1. The players
YOU’RE GETTING THE chance to see Irish football’s promising young talents cutting their teeth in senior football. Every one of this lot below went on to earn Ireland caps at senior level after enjoying careers in the League of Ireland.
Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City, ex-Shelbourne)
Seamus Coleman (Everton, ex-Sligo Rovers)
Kevin Doyle (Wolves, ex-Cork City & St Patrick’s Athletic)
James McClean (Sunderland, ex-Derry City)
Keith Fahey (Birmingham City, ex-St Patrick’s Athletic)
2. The goals
You’ll see some genuine belters. Here are two of last season’s best finishes:
Mark Griffin (Drogheda v Dundalk)
YouTube credit: Stephen Durnin
Chris Forrester (St Patrick’s Athletic v Shamrock Rovers)
YouTube credit: stpatsfctv
3. The fans
No, this is definitely NOT one…
YouTube credit: Peter O’Doherty
These, on the other hand, are:
Credit: INPHO/Margaret McLaughlin
Credit: INPHO/James Crombie
Credit: INPHO/Ciaran Culligan
Credit: INPHO/Donall Farmer
4. The mascots
Corky the Cheetah (Cork City)
Credit: Facebook
Hooperman (Shamrock Rovers) & Rocky the Seagull (Bray Wanderers)
Dennis the Menace (Bohemians)
5. The grounds
Although the standard of stadiums could be better in this country, recent years have witnessed some improvements.
Thomond Park (Limerick)
Belfield Bowl (UCD)
Tallaght Stadium (Shamrock Rovers)
Credit: INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan
6. Being so close to the action
Due to the small size of the grounds, you're that near to the players you can almost touch them. On the odd occasion, you might even get lucky...
7. The characters
Meet Tom - one of the most hardcore LOI supporters you'll come across. Anyone seen him around lately?
YouTube credit: showgieys
Love him or loathe him, Roddy's back. This time he'll be hoping to emulate Monaghan's success in the First Division by getting Athlone Town promoted.
8. The memories
Who recalls Tony Sheridan's wonder goal against Sligo Rovers in the 1996 FAI Cup semi-final? Class.
YouTube credit: retroloi
9. The interaction with players
10. The location
Sure it's only down the road.
11. The whole package
At €15 and half that for children, it's cheap as chips (which you can also get at most grounds). And with a summer of football ahead, is it not the perfect way to spend your Friday evenings?
What do you enjoy most about supporting the League of Ireland? Let us know below.
