League of Ireland
Dublin is the capital of and largest city in Ireland, near the midpoint of Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey and at the centre of the Dublin Region. Founded as a centre of Viking settlement, the city has been Ireland's capital since medieval times. Dublin was the scene of some of the most severe fighting of the Irish rebellion of 1916 and of the revolution of 1919 to 1921, which resulted in the establishment of the Irish Free State. After Independence Dublin became the political, economic, and cultural centre of Ireland. The location of the Government of Ireland, Dail Eireann, assembles in Leinster House. Dublin.
In Dublin's fair city,
where the girls are so pretty,
I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone,
As she wheeled her wheel-barrow,
Through streets broad and narrow,
Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive alive oh!"
"Alive-a-live-oh,
Alive-a-live-oh",
Crying "Cockles and mussels, alive alive oh".
St Patrick's Athletic F.C. was founded in 1929. The first season was played in Phoenix Park but in 1930 St Pats moved to Richmond Park. Although home matches have been staged at other venues during a couple of periods over the years, Richmond Park has remained their spititual home. It is situated in the Dublin suburb of Inchicore. The area where the ground now stands was formerly used as a recreational area by the British Army, who were stationed at the nearby Richmond Barracks, hence the name.
She was a fishmonger,
And sure 'twas no wonder,
For so were her mother and father before,
And they each wheeled their barrow,
Through streets broad and narrow,
Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive oh!"
"Alive-a-live-oh,
Alive-a-live-oh",
Crying "Cockles and mussels, alive alive oh".
This was the Pieman's first trip to Dublin since July 1991 when seeing Spurs play Shelbourne at Tolka Park. A cheap deal on Ryanair from Stansted assisted in getting me to the Emerald Isle.
She died of a fever,
And no one could save her,
And that was the end of sweet Molly Malone.
Now her ghost wheels her barrow,
Through streets broad and narrow,
Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive oh!"
"Alive-a-live-oh,
Alive-a-live-oh",
Crying "Cockles and mussels, alive alive oh".
The Pittsburgh Steeler and I travelled by local bus from Dublin Airport to the Drumcondra area where we were staying. Having checked into our accommodation, we headed off into town for some liquid refreshment. The Pieman can confirm that “ the Guinness was good”
Richmond Park is an easy venue to reach with regular bus services passing the ground. We opted to catch the tram service (Luas) from the city centre, alighting at Goldenbridge (5 minutes walk from the ground). We also took advantage of the Marble Arch pub, just across the road from Goldenbridge tram stop, where some more Guinness was consumed. Likewise a pub opposite the ground offered a similar opportunity. 
The Richmond Park ground is clearly one with a lot of history behind it. We sat in the Main Stand from where the view is very good but the legroom could be better. Behind one goal (Shed End) is a part covered terrace. Opposite the Main Stand is The Camac terrace, running the full length of the pitch but split in the middle by the TV gantry. The Inchicore End contains a limited standing but is not banked.
The match was settled by a first half goal from local lad, Robbie Keane. It is difficult to read too much into these friendly matches but hopefully St Pat's will have gained something from the experience and with their UEFA Cup season starting next week this might be timely. Spurs now move on to a 3 match tour of South Africa in preparation for the season ahead.
Attendance: 4600 (tickets sold)
Admission: €35 (Main Stand), €25 & €20.00(Terrace)
Programme: 4 Euros
An earlier visit by Tim Rigby
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Ian Scott
This is the first opportunity via these columns to report the passing of our friend Ian Scott.
I guess I have known Ian and his son Andy for over 15 years and have certainly shared many football-related moments with them. Significantly this involved travelling to away fixtures following Spurs and I will always be grateful for the numerous lifts that Ian gave my fellow non-drivers and me.
Ian loved all levels of football. He was an enthusiastic follower of the non-league game, not just as a spectator, Ian had been actively involved in the running of both Haringey Borough and BROB Barnet a few decades ago. At the other end of the scale, despite the failure of England to qualify, Ian was able to use work connections to facilitate a trip to the USA for the 1994 World Cup.
Following retirement from his job in the insurance sector, Ian was able to dedicate even more time to his football pursuits to the extent that he became a permanent fixture at the midweek reserve team matches. He was already attending all first team games and he extended this activity to include regular attendance at friendly matches including globe trotting to Korea, Mauritius and South Africa.
Ian liked a drink and in recent years became a part of the furniture at the Coppermill in Walthamstow (he will certainly be missed by all in there). He was fond of Fosters lager. I will forgive him for that, I really wanted him to be a real ale man, inspired by tales of his national service in Northampton when he drank bitter. He redeemed himself though by his insistence on single malt whisky as opposed to blended varieties! He also liked Haggis (well he would) and joy of joys - Mushy Peas!!
He did not suffer fools and could perhaps appear 'grumpy' but as our Swedish friend Carl Von Sydow said, this was always with a twinkle in his eye.
Ian would often tell us of his experiences of watching the great Spurs double winning team of 1960 - 61 and it was fitting that Bobby Smith was with us at Ian's funeral last week.
I will miss him.
The former West Bromwich Albion & Coventry City midfielder Martin Jol with Ian Scott
