Andy

Yes i'm following the women but after a great set of performances in the build up I see they were skittled for 60 odd today - shame - they had high hopes.

As far as the football is concerned, it is a fair point that few if any of the current NI team would get a place but this has not and will not in the future always be the case. RoI had never qualified for the WC until 1990 and there subsequent success has been built round Jack Charton's 'does you granny come from Ireland' policy. NI on the other hand reached the Q/F's in 58 and qualified with distinction for 82 and 86. Who could forget Gerry Armstrong scoring the winner against the hosts, Spain, in 82?!
Here are some names that would have made a combined side, McParland, O'Neill, Whiteside and what about Best?!
It certainly would be an interesting team if we had one from both parts with just the genuine Irishmen!
A combined side has been talked about in the media but the problem is very few players, supporters or administrators want it - never gonna happen.