Suffice to say it is ok to wear an Ireland, Munster, Leinster, Stade Francais or Leicester jersey, but an Ulster jersey is still seen by many as representing one side of the community.

Its absolutely true Patrique, but sad. A real pity because I really enjoy the game and the craic at Ravenhill. I'm heading up with a few mates this evening. We've come so far but we still have a mountain to climb with our attitudes.

caughtredhanded (Tyrone) - Posts: 602 - 03/04/2010 14:06:53    607936

Any of ye know much about the Crossover basketball project in Belfast? Aims to bring kids from working class communities on both sides together as far as I know.

I know many of my friends down here would shout against Ulster in Rugby. I find it embarrasing to be honest. I mean I know a lot of Ulster fans they see themselves as British but they are still Irish and love beating England as much as the rest of us.

On the other hand I remeber a Northern Rugby fan trying to convince me that Northern Ireland had an International team... Ulster! He obviously didn't realise that Tommy Bowe is from Monaghan...

roundball (Tipperary) - Posts: 2514 - 03/04/2010 15:36:24    608000

Not interested in rugby. Garrison game for poshos.

CheFinny (UK) - Posts: 1358 - 03/04/2010 16:05:45    608021

CheFinny
County: UK
Posts: 829

608021
Not interested in rugby. Garrison game for poshos.


Like Trevor Brennan?

patrique (Antrim) - Posts: 13709 - 03/04/2010 16:08:49    608025

Most northern nationalists would support the other provinces before Ulster because of the very fact that the vast majority Ulster players and fans are from the Northern Unionist establishment class who did more damage and caused more opression to nationalists than the loyalist working class.

stranmillis29 (Antrim) - Posts: 788 - 03/04/2010 17:21:54    608075

it is and it isn't cross community.

there is alot of Catholics playing and following rugby and you would be safe enough at any rugby ground but not many nationalists would wear an Ulster rugby top.

The Rugby people and GAA people are a far cry from the Linfield and Glentoran followers!

wise_guy (Tyrone) - Posts: 1584 - 03/04/2010 19:13:27    608165

patrique
County: Antrim
Posts: 7770

608025 CheFinny
County: UK
Posts: 829

608021
Not interested in rugby. Garrison game for poshos.


Like Trevor Brennan?

Could add a long list of names to that Patrique.

roundball (Tipperary) - Posts: 2514 - 03/04/2010 20:21:56    608238

Baron John Hayes I of Cappamore is a prime example of those poshos.

JuanVeron (Westmeath) - Posts: 1866 - 03/04/2010 20:36:13    608253

As Orlaith correctly stated , St Columbs college in Derry (alma mater of Martin O'Neill , John Hume , Phil Coulter , Seamus Heaney amongst many!) has indeed got a rubgy team. The school is situated on the Buncrana rd sandwiched between the nationalist estates of Pennyburn , Ballymagroarty , Galliagh , Carnhill and Springtown. The pupils are drawn from all over Derry city and county and are overwhelmingly from the Catholic community. Rugby is popular amongst many catholics in Derry and there is a good crossover between lads playing for Rugby and GAA teams. Indeed City of Derry players Stephen Simms and Stephen Duffy have also played for Doire Colmcille (Simms still plays for the club) . I'm sure there are plenty of similar situations across the six counties.

dubupnorth (Dublin) - Posts: 1897 - 04/04/2010 14:15:15    608460

rugby is the number one sport and its great that both communities are involved together- alas the gaa aint so accomodating- as i always said i would feel far safer wearing a cetic jersey in ravenhill than a rangers jersey in casement - i think thats the class difference people are refering too

liathroidboy (Mayo) - Posts: 4921 - 04/04/2010 16:30:23    608529

Oh we have a DCC player playing for City of Derry, Thats really god :) How are you getting on witht he football DUN?

Orlaith (Derry) - Posts: 4282 - 05/04/2010 15:07:15    609062