Northern Ireland v USA

Words Heidi McAlpin

WATCHING ON TV JUST ISN’T THE SAME…

Another match, another empty stadium. We’re getting used to this and making do with our special memories and ‘stay at home’ footy experiences.

TV. Another night out with the GAWA over, then see you at the next game for more craic." Sammy Cummings agrees it’s the unique GAWA bonhomie that makes his nights: “What I truly miss is the fans; seeing old faces, meeting new people, the sense of togetherness while marching towards the stadium, encapsulating memories that will last a lifetime and being part of the greatest community in the world. I can’t wait to get back together with everyone supporting the team.” For Noel Keenan it’s not just about missing the matches but also the welcome he gives fans as a National Football Stadium tour guide. “I really miss my great bunch of tour colleagues and sharing our famous Windsor Park history with visitors from all over the world. I miss hearing how much they enjoy the tour and seeing them leave with smiles on their faces,” he revealed. “I love setting up for tours; walking around the stadium and treating Windsor Park like a personal playground - the stuff of dreams for any supporter.” And when it comes to match nights, for Noel it’s all about that unforgettable roar. “What I miss the most is the famous GAWA atmosphere, where 18,000 can sound like 30,000.” Missing those special match nights with her dad Steve is 18-year-old Rachel Douglas from Antrim. “I love going to Windsor Park because the atmosphere is always second to none. The stadium is my favourite place to visit with my dad and every match is better than the last. Nothing else matters when our wee country is playing,” she pointed out. Couldn’t have put it better myself Rachel. For us lucky lot who get to share those Northern Ireland nights with fellow fans, watching on TV just isn’t the same. As much as the players miss our presence, we, too, miss that visceral football vibe. And when we are allowed to return I have no doubt our collective euphoria will shake the city. There’ll be a few tears among the cheers as we never again take for granted those magical GAWA nights. Not that we ever did.

Those tummy tingles we took for granted in the lead-up to and during match days are but a distant dream. Instead we gaze at a screen full of empty seats and listen to pre-recorded sounds of celebrating fans. How strange it all seems. Which got me thinking: what do we miss about match days? For me it’s the anticipation as I don the GAWA gear and revel in that pre-game anticipation when a dreary defeat, jarring draw or momentous win is mere hours away. That plus a dirty great burger and pint of beer in a fan-packed Lavs. Then the walk to the stadium and up those steep Kop steps to stand, sing, bounce and gripe as the team goes through its paces. What a time to be alive. Also missing match nights is Kris Allsop, chairman of the Hounds of Ulster NISC. He pointed out: "I miss the camaraderie and catching up with so many good friends. Friendships have been forged over almost 20 years of home and away matches through good times and bad." His wife and fellow GAWA member Gillian shares his hopes that they get to return to the Kop soon, although she doesn't miss having to cover up the more, shall we say, salty lyrics to save the blushes of their 11-year-old son Christopher. The Kop choir is also a big part of Campbell Porter’s much missed match memories. He and his mate Mark Eaton have been Kop block bookers for more than 30 years and have witnessed many memorable nights from their privileged perch. "The noise and atmosphere is great, especially when a corner is right in front of us and the place goes mad when we score. The best part is the songs that start at the Kop and flow around the ground; ‘Stand up for the Ulstermen’, ‘Bouncy’, ‘We’re on our way’, ‘Green and White Army’ and one of my faves, ‘We’re Not Brazil, We’re Northern Ireland’,” he said. “I keep wishing others I know could be there with us to experience those scenes. Then after the game it's a dander back to the pub for a post mortem, a couple more beers and watching the highlights on

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