WHEN I WAS a schoolkid, the only aspect of going back to school that I really enjoyed was getting new copybooks and pencil cases. Blank white pages and sharpened pencils seemed to open up a world of possibilities.
Today has that same sense of possibility.
Today the League of Ireland kicks off and we’re all unbeaten, at least until 10pm tonight. Today there’s no proof out there that the dreams and hopes we hold in our heart are far-fetched.
Any of us could be holding a trophy at the end of the season. That exotically named new signing who has looked promising in patches during pre-season might be a world beater despite the fact that his previous club plays in the seventh tier in England.
Those pundits writing off your chances? Sure, what do they know? Dundalk were nearly relegated in 2012 and look at what they did. Who saw that coming?
Anything is possible.
Back in school, over the course of a school year, my copybook would fall foul of sloppy penmanship; a lack of attention would mean that bad handwriting, partially erased errors and red biro corrections from an increasingly frustrated teacher would blot that copybook.
But on the first day back, the copybook was pristine.
Today, every headline in every paper is focused exclusively within the confines of the pitch. Every feature focuses on players and managers. There are no late payments, no overdue bills. (OK, there’s no bills due yet, but that’s not the point. Today we’re financially stable.)
Today we might break our record attendance. Surely the general public are as excited as we are, how could they be otherwise?
Today, we look at the coverage and the output in the print media and online. Today, we see a shiny new league website and we see wall-to-wall coverage. There are new jerseys that look fantastic on the players in the promo shots and will probably look just as good on us.
Back in school, catching up with mates was great. Recounting summers, you’d embellish stories to match others that in years to come you’d realise were completely made up. You had your uniform and you’d shuffle into class, eyeing up tables, making sure you were sitting around your mates.
Today, you’ll gather with your mates in your usual haunts before heading to your usual spot. New rituals burned into your mind. You’ll speak of the hopes you have, you’ll ridicule and criticise the opposition.
Today, you are part of something bigger than yourself, something you’ve missed. Today, all your one-liners will hit the mark, your tactical insight will be lauded as superior to the manager, your mates will tell you it’s you who should be in the dugout.
Today, you’ll scream and shout, groan and moan, have your heart in your mouth even though you wear it on your sleeve. Today, you’re back where you belong.
Today feels like that first day of school in many ways but I never ran into school in September near the pace I ran from it in June. Last year, I walked out of the FAI Cup Final at the Aviva Stadium at a crawl, not wanting to leave the day and the experience behind.
Today, I’ll be sprinting back to the sport I love.
We run to it every year and this year will be different, this will be our best year ever. I don’t have to listen to anyone who says otherwise.
At least until 10pm tonight.
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Would be great for the league of Ireland if they progresed
FH looked an average loi team who got a goal against the run of play last week. We were the better team but they might have been keeping it tight.. but if they play like they did last wed and we play like we can then we will advance.. i firmly believe we will score tonight. Garts is a massive loss in the centre of defence but barrett is a good replacement… we are playing FH for €1.2m and a guaranteed 4 more games minimum in Europe.
Who’s we ?!
“We”… Are Ireland’s number one. The Black & White army.
Not doubting you. They really are Ireland’s number 1. Just asked for the craic because my uncle always mocks me when I use ‘we’ when talking about cork city lol
Massive game for Fundalk given the money at stake , great for the town and club . Really well run club these days with a super manager leading the team. Cmon da town !!
Get the name right pal. They’re fun to watch but I wouldn’t go that far
Says the plastic Irish supporter. Take down that Irish cover photo please if your not willing to support your own Irish league.
I’m supporting them no doubt.
Disappointed there isn’t a LIVE ticker thread for this game. It’s only the champions of Ireland playing in the world’s most lucrative competition. RTE not broadcasting it is a disgrace. And they claim to be supporters of domestic football. (Yes I know it’s on Eir Sport).
Dundalk playing some nice football here, they’ve been the better team so far, unlucky to be behind. Horgan & McMillan are doing very well. They’re just lacking a bit of composure in the final third.
Still nothing up about the match tonight disgraceful from the 42
And still nothing. Surely a live ticker wasn’t beyond them. They are the champions of Ireland and our only representatives in champions league. Fair dues to Eir for covering it, super game and even better performance from Dundalk.