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Ivan Yates on Stephanie Roche nomination: 'It's tokenism because she's a woman'

Broadcaster says there’s ‘no way’ Roche should win the Puskas Award at tonight’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.

NEWSTALK PRESENTER IVAN YATES has claimed that Stephanie Roche is nominated for FIFA’s Goal of the Year because she’s female.

The former politician added that there’s ‘no way’ Roche deserves to win the Puskas Award and that the entire campaign has been ‘sham amateurism’.

Speaking on the radio station’s Breakfast show, Yates offered up a withering assessment of Roche’s acclaimed strike for Peamount United against Wexford Youths – a goal that will see her rub shoulders with the best players in the world at tonight’s Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in Zurich.

She will battle it out with Dutch striker Robin van Persie and Colombian star James Rodriguez.

“It’s the height of tokenism”, Yates commented.

“She was playing for Peamount United. Give me a break. To compare Van Persie, a world-class goal in a World Cup…I mean, what sort of defence would Wexford Youths put up?”

Even Andy Carroll could score against them. The fact of the matter of it is, it’s tokenism because she’s a woman. The fact that she’s Irish, fantastic and good luck to her. But there’s no way she deserves the Puskas Award. No way! Its sham amateurism.”

Roche’s goal has received widespread praise with a litany of high-profile names backing the strike owing to its technical difficulty.

But some dissenters have questioned how Roche can legitimately compete with Van Persie and Rodriguez’s strikes owing to their high-profile nature.

It’s your very last chance to help Stephanie Roche win the Puskas Award

Robin van Persie will miss tonight’s Ballon d’Or ceremony because of injury

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141 Comments
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    Mute John Griffin
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:06 PM

    Who cares who it was scored against, the skill she showed to control the ball is what makes it an amazing goal!

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    Mute Luke's stalker
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:15 PM

    Women play football too and this is clearly the best goal scored by a woman….. Where is the rule that says half of the population can’t win this prize?

    It’s a stupid prize anyway but Stephanie will get far more benefit from winning it than James.

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    Mute Д Царьков
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:34 PM

    It’s quite symbolic IMHO and he’s just doesn’t get that, you don’t need to be earning a 5 figure wage or more weekly to be nominated nor do you need to be glorified in any of the major leagues. it’s important to regular people with skill male or female can achieve and come this far against the high paid professionals. He’s dismissing the great unknown players for famous footballers.

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    Mute Jake Race
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:34 PM

    “Women play football too”

    Too? That implies that men play soccer.

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    Mute Dermot Ryan
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:53 PM

    You know when you are getting drunk and you start talking to the lads about the great goals ye all scored or the funny things that happened on a hurling field …
    This is one of those moments that ten years ago would not have been recorded because of lack of technology.
    This and thee fact that it is a worldwide internet poll goes to show the power of new technology.It also highlights how out of touch a certain generation are from the younger generation.
    You’d also wonder how many great goals have gone unrewarded down through the years because they weren’t recorded.
    I remember years ago I read that Hagi scored a goal from inside his own half ala Beckham. He got about ten lines in the corner of the newspaper. For Beckham it was the Premiership , his age and a massive marketing machine – yet the goal was the same. I always think of Paddy Cullen when I see the Beckham goal ..
    When one considers the amount of marketing some top soccer player could get from taking Stephanie Roche’s place it shows that an on-line poll is the fairest of all – The Irish aren’t going to fix an on-line poll – there simply aren’t enough of us !

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    Mute Ronan Stokes
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    Jan 12th 2015, 4:32 PM

    Simple question, If Roche had scored either RVP’s or James’ goals, would she be up for nomination? I don’t think so. If either RVP or James scored Roches goal, it would win hands down IMHO.

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    Mute Eamon Dennehy
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    Jan 12th 2015, 5:44 PM

    Brilliant point Ronan

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    Mute Daniel O'Sullivan
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    Jan 12th 2015, 6:07 PM

    Best point I’ve seen in relation to this. Well said

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    Mute Jack Matthynssens
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    Jan 13th 2015, 3:10 AM

    I’d love to see the goals Rodriguez and Van Persie would score playing against the Wexford Youths ladies team.

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    Mute Ronan Mc Namara
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:07 PM

    Ian Wright, David Luiz said it was the best goal they have ever see! Well done Stephanie!

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    Mute Jake Race
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:36 PM

    Ivan is Awesome. He is the last politically incorrect commentator on this Island!

    I was in stitches one day when the topic of the new N (novice) plates came up. He announced that there would also be W plates for women drivers. =D

    Keep doing what you do Ivan Yates!

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    Mute Ronan Mc Namara
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:53 PM

    In fairness Ivan Yates does like a bit of banter…. like me saying to him the only reason he doesn’t like the goal is that it was scored against a Wexford team.

    At the end of the day more people will vote for Steph because of what he said!

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    Mute Spiderman_Irish
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:04 PM

    I would like to know whether Ivan thinks he could do better?

    The virtue of Ignorance after all!

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    Mute Censored
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:24 PM

    Jayo – Ye, let somebody who adheres to the pc narrative take over

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    Mute Scarr
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:32 PM

    Jayo – when people text in to newstalk the station makes money. That is why Ivan says controversial bits. I doubt he could give a rats who wins this trophy thing.

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    Mute andrew
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:43 PM

    its the old jaded routine

    (when he pays back his debts i’ll listen to him In the meantime i have to continue paying them back for him while he continues to make hay while RTE put on rubbish after Morning Ireland)

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    Mute Alan Scott
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    Jan 12th 2015, 3:14 PM

    Is this the guy who tried at playing politics and failed then he bankrupt himself Newstalk took pity on him He is not good broadcaster and he has the cheek to criticize a woman for doing what she is good at.

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    Mute Betty Doran
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    Jan 12th 2015, 3:14 PM

    I agree with you, Jayo. When I see some of these ageing politicians getting jobs in radio and tv I always ask myself the following question; Where are the young people who have studied media, communications etc.? Will they ever get a chance in this country or are said jobs being held for highly pensioned ex politicians ?

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    Mute Ciaran Norrby
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    Jan 12th 2015, 4:18 PM

    ‘Studied media and communications’, shit degrees don’t get you a gig.

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    Mute Jake Race
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    Jan 12th 2015, 4:48 PM

    If you “studied” Media or Communications you don’t deserve to be employed.

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    Mute Paul Harvey
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    Jan 12th 2015, 7:55 PM

    He’d just run off to England an file for bankruptcy then come back and collect his TD pension. Total Bo++++ks.

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    Mute CiaranC
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:05 PM

    What about accepting that it was a cracker of a goal and moving on? It was pretty amazing to be fair, and we could all do with a bit of patriotic positiveness.

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    Mute Luke's stalker
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:33 PM

    FIFA can pull off a PR master stroke if they award this to Stephanie.

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    Mute Cathal Healy
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:28 PM

    And you have just made Mr Yates point.

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    Mute Luke's stalker
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    Jan 12th 2015, 3:54 PM

    The idea of a best goal of the year is pointless and stupid anyway….. Considering that it may as well be a woman once in a while so why not Stephanie

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    Mute Randle P McMurphy
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    Jan 12th 2015, 4:49 PM

    Exactly Ciaran C. And it gave her and her team and family and friends a great boost and great excitement.

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    Mute Bernie Linnane McBride
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:06 PM

    So an overpaid primadonna thinks the award should go to an overpaid primadonna.
    Surprise, surprise.

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    Mute Johnny Walnut
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:03 PM

    I wouldn’t be worrying about anything he says, sure hes away with the fairy’s half the time.

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    Mute Martin O' Neill
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:08 PM

    Oh Please Yates, you’re a failed politican and mediocre business man and broadcaster, seriously WTF would you really know about it!

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    Mute Moonshine
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:15 PM

    A failed business man. A very good politician.

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    Mute Paul Roche
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:21 PM

    Failed as a businessman, a broadcaster and a politician.
    Probably failed as a citizen as well if you can understand what a year in Wales can do for your financial position.

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    Mute Mjhint
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:05 PM

    Paul as a apposed to staying here & letting this failed state drag you through their process for years. Ivan made many of us join him in the UK & he inspired us to sort out our lives not just our finances & for that alone I admire him. Its the state that failed us not the other way round.

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    Mute whynotme
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:59 PM

    He should have stayed in Ireland and paid off the debts that he couldn’t ever pay back again .

    It was a sensational goal but with a population of around 50m in Colombia ,one should put your money on Hernandez at Celtic Bookmakers .@1/50m

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    Mute Paddy Mac
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:03 PM

    That man should win the Ballon d’Or own goal award!!

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    Mute JJ O Riordan
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:38 PM

    I feel for Chris Donoghue. He’s more like Ivan’s carer than co-host.

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    Mute Adam Assahli
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:13 PM

    Translated as “Hi, I’m Ivan Yates and I want to stay relevant by making an edgy, sexist comment!”

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    Mute Neal Ireland Hello
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    Jan 12th 2015, 7:27 PM

    What’s sexist about choosing not to automatically patronise a woman and instead judging her on merit?

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    Mute speak up
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:07 PM

    What a tool

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    Mute Ciaran McCann
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:09 PM

    He probably seen a few of Andy’s goals after he jumped shipped to the UK to minimise his bankruptcy charges

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    Mute Joe Travers
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:07 PM

    If he ever played football he would realise what it took to score the goal. A cracker that if van persie or Rodriguez scored it would be a formality.

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    Mute John Farrant
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:08 PM

    Yates you are an idiot. If Messi or Ronaldo had scored that goal it would be on our screens on every football show. Or will the bookies take a bashing if she wins? ?

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    Mute GAZZAMAZZA
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:52 PM

    Messi or Ronaldo would score that nine times out of ten, given the same defence and goalkeeper Stephanie had. Still I voted for Stephanie a few times.

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    Mute Denis O Donovan
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    Jan 12th 2015, 3:42 PM

    That point is ridiculous and would mean Stephanie Roche has the same skill level as Ronaldo or messi. It doesn’t matter who the goal was against because she was planning at her level which they would not be if faced by a women’s team.

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    Mute GAZZAMAZZA
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    Jan 12th 2015, 5:45 PM

    Please tell me how my comment means that Stephanie is at the same level as Messi and Ronaldo? Stephanie could never replicate that goal, whereas Messi and Ronaldo both could with the same circumstances. Put de gea and two professional centre half’s in and Stephanies goal simply doesn’t happen. For a goal to be world class all aspects of that goal must also be world class. This is obviously not the case. Still a tremendous goal however I don’t believe it to be near world class.

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    Mute Aindriú de Domhain
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:12 PM

    I hope he gets hammered for this, he gets away unchallenged too often on Newstalk, and when someone does pull him up on it (usually a woman) he gets very narky and dismissive. He has a real lack of respect for women, and he’s a shite broadcaster to boot.

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    Mute Luke Evans
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:15 PM

    suppose ivan scores goals like that every time he plays 5 a side with the newstalk lads ha tokenism my arse it was an unbelievable strike

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    Mute Sean O Connor
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:10 PM

    I have to agree with yates and I don’t mind the backlash from it. The irish public forced that goal into the top three, lots of goals scored at lower level football similar to hers, with a skilful player in the mix with shoddy players. good player good technique great goal but not under cauldron pressure of a world cup or champions league knock-out.

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    Mute Ronan Mc Namara
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:14 PM

    On the contrary, the match was the top level womens football in Ireland.

    FIFA Criteria for Puskas Award.

    FIFA Criteria for Puskas Award

    - It should be a beautiful goal (subjective — the spread of goals should include long-range shots, team goals, overhead kicks, individual plays, etc.).

    - The importance of the match should be taken into account (objective — limited to “A” international teams, confederation championships and national top-division club matches: the more important the goal, the better).

    - The goal should not be the result of luck, mistakes or a deflection by a teammate or the other team.

    - The goal should support fair play, i.e. the player should not have behaved badly in the game or have been charged with doping, for example.

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    Mute Cian Doherty
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:36 PM

    Well if “the importance of the match must be taken into account” surely either RVP or Rodriquez goal at a World Cup trumps Peamount v Wexford Youths in the park on a Sunday?

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    Mute Ronan Mc Namara
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:10 PM

    No what I’m saying if it took place in your back garden with your mates or on the street its not at a FIFA level. Peamount Utd play at the highest club level in Europe and have played in the womens Champions league.

    Very few players get to play in the World cup finals, with your lodic Gotze’s goal should win the award!

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    Mute Sheik Yahbouti
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    Jan 12th 2015, 3:22 PM

    Backlash, Sean? A few red thumbs? You are truly a hero – btw I disagree with your analysis.

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    Mute zacaramanta
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:14 PM

    Sap ,,,,wat wld he know failed polictian ,,
    Failed bookies,,bankrupt ,, we had to listen him last year crying he had nothing she deserves her bit glory even if she dosent win

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    Mute Denis O Donovan
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:11 PM

    If van persie or Rodriguez had scored the goal it would be proclaimed as goal of the century no matter the opposition, give me a break yeates, if anything the dissenters are underplaying the skill level and concentration required to score a goal like this.

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    Mute damien o brien
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:20 PM

    I just skipped over to an earlier article to have another look at it and that is one of the best goals I’ve ever seen. I don’t care who it is or where she’s from or what level of football.
    I like Yates but he’s making a clown of himself here.

    50
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    Mute Dermot Ryan
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:15 PM

    What an insult to women everywhere and to every fella who has an interest in Soccer.
    I think it is the best goal for the following reasons.

    1. The initial ball she received was from a distance – this means two things – it is harder to control and it also means that the cross was also a very good cross because it could be controlled.
    2. Upon receiving the ball three contacts had to be made with the ball to insure that it hit the net.
    3. Distance from goal – the further from goal the harder to be accurate.
    4.The ball was received with back to ball.
    The goal required both feet to be used .

    All of these facts are devoid of the competition and all of them add a degree of difficulty to the scoring of the goal . To me the more difficult then the better !

    Ivan Yates should know this is enough to keep such an opinion from the public , but then again Ivan doesn’t know that there is a harp on the Irish Euro currency coins – “I only use notes !” was his excuse !
    I saw that on tv3 – I wonder if it would have passed the editors of R.T.E. ?

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    Mute Will Derbylight
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:23 PM

    Ryan – both feet are used for all goals, you daft muck savage.

    If only to stand on….

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    Mute Dermot Ryan
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:01 PM

    The term “interchange of feet” – something only the great players – Geroge Weah, Zinadine Zidane, Diego Maradona and Pele is obviously something you have never heard of Will.
    Did your political career begin as the Waterboy and you then worked your way up without ever really understanding the first thing about how to play the game or indeed how it is played ?
    It’s all in the hips Will , but the Waterboy is usually out of balance from his knuckles dragging of the ground from carrying the water for the real players !

    Happy New Year Will,
    We have gotten off to an excellent start – How’s that for “mucksavge” ?
    They’re all laughing at you now Will , just so you know !
    Standing on – that’s hilarious – have you ever head of a diving header ? – have a look at one – there’s one by Robin Van Persie in this very competition !
    I’d say you were Minister for Sport in a former life – Is that you Enda – if it is get off the internet I’m trying to ring ya !

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    Mute Dermot Ryan
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:02 PM

    *great player …….. had, is obviously – sorry – but it’s awfully important to make mistakes when you are being too smart – it reminds you of your own stupidity …
    There’s awful slagging going on here altogether !

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    Mute Dermot Ryan
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:44 PM

    How’s Vicky Valentine ?
    Is your donkey still drinking out of the toilet ?- These are all questions your fans on here want answered !
    Come on now don’t be shy…..Will .

    I hope you aren’t looking for Fine Gael or Labour swing votes in Attymon after calling them all muck savages Will – they’ll all be talking about you …. that’s not good !

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    Mute Dermot Ryan
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:48 PM

    Will if you haven’t heard of this guy and all the Italian football that was on then you know nothing about football and that will be obvious to anyone who knows something about football and anyone that reads the link whether they know anything about football or not – yourself included ….
    You shouldn’t call me a mucksavage – it makes me want to have a good laugh …

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    Mute Sheik Yahbouti
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:57 PM

    “Muck savage”, Will? This is a discussion about Ms. Roche’s goal. Is there really any need for that?

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    Mute Dermot Ryan
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    Jan 12th 2015, 4:56 PM

    No-one in Attymon is let into a soccer conversation unless they know about George Weah …that’s the difference Will – you assume your ignorance is everyone elses …and you surrounding yourself with people who haven’t the cop to disagree with you.
    Hence the ad hominen attacks – not used to people disagreeing with your point of view …
    Have you seen Planet of the Apes ?……..or read Lord of the Flies ?

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    Mute Gravel Pitt
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    Jan 12th 2015, 5:17 PM

    George Weah – know all about him and the beautiful game. Was in Rio during the summer.

    Third World Cup. Couldn’t care less about the GAA – although they’re great games.

    Why not type what you mean? And why type to yourself – attention seeking?

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    Mute Dermot Ryan
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    Jan 12th 2015, 5:36 PM

    I was asking Will not Gravel Pitt ..
    there’s a word that begins with schi and it’s not stalker …but we won’t use it it’s a family show …
    I’m off to listen to my Busted collection – they sing like canaries when they come out to fight uninvited ….
    There once was a Wexford man who couldn’t go to sports games because he was stuck in Wales. There was a time when he went to loads of them at taxpayer’s expense !

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    Mute Gravel Pitt
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    Jan 12th 2015, 5:51 PM

    Ryan – mad as a hatter & daft as a brush. From Attymon, the cultural/sporting centre of his pealike brain.

    But, a legend in his lunchtime – and thejournal’s biggest fan, contributor, bogside analyst and twit…

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    Mute Dermot Ryan
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    Jan 12th 2015, 5:58 PM

    Will, it isn’t me that’s attacking you without provocation . The post above is just an opinion about soccer – you appear out of nowhere with mucksavage. I only extended the tone of your post with cynical derogatory answers to see how further you would go.
    I am glad to say following my prognosis you will mature beyond the condition at the end of transition year…
    It is fun conversing with teenagers though …… you will look back on these times and think – “Oh the stupid things you do when you are young , I must go to confession!”….

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    Mute Gravel Pitt
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    Jan 12th 2015, 7:00 PM

    Confession – went out with the high bikes…

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    Mute Dermot Ryan
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    Jan 12th 2015, 8:46 PM

    Now Will, anymore when you come in with an attack I will ignore you ..
    I am the adult here so I will call an end to the silly play !

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    Mute Mary Kavanagh
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:29 PM

    So heartened to see all the positive comments from men. I saw the goal myself and voted for it.
    I’ve been watching football since I was five and I reckon that goal is up there with the best of them that I’ve seen.

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    Mute Leslie Skinner
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:10 PM

    And why not,it was as good a goal,as any of the best could score,

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    Mute stephen lane
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:17 PM

    Boy oh boy. Lot of self delusion here methinks. It is tokenism, pure and simple. Yeates has it right.

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    Mute Tadhg Keating
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:59 PM

    Great Goal but not as good as James goal in my opinion. As for the hysteria surrounding it, Typical Irish. Roche this week, Mcgregor the week after, then the rugby. We go on about how the English get over-excited about their soccer team at world and european championship. We get over excited and over hype everything.

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    Mute Louis Jacob
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:10 PM

    I know yeah! We should be whipped..

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    Mute Mary Kavanagh
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    Jan 12th 2015, 3:27 PM

    True about criticising the English and then going and doing exactly the same, Tadgh! The parable about the beam and the mote springs to mind. That said it was a brilliant goal. I voted for it (once)!

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    Mute Dermot Ryan
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    Jan 12th 2015, 6:00 PM

    England are still going on about 1966 ……
    We don’t even mention the Cricket World Cup – I’d say that makes Ireland more genteel than our neighbours.

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    Mute Kate Bandia Garry
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:21 PM

    Says the man who couldn’t kick snow of a rope. Sad sad sad he stoops to such comments to get some sort of exposure

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    Mute John Walsh
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:13 PM

    He’s dead right. Any having the Joe public vote on it makes it a favouritism contest.

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    Mute Daisy Chainsaw
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:37 PM

    Blueshite bankruptcy tourist.

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    Mute Ger O'Brien
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:44 PM

    What Ivan Yates knows about Football you could write on the back of a stamp. He should stick to subjects he knows about. Like fleeing to the UK to file for bankruptcy.

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    Mute Caroline Maher
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:21 PM

    Did he even see the goal??

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    Mute Con Manne
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:22 PM

    Roche’s goal is a great goal by any standard. If they photo shopped men into the video instead of women, Yates would have been none the wiser. Silly statement Ivan.

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    Mute Shane Kinsella
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:27 PM

    Tokenism here pure n simple. It wouldn’t have even got into the top 5 if it was a man who scored the goal . I suspect it was pushed to the top by the usual gaggle of feminist women who don’t have an interest in footy and only voted because she was a woman. Let the red thumbs commence.

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    Mute Gagsy 99
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:40 PM

    Good luck to her – in the grand scheme of things its no big deal and would be a “nice” story if she won.

    But the voting process is at best questionable (at worst a farce) and ensures that victory will go to the player with the most dedicated following and who have time on their hands.
    Roche’s buddy was describing in detail how people can vote multiple times. It takes some of the gloss off it when you have an advocate coaching the public on how to skew the vote.

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    Mute Kevin Buston
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:31 PM

    Technically her goal is miles ahead of the other two. No doubt about it, but in a way I can see where Yates is coming from.

    Iv seen people on twitter who are asking to Irish to vote for her and they wouldn’t know if a football is pumped or stuffed.

    But overall her goal was the best IMO. I hope she wins it.

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    Mute Sean Butler
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:43 PM

    What a complete ass you are mr Yates from a man who was crying two years ago ( oh look at me I have no money I am bankrupted boo hoo ) ass

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    Mute Robert O' Connor
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:53 PM

    Totally ridiculous comment. If you watch the three goals you can clearly see Steph’s beats them hands down. This is nothing to do with tokenism and that guys sounds like a sad old git. If she doesn’t win you can consider her robbed.

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    Mute Joanna
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:49 PM

    Sure, let’s never commend a woman’s football skills ever. Wouldn’t want tokenism would we? What a knob.

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    Mute Censored
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:27 PM

    Regardless of the whether the goal is worthy or not, you aren’t seriously suggesting that tokenism is a good thing?

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    Mute Joanna
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:41 PM

    It’s not a good thing. However, this person is implying Roche’s place in the final is nothing more than tokenism. What conditions have to be met before it’s not?

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    Mute Censored
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    Jan 12th 2015, 3:03 PM

    I’m not really qualified to answer this because I’m not into football.

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    Mute John Smith
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:19 PM

    It’s his job to have an opinion and it would be boring to hear everyone with the same opinion. I’m sure he is just saying these things to 1) be controversial (got him on the journal) 2) Trigger some kind of debate.

    Great goal though!

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    Mute Liam Ó Séaghdha
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:38 PM

    What an absolute pr**k! Yeats doesnt know anything about football. He’s a failed political and a failed businessman. Riche’s goal was unbelievably skiful. If Sanchez or Rooney did this we’d never here the end of it. Yeats still trapped in 1950′s Ireland like the rest of his Blueshirt pals.

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    Mute Ciaran
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:48 PM

    He obviously didn’t see Andy Carrolls goal at the weekend?! Another politician trying to grab headlines on a subject he knows zilch about!

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    Mute Fearghal Brennan
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:33 PM

    If she ugly she wouldn’t be nominated.

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    Mute Gagsy 99
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:32 PM

    A lot of the comments here are hilarious (in a desperately delusional sort of way).

    A broadcaster on a radio show on which the hosts regularly express opinions gives (an on the face of it, reasonable) opinion on a sporting topic and is vilified, not just for having the cheek to express an opinion but for having been a politician, a business man, a bankrupt and for not being a gifted footballer himself!

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    Mute Sheik Yahbouti
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:44 PM

    Ivan, if the Puskas award is about the best goal scored (as far as the awarding authority is concerned) then the sex of the scorer, or the competition it was scored in, is irrelevant. Ms Roche’s competitors did score their goals in the world cup, but unless I have totally misunderstood, this should be irrelevant and the three goals in contention must be judged on their individual merit. I think your intervention is pretty small minded to be honest, as this isn’t the biggest contest in the world – not the Ballon D’Or for example – couldn’t you have just let the young woman enjoy her brief moment in the sun?

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    Mute Sean O Gorman
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    Jan 12th 2015, 3:22 PM

    More or less every year a woman has been short listed for this award. The award is for the best individual goal scored, the context of which doesn’t matter. The winner last year was in the last few minutes of a friendly game, so whether it’s in a World Cup or a league of ireland match it doesn’t matter, he’s just trying to cause a stir.

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    Mute Wiggy
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:30 PM

    What a clown . There’s always someone out there ready to shoot people down .

    It was an amazing goal with unbelievable skill there is no denying that .

    Why can’t we all just get behind the girl and wish her the best , not often any one from this country is nominated for such a prestigious award .

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    Mute Shane McDonnell
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:22 PM

    It’s a brilliant goal, end of story

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    Mute Gagsy 99
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:33 PM

    “They’re all lovely girls”

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    Mute Val 'Doonican'
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:15 PM

    It’s like a comment a rangers fan would make, Stephanie’s goal was technically the best by a long way!!!

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    Mute Mary Kavanagh
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:23 PM

    I’m sure there plenty of other women contenders. Lots of super goals in the women’s FA cup ties this year – and the internationals. Super saves too!

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    Mute Shane Kearney
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:08 PM

    He is a Man City supporter, what more is to be expected?

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    Mute Ronan Mc Namara
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:29 PM

    LOL last years winning goal was scored against the Man City goalkeeper! :)

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    Mute Gagsy 99
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:35 PM

    Imagine!
    ‘Supporting’ one group of international millionaires working in a foreign city over another!

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    Mute Trish Forde-Brennan
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    Jan 12th 2015, 3:06 PM

    Rubbish. It was a great goal.

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    Mute Dain Flemming
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    Jan 12th 2015, 5:45 PM

    The only thing worse that a bigot is someone how tries to make a name for themselves by pretending to be one…it isn’y funny or clever, Ivan just boring! Now go home and see if your wife has anything useful for you to do around the house.

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    Mute Paul Moore
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:38 PM

    The goal was unreal hw should stick to the Rugby, i had to watch it a few times to really appreciate it and I have to say it is a goal worthy of winning, not just saying it because she Irish or a woman but it defiantley deserves to win although James goal isnt far behind, both similar goals bit Roaches was that bit more difficult.

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    Mute Jimmy Murphy
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:13 PM

    What a gobsh*te.

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    Mute Mary Kavanagh
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    Jan 12th 2015, 3:27 PM

    Who Jimmy, Gagsy or Yates?

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    Mute Ciarán Bohane
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    Jan 12th 2015, 3:01 PM

    I’m disappointed there wasn’t a video camera there the day I scored a length of the pitch goal down the Mardyke in a MedCup game. Would definitely have been on the Puskas shortlist, wind assisted or not. Thankfully was recognised by my peers at the time as the outstanding goal of the tournament. #SwungALegAtIt #LuckyBounc

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    Mute Cathal Healy
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:29 PM

    Welcome to the land of cognitive dissonance

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    Mute Frank Daly
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:40 PM

    Typical Yeats, what would he know about it???????

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    Mute Val 'Doonican'
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    Jan 12th 2015, 4:19 PM

    Were a small country we should be supporting our own 110%, i’ve been a football fan all my life and for me Stephanie’s goal is technically the best goal by a long way, good luck to her and feck the begrudgers!!!

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    Mute Nicky O'Donnell
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:34 PM

    Please just shut up Ivan… like permanently stop talking.

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    Mute John B. Reid
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    Jan 12th 2015, 9:18 PM

    Well, Ivan Yates has been proven entirely correct. Individuals tend to be proven correct, and prescient, when they remove their politically-correct glasses.

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    Mute Alan Ball
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    Jan 12th 2015, 4:03 PM

    Comments designed to rile people and could even make them vote for her…hmm… Ivan must have backed her to win.I know which bookies he did not back them in….now that fkn hurts…does’nt it Ivan?

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    Mute Amanda Murphy
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:36 PM

    Could ivan do better the muppet

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    Mute Andy Lane
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    Jan 12th 2015, 4:14 PM

    Mever heard of Ivan Yates before I read this article. I’ve seen his liek of course; he strikes me as a Clarkson/ Piers Morgan type.

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    Mute mikeyC
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    Jan 12th 2015, 4:21 PM

    Awful D@£head Yeats…. Just looking for reaction ,,,, the goal was class and if FIFA wanted a token goal from a “female” as Yates says well then they could have looked at pro women’s game in any country !!!! The Goal is been considered on it’s merit and it’s voting interest from public fings crossed it’s the winner

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    Mute Diego
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:27 PM
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    Mute Windom Earle
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:48 PM

    Maybe he should get a sex change.

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    Mute Catherine O'Connor
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    Jan 12th 2015, 11:17 PM

    In ten years time people will say Ivan Yates, who IS he? Stephanie Roche ah shure she’s the girl that scored that cracking goal and came second to James Rodreiguez in the Fifa Pukas Award. Now that’s class something Yates will never have. Gwan ye good thing Steph. :)))

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    Mute James Johnson
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    Jan 12th 2015, 7:15 PM

    Is this the same Ivan Yeats who’s on the radio preaching about morals and the recession while he ran his bookies into the ground and got the taxpayer to bail him out? Helmet.

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    Mute sam 987123
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    Jan 12th 2015, 4:25 PM

    Ah Ivans ratings must be dropping. Quick troll comment from a failed politician and bookie and get his profile up again. Prat

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    Mute Niall Moran
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    Jan 12th 2015, 5:10 PM

    Shes an unlikely candidate. If another unlikely Irish candidate was up for it such as Richard Dunne or john o Shea there would be equally as much Irish coverage. Let’s not forget the quality of the goal too!! #steph4puskas

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    Mute Gis Bayertz
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    Jan 12th 2015, 5:54 PM

    What an arrogant pr**k

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    Mute eamon mcloughlin
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    Jan 12th 2015, 6:15 PM

    I wonder if Ivan out a bet on? Or is that forbidden under his bankruptcy agreement

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    Mute Eamon Dennehy
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    Jan 12th 2015, 5:42 PM

    You could argue that the importance of the event and the importance of the goal should be factored in but zlatan got it last year for his overhead against England in a nothing friendly. Based on that she will syrely get the nod.

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    Mute frank mullen
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    Jan 12th 2015, 4:23 PM

    Idiot !!

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    Mute John B. Reid
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    Jan 12th 2015, 9:20 PM

    It looks like it is you who is the idiot, Frank. Yates was proven right.

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    Mute Michael Mcshane
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    Jan 12th 2015, 5:33 PM

    … poor mouth Ivan typical begrudger but for when it comes to himself, he should bugger off again to Wales for another few years of sitting out a bankruptcy !!! Saw his book in a charity shop the other day …and I didn’t buy it… Stephanie Roache deserves all the accolades and success, she is a great sports woman and a fine athlete and the goal she scored WAS world class…

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    Mute Eugene Comaskey
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    Jan 12th 2015, 6:40 PM

    I had a fair idea that Yates was some sort of fool from way back, but this outburst takes the biscuit. I don’t suppose he scored many goals in his time, but he did score some own goals alright.

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    Mute Louis Jacob
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    Jan 12th 2015, 1:59 PM

    Pah!!!!

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    Mute Jonathan Smith
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    Jan 12th 2015, 10:43 PM

    If Ivan Yates was in front of me, I’d knock him out what a clown

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    Mute Michael Sands
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    Jan 13th 2015, 3:45 AM

    Someone does well in Ireland and then there is always some begrudering old hite who comes and says bah humbug…

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    Mute Dave O'Hanlon
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    Jan 12th 2015, 6:47 PM

    Just because Celtic Bookmakers couldn’t compete with paddy power or ladbrokes doesn’t mean people at opposite ends in other walks of life shouldn’t get a chance to clash.

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    Mute mikeyC
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    Jan 12th 2015, 4:22 PM

    You can still vote

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    Mute Maurice Slater
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    Jan 13th 2015, 7:01 PM

    so Ivan when was the last time you scored.

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    Mute Ken Collins
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    Jan 12th 2015, 11:43 PM

    Kasami and Cahills goals were both better than all three of the final nominations.

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    Mute Michael Sands
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    Jan 13th 2015, 3:43 AM

    And his excuse is?

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