City and Religion

[Tolmie scores]

We've had loads of Irish players over the years, probably as many as any other club in England.

McCarthy. Quinn, Phelan, Kernaghan, Dunne, McGoldrick, Kennedy, Flood, Conlon, Given, Ireland, Scully, Cunningham, Bazunu, Jon Macken!

Used to see the odd tricolour at Maine Road.

Was there much abuse of the Irish around the time of the IRA bombing of Manchester?

My sister was walking to work (she had a Saturday job in town) and sort of got caught up in the blast - affected her for ages - probably undiagnosed PTSD thinking back. Despite that the feeling at home was 'there are better ways than that'..Catholic household - but even with non catholic friends we didn't seem to get abuse hurled etc. People are clever enough to realise this could have happened anywhere. Guilford, Birmingham, London, Warrington etc. Secretly I think most were glad that eye sore of the Arndale could start again and no one was hurt..escalated the re birth of Manchester - accidentally

 

[Tolmie scores]

There were Rangers fans sat in front of me who celebrated wildly when Wigan scored the winner against us in the FA Cup Final.

Both stories evidence the fact that we have NEVER been one or the other - some City fans have more leanings towards Rangers ..others certainly don't. The trashing of the City Centre by Rangers fans didn't help build up this supposed link though - a lot more building bridges required even from blues who didn't mind 'em before.

 

[Tolmie scores]

Tony Scully the wing wizard, forgot about him.

We've had loads of Irish players over the years, probably as many as any other club in England.

McCarthy. Quinn, Phelan, Kernaghan, Dunne, McGoldrick, Kennedy, Flood, Conlon, Given, Ireland, Scully, Cunningham, Bazunu, Jon Macken!

Used to see the odd tricolour at Maine Road.

Was there much abuse of the Irish around the time of the IRA bombing of Manchester?

... Jimmy Conway...Even our Kiddo' was devout practicing Catholic..plus loads more

 

[BamberBridgeBlue]

... Jimmy Conway...Even our Kiddo' was devout practicing Catholic..plus loads more

I remember Jimmy Conway beating John McEnroe in the 82 Wimbledon final. Really got me into tennis.

 

[digbythebiggestdogintheworld]

My dad trained with the rags mid to late 60s, and claims that you couldn't get through the ranks as a player at the time unless you were a catholic. Not sure if that constitutes his version of events or personal experience rather than the actual truth, just thought I would put it on this thread as it may be relevant or stack up with other people's experiences.

 

[M23 Citizen]

We've had loads of Irish players over the years, probably as many as any other club in England.

McCarthy. Quinn, Phelan, Kernaghan, Dunne, McGoldrick, Kennedy, Flood, Conlon, Given, Ireland, Scully, Cunningham, Bazunu, Jon Macken!

Used to see the odd tricolour at Maine Road.

Was there much abuse of the Irish around the time of the IRA bombing of Manchester?

And Northern Irish. One of our greatest ever legends, Peter Doherty.

Not really, from what I remember. The IRA bombed Manchester four times and nearby Warrington twice, between 1992-1996. I think there was more of a reaction from England’s hardcore football fans about it than City and United’s.

There was nothing directed at any players at City around it.

 

[Tim of the Oak]

We've had loads of Irish players over the years, probably as many as any other club in England.

McCarthy. Quinn, Phelan, Kernaghan, Dunne, McGoldrick, Kennedy, Flood, Conlon, Given, Ireland, Scully, Cunningham, Bazunu, Jon Macken!

Used to see the odd tricolour at Maine Road.

Was there much abuse of the Irish around the time of the IRA bombing of Manchester?

I can’t recall any abuse for Irish people in Manchester. Many Irish people disliked the IRA at the time.

 

[blue44]

And Northern Irish. One of our greatest ever legends, Peter Doherty.

Not really, from what I remember. The IRA bombed Manchester four times and nearby Warrington twice, between 1992-1996. I think there was more of a reaction from England’s hardcore football fans about it than City and United’s.

There was nothing directed at any players at City around it.

Sammy McIlroy too.
i remember him getting booed most kicks he had at MR with him having played at a certain other club !

 

[Tim of the Oak]

Sammy McIlroy too.
i remember him getting booed most kicks he had at MR with him having played at a certain other club !

I can only remember Sammy kicking the ball half a dozen times lol

 

[blue44]

I can only remember Sammy kicking the ball half a dozen times lol

To be honest, i reckon he was scared to kick it !