Nine Irish League tweets summoning fans back to NI football

Amid widespread revulsion at what is being seen as greed by top English premiership clubs, there has been a renewed appeal from the Irish League teams (and commentators) for a return to local, community-focussed football.
Pacemaker Belfast 30-3-21: 
Portadown v Crusaders - Danske Bank Premiership

Portadown's Adam Salley celebrates his goal during this evening's game at Shamrock Park, Portadown.  Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker PressPacemaker Belfast 30-3-21: 
Portadown v Crusaders - Danske Bank Premiership

Portadown's Adam Salley celebrates his goal during this evening's game at Shamrock Park, Portadown.  Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press
Pacemaker Belfast 30-3-21: Portadown v Crusaders - Danske Bank Premiership Portadown's Adam Salley celebrates his goal during this evening's game at Shamrock Park, Portadown. Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press

Here are a handful of the tweets doing the rounds today, beckoning fans back to NI stadiums once the pandemic allows.

Read more here:

@@joelneill (director of Larne FC)·

Angry about the European Super League?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There’s real, authentic, unspoiled, quality, fan-first, community driven football on your doorstep. I think we’ve all watched enough sport from our living rooms this past year. When restrictions ease, and they will, go and find it.

Irish League Battles

@ILBattlesNifl

All our clubs are the heartbeat of communities here. And are proud to be. If you don’t support a local club, give them a chance. You will not regret it. Plus the Official NIFL is the greatest league in the world.

@Glenavon_FC

Pfft. Sure we already play in a super league.

@ColeraineFC

This is Coleraine FC. This is our home. This is our community. Give us the Irish League every day of the week.

@PortadownFC

We’re not about TV deals or executive boxes - its about passion, belonging & pride in your town & club. Support local.

@BallyclareFC

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Passion, community, family, local pride and a sense of belonging. What the beautiful game is about. Support local football.

@LoughgallFC

A friendly reminder that if you are upset with your team joining The European Superleague then your local NIFL club would love to have your support! #supportyourlocalclub

@bangorfc

Announcing new competitions is on trend, so here’s ours...

The SureSeal NI Bangor FC Invitational Tournament.

Kicking off in May & running through June, 8 local clubs will form 2 (Super) leagues before knockout rounds will decide the winners of the Cup & Plate.

@arfcofficial

@bangorfc

Abbey Villa

@BangorAmateurs

@EastBelfastFC

@TheRoc1924

@RecRosemount

@PortavogieFC

Lisburn Distillery

@distilleryworld

In terms of the European Super league, we are still weighing up our options

:-)

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

(the team is currently sixth in the Intermediate Premiership!)

More from this reporter:

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor