Why I support the 'boys in green' and not the 'green and white army'

At this time of the 2016 European football championships in France, I explain why I support the Ireland soccer team and not the Northern Ireland equivalent.  

At first glance, it might seem strange why I, as a Northern Ireland resident, support the Republic of Ireland soccer team over the Northern Ireland side. Surely, I should follow the national team of where I originate from. However, if you know the history of Ireland well enough, you will realise that things are not quite that simple.

Supporting the Irish national team at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin in September 2014

From a home video, I know that I have cheered on the Irish soccer team at least since the 1994 World Cup when I was two years old. In the video my brother, Matthew, and I are running around the back garden playing soccer with dad and mum. We're all shouting 'Olé Olé Olé' - a familiar Irish soccer team chant which was especially popular during the 1990 and 1994 World Cup tournaments. Ever since then I have been mad about the 'boys in green.' I remember jumping like mad when Robbie Keane fired in the equalisers against both Germany and Spain during the 2002 World Cup and my excitement at getting my first replica jersey in 2004. I recall the decade-long tournament drought between 2002 and 2012 and the longing for Ireland to gain qualification again for a major competition. I remember that desire being satisfied fleetingly by Seán St. Ledger's header against Croatia at Euro 2012 and the joy at reaching the last 16 stage of this summer's finals in France.  

It makes sense for me to support the Ireland team. Being an Irish soccer fan compares favourably with my Irish national identity. For example, it represents the whole Irish nation as does its associated flag (the Irish tricolour) and national anthem (Amhrán na bhFiann). 

In contrast, the Northern Ireland team is linked to symbols which are at odds with my national identity. For example, it solely represents the six counties of the Northern Ireland state, its anthem is 'God Save the Queen', its flag is the so-called 'Ulster Banner' (the flag of the former unionist Northern Ireland Government) and the team plays its home games at Windsor Park - named for the electoral district in south Belfast that derives its name from the British Royal Family. Further, the Union flag -another flag that rankles with my Irish national identity - is also flown at Northern Ireland's home and away matches.  

Nevertheless, despite these realities I like to see all Irish sports teams that wear green succeed, whether it be the Ireland international rules football team or the Northern Ireland soccer team. Unfortunately, I am not ready to openly support the 'green and white army' whether at home in Newry or at Windsor Park. 

For me, the governing body of the Northern Ireland team, the Irish Football Association (IFA), faces a challenge in encouraging more Northern Ireland residents with an Irish national identity to support the soccer team. I am convinced that the IFA can undertake this by agreeing on a more cross-community friendly flag and anthem and, perhaps, altering the name of Windsor Park. Personally, I prefer the stadium, like the Belfast City airport, being renamed for George Best - the former Manchester United and Northern Ireland footballer who regularly united the two communities due to his brilliance and skill. .                     

Lastly, I am convinced that the lasting solution will be for the island of Ireland to be represented by a single governing body and soccer team similar to cricket, field hockey and, especially, rugby union. I hope to see this outcome reached in my lifetime.
  

The original pre-partition IFA logo