The Forces of Dortness
Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006What exactly is a neutral venue?
I would have thought that, among other things, a neutral venue is one where the two sets of supporters receive tickets on an equal basis - what do you think? In other words, both groups of supporters would be allocated some excellent places, some middling and some pretty bad, in equal numbers. Doesn’t that seem fair, in a neutral venue? Good. Now, most people, if at all possible, would like to be somewhere near the halfway line, to get the best view of the match, and in rugby that would be between the two 22-metre lines. Logically, in a neutral venue, equal numbers of such tickets would be distributed to both groups of supporters, wouldn’t you think? Of course you would.
OK. So, how do you think the tickets have been distributed for Sunday’s game between Limerick+Cork and Dublin 4? Would you believe that no tickets at all between the 22s were allocated to Munster supporters? None! Even though the allocation is done by an independent body, the ERC? None! Not one. And not in the East terrace either. It appears that the Munster support has been shoved to each end of the stands and to the terraces behind the goal lines.
Why is this, and how did it happen, in a neutral venue?
I was getting seriously worried, I must confess to you, about our chances against Dublin 4 next weekend, and in truth, I’m still worried. These guys are not going to be any sort of push-over. They have possibly the best centre in the world in O’Driscoll, and Shane Horgan has hit a monstrously good patch in his career at the moment. As for Contepomi, well, what can I say, Derek? He makes O’Gara look like, like . . . like . . . well, like O’Gara.
So. When I heard about the ticket allocation this morning, I was initially annoyed, but then came to understand what this meant. This is a gift from whatever minor deities look down on Munster. This is the fuel we needed for the fire. This is the turning point. There is nothing more motivating for the Munster players than to be given the finger by some fucking alickadoo and, while I’m still not saying we’ll win, I can guarantee you this will inject another drop of adrenaline when it’s needed and where it’s needed.
Thank you ERC/D4!
Stumble it!
YOU'VE BEEN SHOUTING ABOUT ...
April 20th, 2006
Brilliant observation as ever Bok. “Spot on” as Navan Man would say, another culchie set upon by those within the Pale. If they think they can intimidate Munster supporters or the Munster team by this gerrymandering of tickets they have another fucking thing coming. “Give us your poor huddled masses, dress them in red (or blue) and bring them all together on a Sunday afternoon at Landsdowne Road for the mother of all battles” Bring it on. QJS