Firstly the award was not given by me....it was given by an international committee whom I would hazard a guess would have know about the bad old days. The award was given for what's happening now, not then......but let's not let "dragging the past up" get in the way of a jibe............
If you knew any of the facts regarding the "Lennon" situation......JESUS!
He left the game because of some so-called loyalist [EMAIL PROTECTED] who phoned up and made death threats against Neil. Unforgiveable actions by the lowest scum in society.
I was at Windsor Park when all true supporters called for Neil to rethink and not give into a moronic minority who, chances were, nothing to do with Northern Ireland Supporters.
Funny how Martin O'Neil, Pat Jenning and Sir Lord Gerry Armstrong to name but a few, have never been hounded out of the internation scene,
all good practicing Catholics and living legends of the Northern Ireland Football Team. I have no idea how many young Catholics we now have playing for Northern Ireland, as I have no idea how many Protestants...it doesn't matter...what matters is, sectarianism has no place in Norn Iron soccer and families from both sides of the community attend in, what can only be described as a family atmosphere. Of this I am proud, and this has now been recognised by this award.
And as for Neil Lennon not being welcomed back....show's your ignorance, you know nothing. Could I presume you might be a Celtic fan? Would Celtic like Neil back playing for Northern Ireland? I would! I have a fantastic signed pic of Neil on my wall with him wearing the Green and White and myself and every true supporter would have him back instantly.........many attempts have been made including Mr Sanchez.
But hey, as I've
said before....never let a good chance to bring back sectarianism in the forefront get in the way of actual modern change in football.
------------------
David Healy today dedicated the three wining goals that defeated Spain to the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs who received the prestigious UEFA, IOC and EU endorsed Brussels International Supporters Award prior to kick off at Windsor Park on Wednesday night.
I was delighted to hear that our Supporters have won this award for their efforts to create a more inclusive, fun and family orientated atmosphere at games. The change in atmosphere over the last six years at Northern Ireland games has been tremendous and all credit must go to the Fans. Their passionate support inspires the Players and I am happy to dedicate my goals to them on the night they received international recognition as
officially the best Fans in Europe!
Radio DJ and TV Presenter Colin Murray who helped present the Supporters Award on the pitch echoed Healys comments:
The Northern Ireland Fans are top class and the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs richly deserve this recognition for the work they have carried out to create a passionate atmosphere at games that everyone from Northern Ireland can be proud of. Once I heard about the award I was happy to volunteer my time to help shine the spotlight on their achievement. The award will look nice next to the British Home Championship Winners Trophy that we own!
IFA Head of Community Relations, Michael Boyd, who nominated the Northern Ireland Supporters for the award added, Northern Ireland football is back on a high and no one group of people have been more instrumental in this renewed euphoria surrounding our international team than the Amalgamation of Official Northern
Ireland Supporters Clubs. They won this Supporters award on merit and delegates from Brussels who traveled to Belfast for the game couldnt believe just how amazing ou
"MacNamara, John-G" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
How is it a sectarian jibe to state what is a fact. This didn't happen in the dim and distant past, this was only in the last 2-4 years.I made no reference to the team composition because I makes no difference to me what denomination anybody belongs to. That is a private personal choice.If supporters of any team behaved in that manner, it would cause the same offence. If N.I played the Republic and supporters in the republic behaved in a likewise manner, what message does that send out??Are you now saying that if Neil Lennon came out of retirement and made himself available for selection and was selected, he would be greeted with almost universal acclaim. I wish it were so, but I would have my doubts.As I said before, hearty congrats on a great victory from a typical sectarian person in the republic
From: Verner Hanna [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: 08 September 2006 16:11
To: MacNamara, John-G; [email protected]
Subject: RE: [LU] Re: [NON LU] Healy Lovers.........Oh and by the way, I think you'll find a lot of the Northern Ireland heroes were/are still catholic!But never let a chance to get a sectarian jibe in, go by.............eh John?Some things will never change....no matter how hard people try....
"MacNamara, John-G" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:it's a bit rich to call "the green & White Army" the best supporters in the world, when their real claim to fame is the hounding out of Neil Lennon for the 2 grievous sins of being;a) A Catholic&b) playing for CelticThat aside, it was a great win .
SUPPORTERS AWARD WELL DESERVED
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Verner Hanna
Sent: 08 September 2006 14:29
To: [email protected]
Subject: [LU] Re: [NON LU] Healy Lovers.........
07/09/2006
by Colleen Macauley
Last night was memorable not only for the fantastic performance on the pitch, but also for the performance from the stands.
The Green and White Army proved they are the best supporters in Europe and worthy winners of the Brussels International Supporters Award. The ceremony on the pitch before kick off was a fitting tribute to the dedication and vision of the Amalgamation of Official Northern Supporters.
Jim Rainey as inspirational figurehead accepted the award on behalf of all supporters to the voluminous chant of theres only one Jim Rainey and proved to the Brussels contingency that their decision making process was as accurate as any of Healys three goals.
Philippe Housiaux, Chief Executive of Dialogic was overwhelmed by the experience at Windsor Park for yet another night in September. He explained the decision was taken as a result of a paper-based exercise but the reality of the atmosphere reinforced their choice.
The delegates were particularly impressed by the attitude of the supporters during the Spanish National Anthem with their respectful silence followed by tumultuous applause. He concluded that the evening would forever remain a lasting memory of their short spell in Belfast.
Well done to ALL Northern Ireland Supporters.
Verner
tHe LiTtLe YeLlOw DaFfOdIl @}-,-'--
Verner
tHe LiTtLe YeLlOw DaFfOdIl @}-,-'--
Verner
tHe LiTtLe YeLlOw DaFfOdIl @}-,-'--
