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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Irish League fans on why they love and support the club they do

It is a love that is kindled during childhood and goes on to last a lifetime, but what got you supporting the club you follow?

Perhaps it was a relative or friend that got you hooked, or you were maybe raised in the shadows of your club's stadium.

Or maybe you just liked the colours of the kit.

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The Irish League is full of passionate fans who follow their team through hail, sleet or snow.

And let's face it, many of us have probably encountered all three weather conditions on the same afternoon when watching a game.

We asked fans why they support the team they do, and who got them involved in the first place.

Here's some of the answers we got...

Stephen said: "My grandfather Sam Thompson took me to Clandeboye Park as he was a Bangor though and thought that was 70 years ago."

Coleraine supporter Michelle said: "My Dad took me to my first game when I was 10/11 & I've been going ever since with my Dad & sister."

Glentoran fan Jodie shared: "My Grandfather was a supporter. My Dad signed for the Glens 1959. I was born in Parkgate Avenue Granny lived in Parkgate Crescent, grew up sneaking into the Oval to play! Born Glentoran. Will die Glentoran."

Ballymena United supporter Jane added: "Sky Blues . My Grandad supported them and we lived in Warden Street ( used to watch all the crowds walking down the middle of the road to the match ) There was a great atmosphere then."

Linfield fan David said: "I'm a third generation Blue Man. My father started taking me to Windsor Park in the mid sixties. I graduated to ball boy for a few years. It's good to see a lot of supporters follow in the family tradition, long may it continue and perhaps start again. Get out and support your team and get the crowds back into Irish League grounds."

Cliftonville die-hard Pablo said: "Cliftonville, my da brought me to a game against Coleraine when I was 9. Coming from Portstewart I was supposed to be supporting the Bannsiders however I immediately fell in love with the Reds…… I’m 53 now."

Johnny said: "Came to Warrenpoint 1987. Welcomed by Liam O'Hare, Francie Mark Reynolds and Skipper Lylch to name a few into the sporting community. Formed Warrenpoint Town from Ship Bar. Played, Managed and have been Chair of the club for the past 35 years. Have made some great friends. Love the buzz and banter and would like to thank everyone at the club for having me. Come on the Point."

Gary added: "Cliftonville - My Granny lived 2 doors from Solitude. My Uncle took me to games from 1979 when I stayed in Belfast during school holidays. Still as much a fan today and my love of the Reds has been passed on to my sons."

Erika added: "Crusaders. My daddy was from Shore Road, lived 5 mins form Seaview."

Scott said: "Glenavon FC. My uncle and cousins are lifelong fans and a safety steward. They took me to a match about 7 years ago and I’ve been hooked since, real family atmosphere."

Glens fan Alex said: "Born and bred beside the Oval. Glentoran for me. Got lifted over in the 1950s now 76 still go to the matches."

Claire said: "Coleraine FC, from a buggy plus now my own son."

Zico added: "Grew up half a mile from Dungannon swifts. Played there all through my youth. Had a massive impact on me. Was more than a football club."

Lauren Dunlop posted: "Glentoran. Granddaughter of a legend meant there was no other choice for me. Match and a Chelsea bun from Ronnie's bakery was how my Saturdays went from no age. Proud of my Granda and proud of my club!"

Padraig recalled: "Cliftonville. My Granda took me to the 2006/7 CIS Cup Final. 1-0 defeat to Glentoran. Then I took a break due to sensitivity to noise. Returned in 2011 when Cliftonville beat Linfield 6-2 my first trip to Solitude and from then I’m hooked. Very rarely away from Solitude whether it be the first team, reserves, U18s, Ladies etc I’ll happily be there to support."

Paul commented: "Linfield, my uncle took me when I was a boy. 40 years later I still go and never miss."

Jackie has been a longstanding fan of the Blues. He said: "My granda took me to my first Linfield game in 1963 . And I’ve been going ever since . I’ve seen us lift 108 trophies including 29 League Championships . AFJ."

Ali said: "Glenavon. My uncle took me to a few matches. I was primary school age, not sure what age exactly. I hardly miss a match home or away - love it. Oh and I'm not a glory hunter, I'lI support my local team."

Brian added: "Newry City, my local side. My Father took me to my first game, 1958. I've been hooked ever since."

And Crusaders fan Chris said: "Born and bred Antrim Road, Glengormley so they were the closest team to me. My mate's Dad and or my Dad took us down most Saturdays when I was a young kid and I was hooked. 33 years later and still at it. Been everywhere with them now."

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