Great night, shame about the rain, shame about the result, shame about the rain again.
If Ireland fans have trouble getting in for the Ireland kick-offs, imagine the scenes last night.
Having a pint, having a chat, as the digital clock soundlessly struck 7:38pm. ‘Better head in so’.
Myself and my father are not Dundalk fans. To be awkward, I supported Cork City as a kid. I’ve also been to Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletics games when friends needed company, I fancied watching some footy or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought the Manchester United Reserves to Tallaght.
It bucketed down as we were directed to a Ticketmaster van – one of two mobilised to deal with thousands of fans that decided to pay in on the day. Aside from the snaking, sodden queue, there were heartening sights everywhere.
Laughing Dundalk fans. Ireland jerseys abounded. A Shamrock Rovers fan sheltering under a tree with a Derry City supporter. A family of four all wearing St Pat’s gear.
Ireland came out to support Dundalk.
Those were the stand-out sights. The sound that rang out was Handel’s anthem that is synonymous with the Champions League.
‘THESE ARE THE CHAMPIONS… ‘
We got in, eventually, as a torpid match took hold. There was some satisfaction in arriving 33 minutes into a game and seeing that both teams had combined for 0 shots on target.
Dundalk virtually played a 5-4-1. Stephen O’Donnell covered a lot of ground but spent large chunks of the game in the shadow of Dundalk’s centre backs. Legia Warsaw, cheered vociferously by their white-clad supporters, were happy with the pedestrian pace. They showed they were capable of flooding forward at pace when a chance arose. No-one was surprised when the game ended 0-0.
Half-time and a chance for 30,417 to take selfies, watch some actual goals – courtesy of highlights from Celtic’s qualifiers – and get some moderately hot food in.
One wheel came off when Nemanja Nikolic’s spot-kick goal was the punishment for Andy Boyle’s handball. Daryl Horgan was the only Dundalk player that wanted to take on his man while Dave McMillan had one centre back in his pocket and the other down his neck. There may still be pieces of him out on the ‘Dublin Arena’ pitch today.
Many of the neutrals had enough and, with each misplaced pass or ball that went back and not forward, they headed for the exits. It was raining again but that was no surprise.
At the death, Dundalk were punished for playing hesitantly. Playing for a 1-0 loss that would just about keep them alive.
Their lack of endeavour – going against their natural selves – was horribly punished as Legia saved one devastating counter for last. Aleksandar Prijovic’s dinked finish was enough.
Thousands turned and left. Some applauded on the way out – thanks lads, good luck in Poland, we’re off. Heading back into Dublin town, the external noise was the thrum of the rain. In my head, that sonorous theme was there.
The theme that let’s you know your team is playing one of the best, even if they are just your team for just one night.
On the latest episode of the GAA Hour Hurling Show Wooly and the lads reflect on a monumental weekend of action. Listen below or subscribe here on iTunes
