Northern Ireland v Italy (15/11/2021)

THE INNER MUSINGS OF A GAWA NEWBIE

WORDS: HEIDI McALPIN

One thing to come from lockdown has been the opportunity for fans previously unable to obtain home tickets to get their mitts on those hallowed barcodes.

Well, Patric, how have you managed to spend an entire lifetime - almost six decades if I may say - avoiding football matches? I’ve spent my life managing to avoid pretty much everything that’s sports-related. I’ve got no particular animosity towards football itself, just sport in general . But I’m always open to new experiences and I’m prepared to put aside my prejudices. I don’t like the idea of being part of a large crowd either, but at the same time there’s something about being part of something so big and noisy which strangely appeals to me. Have you ever been a football fan? Any memories of following Northern Ireland’s legendary appearances at three World Cups and the 2016 Euros? I wouldn’t call myself a football fan at all but I have been an Arsenal ‘supporter’ since 1971 when, like many other eight- year-old boys at that time, I was swept along by their success. I even asked my mum to buy me an Arsenal top from the (now defunct) Athletic Stores in Belfast because I wanted to look like Frank McLintock and Charlie George. Unfortunately the top was too small for me and I think the disappointment pretty much ended my stint as a football fan. That said, even now, if I see football results I will always look at how Arsenal did.

Yes, it may just be for this World Cup qualifying campaign but National Stadium newbies are making the most of their Windsor Park window of opportunity. Many are lifelong devotees whose dreams of guldering from their stadium perch were ripped asunder by the block booking system. For them this night will surely live long in the memory. Others, though, are veritable rookies who have chosen tonight’s game against the European champions to make their match day debut . The fact that some think Roberto Mancini composed the theme tune to the Pink Panther is neither here nor there. Whatever their motivation they will be sauntering to the stadium with as much trepidation and intrigue as any GAWA stalwart . But who would shell out a sizeable sum to watch a sport in which they have scant interest? May I introduce my good friend – and football neophyte – Patric. As I do the bouncy in Block A of the Kop (West Stand) just a few metres to my right Patric and his wife (who has, to her credit , graced several football matches with her presence) will be ensconced with the glitterati in the Billy Bingham Lounge. But what has led him to this profound moment in his life? And will it mark the beginning of something truly beautiful? Let’s find out .

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NIR V ITA