EX-NORTHERN IRELAND star Keith Gillespie has dismissed hopes of an all-Ireland team being established in the future, suggesting it will “never happen”.
Enda Kenny recently put forward the idea for a team of players from both sides of the border to be established to play charity matches against England, however Gillespie believes this idea is not viable.
The former Man United player, who won 86 caps for his country over the course of a 20-year playing career, believes the situation is too complex politically for a resolution that would see the two sides come together.
“For me, it’ll never happen for political reasons — there’s just too many complications with it,” he told TheScore.ie.
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“I was brought up as a Northern Ireland fan. So for me, that’s my country. For people brought up as Republic of Ireland fans, that’s their country.
“I’ve always been a Northern Ireland fan from a young age and used to go and watch them. That’s my identity and I wouldn’t want it changed. But I’m not into the politics of it whatsoever.”
He expresses similar views in his new autobiography, How Not to be a Football Millionaire, in which he claims the longstanding animosity between the team’s sets of fans was never emulated by players from the respective countries.
In the book, he also laments the infamous circumstances that led to Neil Lennon having to quit the Northern Irish team.
“Neil was popular in the group, although he had taken stick from some supporters at Windsor since his move to Celtic. With so many northern Ireland fans having Rangers loyalties, he was never going to be their favourite person but it descended into something far more sinister than that.
“We had our usual nap in the hotel before the game. I popped down to reception after and knew from the looks on people’s faces that something was up. Neil was gone. Death threats had been phoned through via the BBC and, after consulting with police, he would be taking no part in the game. He was so shaken up by the incident that he had quit Northern Ireland completely. Sammy called a meeting to explain the situation and, while we chose to go ahead with the game, I really don’t think anyone was in the mood. It finished 0-0. Fitting, because there were no winners that day.”
Gillespie, whose mother grew up on the same street as Martin O’Neill, backed his fellow countryman to succeed in his new role as Ireland manager.
“It’s a great appointment — a real coup to get someone like Martin O’Neill who has had a lot of success from Wycombe all the way up to Leicester and Celtic. He was a fantastic player who won European trophies, played in the World Cup finals and captained his country.
“He’s a great man to have and I can only see good things happening for the Republic.”
Our full interview with Keith Gillespie will be published on the site at 10am tomorrow.
How Not to be a Football Millionaire by Keith Gillespie is now available to buy. More details here.
As a Dub I’m very nervous. Of course it’s only the first game and Galway were beyond poor and I don’t think anyone can argue different, but Kerry looked very hungry and full of running. Incredible performance from the whole team. I wouldn’t be surprised if they win Sam if they keep that up!
@Tim Quigley: As shown by Cork today, training during the lockdown doesn’t count much if you haven’t great footballers to go with it. Kerry’s ball work was outstanding
Excellent performance by kerry. They were brilliant! Hopefully they’ll be able to maintain that type of style and performance throughout the coming year and not revert back to what was on show last year. Gaelic Football needs these types of games… Positive attacking football.
@stephen keane: the s*bag is a bit much but don’t worry, any Dub who tries to play it down IS nervous hahaha. That’s coming from a Dubs fan who definitely is nervous after watching that. The Kerry hunger seems to be there in abundance!
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He’s a Stallion Man
@Buff Egan: Obviously all the training sessions in the last five months have paid off!
Convinced he would be the best player for the Soccer team. Kenny give him a call
As a Dub I’m very nervous. Of course it’s only the first game and Galway were beyond poor and I don’t think anyone can argue different, but Kerry looked very hungry and full of running. Incredible performance from the whole team. I wouldn’t be surprised if they win Sam if they keep that up!
@Ultan Corcoran: Did you see the look of pure joy on their faces after that hammering of Galway, these guys KNOW they will be champs this year.
That Clifford fake shot was a thing of beauty
Galway were atrocious from the start however Kerry were class.
4.21 is a hurling score brilliant from the Kerry FF line.
All counties are lucky that Kerry weren’t training during lockdown
@Tim Quigley: As shown by Cork today, training during the lockdown doesn’t count much if you haven’t great footballers to go with it. Kerry’s ball work was outstanding
Dublin V Kerry in Thurles next week should be a cracker of a match.
Pure class !!
Excellent performance by kerry. They were brilliant! Hopefully they’ll be able to maintain that type of style and performance throughout the coming year and not revert back to what was on show last year. Gaelic Football needs these types of games… Positive attacking football.
First league game relax please
@stephen keane: quick escalation there Stephen.
@stephen keane: the s*bag is a bit much but don’t worry, any Dub who tries to play it down IS nervous hahaha. That’s coming from a Dubs fan who definitely is nervous after watching that. The Kerry hunger seems to be there in abundance!
Great performance by kerry considering they only started training 3 weeks ago
@john malonoy:
@john malonoy: Very funny John.
Oh finnster ha ha ha
@stephen keane: hiding under his couch:)
@stephen keane: say the annual losers association of Ireland . Give me a break : )
@Noel Lynn: we don’t hide from anything in Galway not like yourselves
@Finnster: those shorts are riding a bit high there Finnster!!
@Desheen: only division one team supporters allowed to comment on here . Ye are on the wrong platform Ladin ; )
@Finnster: finnster finnster finnster shush good ladeen
Kerry played quality,but jeez Galway were p*ss poor made it easy for Kerry, good win
and workout after 5+ Months for The Kerry camp
Putting as many points on a team without let up is a great show of discipline. No mercy to the end is the new standard!
@Mick O’Shea: Dublin have been doing that for years now so go again