesty. Main sposnors Eircom announced a while back
that they were pulling out of sponsoring the Eircom League so thats a huge loss
for the league in all areas.

Teams have had to cut wages, some as high as 50% and players are looking
elsewhere.


Drogheda, and Bohemians are the two main teams and Derry City not far behind.
Drogheda just missed out on the 3rd round of qualifying for the Champions
League this season, so that was a disappointing end to the Euro run for them.

Liveing in Dublin, I used to be a regular Bray Wanderers goer, but haven't been in
about 2 years, which annoys me, but theres not much of an atmosphere any
more.

Theres been dirty incidents in games before, with Bohs "Ultras" causing fighting
and injuries after and before games.

How does "Irish" football compare to the English leagues ?

Ehh...the Eircom League (First Division) is on a par with League 2 in England,
maybe League 1 but thats probably stretching it. Some teams like the top ones
could probably hold their own in League 1 and maybe even give it a damn good
go in the Championship (Now I'm really being optimistic!)....But no where near
the Pre standard!

 

[Jazz 16]

^^Equivalent to league 2?
Thats a bit harsh. I reckon Bohs and Drogs could cut it in the Championship about mid to lower table.
Irish football is on the rise, with teams doing better in Europe, like Drogheda
and Shelbourne a couple of years ago. It will take time, thats for sure.
There isnt any money in the game over here either so its hard to attract the players.
Any decent player that 'makes' it over there gets snapped up in England, and even
then a lot of them dont make it. We have a long way to go, but its definitely on the rise.
Cheers for the topic Sal.
Cmon Shamrock Rovers!!!!

 

[Keano!]

^^Equivalent to league 2?
Thats a bit harsh. I reckon Bohs and Drogs could cut it in the Championship about mid to lower table.

Which is why I Stated that the top teams could cut it in the Championship!

Some teams like the top ones
could probably hold their own in League 1 and maybe even give it a damn good
go in the Championship

And Jazz....c'mon, financially, they're in serious trouble now. The need a sponsor
of high note to take them on...


Shelbourne Vs. Deprotivo, Oh the joyous memories of Dublin going
crazy! ...Such a good chance it'was

 

[Check the Milkman]

Come on Shamrock Rovers. Any other Rovers fans except Jazz. Live about ten minutes away from the new stadium so I will hopefully be getting a season ticket when it opens

 

[marty davidson]

^^Equivalent to league 2?
Thats a bit harsh. I reckon Bohs and Drogs could cut it in the Championship about mid to lower table.
Irish football is on the rise, with teams doing better in Europe, like Drogheda
and Shelbourne a couple of years ago. It will take time, thats for sure.
There isnt any money in the game over here either so its hard to attract the players.
Any decent player that 'makes' it over there gets snapped up in England, and even
then a lot of them dont make it. We have a long way to go, but its definitely on the rise.
Cheers for the topic Sal.
Cmon Shamrock Rovers!!!!

i dont think bohs or drogs could hack it in the championship

 

[FarmHoop]

Rovers

Come on Shamrock Rovers. Any other Rovers fans except Jazz. Live about ten minutes away from the new stadium so I will hopefully be getting a season ticket when it opens

Im most certainly a rovers man got my season ticket weeks ago, id urge any on the forum if in dublin from march next year to come to tallaght, the revolution is coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.srfcultrasforum.com/

 

[Dublin_Best_7]

I use to go watch Pats years ago. When they were planning on building the new stadium for Rovers in Tallaght I was planning on going regularly to the games but the stadium STILL isn't finished! Went to see Bohs play Depor at Landsdown a few years back, probably the peak of Irish football being honest.

A lot of the clubs are in financial trouble, and with Eircom pulling out of its sponsorship of the league, it could be troubled times ahead for most of the clubs....