Robin runs race of his life

Published: Belfast Newsletter, 12th July 2008, page 3

The world renowned festival of San Fermín is held annually in the city of Pamplona, Northern Spain. Orginating in the 15th Century and made famous in Hemmingway´s 1926 novel, The Sun Also Rises, the festival has become synonymous with one event – The encierro or The Running of the Bulls.

At least one person is seriously injured every year, and there have been 14 deaths since records began in 1924. The last person to get killed by one of the bulls was Matthew Tassio, a 22 year old American tourist in 1995. This is no picnic, and many of the locals refuse to participate in the event where they claim naive tourists are just as dangerous as the 1100 lb bulls.

At 6.30am on the Wednesday of the San Fermín festival, the crowds begin to gather. Three-quarters of an hour later the police have hemmed them in in the square at the centre of the half mile stretch while the street cleaners clear the way of food wrappers, beer bottles and the comatosed.

And here in the midst of all this madness is little old me. A 22 year old Ballynahinch boy with a pair of trainers and a heart beating faster than a New York rapper. Why am I here? Because many years ago I started to draw up a list of things to do before I die and somewhere amongst Own a Ford Capri and Kiss a Nun lies one chilling task – Run with the Bulls.

I know that as I grow older my illusion of invincibility will disappear and I need to run now while my limbs lack stiffness and my head lacks sense. I have been warned by both those at home and the locals about the dangers of it, and 13 injuries on Monday´s run will have done nothing to allay my mother´s fears.

I´m travelling with my friend Mark and we managed to get a few hours sleep in a nearby park – Getting accomodation during the festival is impossible unless you are willing to sell a kidney or two. We missed breakfast so I have a few sandwiches in a plastic bag with me but for some reason neither of us are hungry. As we stand packed in like sardines the nervous energy is evident. A few people burst into song as a way of easing the tension. I look around at the faces. Some are grinning, eagerly anticipating the run. The veterans look determined and focused. For the majority of the crowd however, the colour of their face has drained to match the bleach white top and trousers which is traditional San Fermín garb along with a red necktie.

About 15 minutes before they release the eight bulls the police step back to allow us to move to any chosen point on the course. I will be running on the notorious Estafeta street which is a 400 metre stretch with only a few chances of escape. Behind me stands an Australian cowering in a shallow doorway for whom the glorious idea of running with the bulls has just met reality. I meet a Dublin guy called Emmett, who is also running for the first time. We pray.

At 8 o´clock exactly the first rocket goes off, signalling that the bulls have been released from the pen. Some runners sprint off straight away. They will arrive in the stadium before they even see a bull and will rightly be booed by the crowd already in there waiting for their arrival. A second rocket should follow shortly signalling that they have all left the pen. The bulls will run safely if tightly packed a herd, but if one is separated it can become afraid and highly dangerous. We wait for the second rocket to come but it doesn´t. Finally after 20 seconds or so we hear it. Emmett and I look at each other, knowing that our pipe dream is now very real and very dangerous.

Shortly after the thunder of feet and hooves is heard and the adrenalin has very much kicked in. A mass of people burn around the corner below us, terror evident in their faces as they look backwards at what is to us an unseen enemy. The sound of the now overtaken bell oxen reminds us of what is coming. I turn upwards and run, glancing back for a glimpse of the bulls. I get what I asked for and my pace increases. In front of me people have tripped and wisely remain on the ground. My selfish nature kicks in and I trample over them determined to keep on running, my heart now beating loudly. As I reach the escape point half way up Estafeta the bulls pass by me safely on the other side of the street. The crowd follow them, hoping to get into the stadium to witness the rest of the morning´s festivities. I let them run ahead, as I make my way back towards the Town Hall area where Mark was running. As I dander back down the now half empty street I hear a familiar sound. Around the corner comes a raucous roar of people, with that terrified look in their eyes. Of course – The second rocket. In my adrenalin craze I had forgotten that there must have been some bulls slow to leave the pen. I can see three of them, their horns glaringly close to some of the runners coming straight for me. I turn again and this time run more daringly in the centre of the street. These bulls seem slower, so I can run ahead of them for longer, allowing them to get within 10 metres or so before deciding that is enough danger for me and peeling off to the side to watch them sprint past.

I peer warily to check that they are the last bulls coming for me, and once happy that that is the case I dander back down to the town hall, adrenalin still pumping, hand shaking as I grab a pen and stroke it off my list.

Top marks for clean-up students

Published: Coleraine Chronicle 22nd May 2008

A group of students have been praised by Portstewart Residents for volunteering to pick up litter after Saturday’s North West 200 races. Around 25 young people sacrificed their Saturday evening to pick up bottles, tins, cigarette butts and other litter on the old golf course which stretches from the starting grid to York corner on the race track.

One lady who lives on the Portstewart Road said “Students get such a bad press and its so refreshing to see them cleaning up this mess. The amount of litter that is left on that course is a disgrace.”

Rachel Logan is the 20 year undergraduate whose idea it was to mobilise the students, many of whom go to the Christian Union at the University of Ulster, Coleraine. She said; “We saw a need and we just felt that it was a good way of showing and being an example of God’s love. We saw a practical need and I think that at times us Christians can be too airy-fairy.”

Rachel, who studies Psychology, praised Coleraine council who were only too happy to assist this free offer of help. “We contacted the Council who were really pleased and welcoming of our help and they provided us with bin liners and gloves and assured us that they would take away the rubbish and they were really helpful.”

Fairtrade Fortnight at Coleraine University

Published: UFOURia Spring 2008

A new social action group set up at the Coleraine campus made their presence known on the Bridge during Fairtrade fortnight (25th February – 9th March). ‘Speak’, as they are known, spent the first week offering information on the Fairtrade logo to those who were interested, as well as encouraging students and staff alike to sign a petition urging the university to follow Queen’s and gain Fairtrade status. During the second week they had a variety of products on offer and gave some samples away as well as selling tea, coffee and chocolate, all bearing the Fairtrade mark. Fairtrade ensures a fair price for the producer as well as guaranteeing ethical purchasing i.e. there has been no slave or child labour used in generating the product you buy. The method of providing assistance to third world workers through ‘Trade not Aid’ is essential in the sustainable development of farms in Africa and South America.
In order for the university to be officially recognised as a Fairtrade University, five criteria must be met. These are:

1. The Student Union and the university authorities both create a Fairtrade policy incorporating these five goals.
2. Fairtrade foods are made available for sale in all campus shops. Fairtrade foods are used in all cafés/restaurants/bars on campus. Where this is not possible, there is a commitment to begin to use Fairtrade foods in these establishments as soon as it becomes possible to do so.
3. Fairtrade foods (for example, coffee and tea) are served at all meetings hosted by the university and the SU, and are served in all university and SU management offices.
4. There is a commitment to campaign for increased Fairtrade consumption on campus.
5. Set up a Fairtrade Steering Group

Surely it is our basic responsibility to encourage the sale of Fairtrade products in the university, knowing that by doing so on a campus consisting of thousands of students and staff we can make a significant impact for justice for the poor of this world.

More details can be found at http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/get_involved_university.htm

It’s al about you

Published: UFOURia Spring 2008

Tesco opens beside University Halls in Portstewart. McDonalds coming to Jordanstown. Is there any escape from the aggressive invasion of big companies in student life in Northern Ireland? Robin Peake sets out on his crusade to stop lining the pockets of the rich, and urges you to join him

At 21 my political mind is a mess. I joined the UUC Socialist Party at the start of this academic year and became a leftie without the beard. After Christmas I paid a tenner to become a member of the Alliance Party, notoriously neutral in a political climate dominated by religion/ideologies. Throw into the mix that I’m an evangelical Christian and you start to wonder how much of the political spectrum one man wants to cover. By my own admission I don’t know if I’m a Commie, a Capitalist or a Centralist. Yet while on my whirlwind tour of ideologies I’ve made one stop, and I’m starting to make a stand on it too. Consumer Choice.

It’s very easy in this day and age to agree with the argument that our voices don’t matter to the state elite, or to big corporations. Why even bother to vote in elections? Is my ‘x’ really going to make any difference amongst thousands? However I would argue that we vote every day – with our wallets. Daily we spend money on food, drink, fuel and plenty of other wee things without thinking. And yet the consumer choices we make during our days as students are those that our most likely to stick with us throughout the rest of our lives. Why do you think newspapers such as The Times are prepared to sell for far less than retail price in Student’s Union shops? Why do you think Freshers week is full of banks clamouring to get you on board? Because in both cases, they know the power of the choices made by students. The students of today are the leaders of tomorrow who will influence the decisions and consumer choices of others. That is why I think now is the optimum time to think about what you are spending your money on.

Buy local
Have you ever fully thought of the benefits on offer by buying Northern Irish produce? Cookstown Ham, Ormo Bread, Ballyrashane Milk, Tayto Crisps, Smithicks Ale By spending your money on these items and countless others which have been produced in the six counties then you are keeping people in employment. If employment is high, then income is generated by more workers, which in turn is spent in the local economy; in goods, services and leisure. If a company is doing well through increased sales (e.g. Linwoods of Co. Armagh) then this in turn can create more opportunities for graduates – Marketing, Advertising roles; Management positions, Accountants, Web designers and IT technicians: all opportunities that arise from a company’s expansion.
Think too of where you buy your food and drink. Why not use the local corner shop instead of the branded supermarket? Because it’s more expensive? Fair point, but when you’re in your 30s with money to spare and can’t find anything other than a Tescos to shop in just remember who to blame.

Contribute to World Poverty – Or not?
There are those that will say that by buying ‘Fairtrade’ you are making the world a better place and alleviating global poverty. I propose a much darker alternative. By not buying Fair Trade where possible, you are increasing the power that large companies such as Nestlé have over highly skilled and underpaid workers. You are increasing the hours of the third world workers by your purchase, who needs to step up production to fulfil your wants. You are increasing the gap between rich and poor. My housemate tells me that he doesn’t buy Fairtrade coffee because “it’s a rip off.” I argue that other brands of coffee are ripping off their poverty-stricken employees, and that really that’s the choice it bottles down to – Who should pay the price? Consumers with a few extra quid or producers with no fair deal in sight? By using your loaf and buying Fairtrade wine, clothes (UU hoodies available), tea, rice you are guaranteeing that at the other end of the line more of your money is going towards the farmer and his family, and not only that, but there is also extra money available to build schools and basic hospitals. The farmer then, with a bit of extra income is able to buy animals off his neighbour who then too has received some of your money. The consequences of our money are far reaching, and we need to realise our responsibility in spending. Look out for the Fairtrade logo on products. Encourage your friends to think seriously through the benefits. Pester the UU authorities to strap on a pair and achieve ‘Fairtrade University’ status.

So next time you’re thinking of heading out for some groceries, look at where they come from, and think of who is benefiting from your purchase. And, if you end up buying something local, or something with the ‘Fairtrade’ logo then you’ll probably find that you and your conscience have benefited too.

‘Speak’ up for Social Justice

Published: UFOURIA, March 2008 issue

Many of us have some form of concern for global injustice such as poverty, slavery and trafficking. The truth of the matter is that we just don’t care enough to do something about it. Gone are the days when our young people were revolutionary and caused society to sit up and take notice of such international issues. Or are they? A group of passionate students at the University of Ulster in Coleraine have decided to set up a social action group called ‘Speak’. Born out of a Christian ethos and running alongside other Speak groups on the mainland, they aim to raise student awareness of global issues and encourage students in their consumer choices and those lifestyle habits which carry far-reaching consequences.

‘Speak’ intends on focussing on two impact groups which will in turn deal with one specific issue. One will address the issue of Fair Trade and the other Climate Change. The group concentrating on Fair Trade aims to encourage the UU catering services to use these products wherever possible and to assist the university in following Queens and becoming a ‘Fair Trade University.’ As part of “Fairtrade Fortnight” some students will be promoting and selling Fairtrade items such as tea, coffee and chocolate from a table in the main bridge area on campus. There will also be a petition for staff and students to sign urging the Students Union and the University authorities to incorporate the five goals needed to gain Fairtrade status. Rachel Logan, one of the organisers says “If we can get 500 signatures it will show that students really do care about their consumer choices and add a lot of weight to our argument”

Fairtrade Fortnight runs from 25th February to 9th March. If you would like to find out more about how to get your school, church or workplace involved then check out www.fairtrade.org.uk

10 Greatest Games no.4: Northern Ireland 1 Scotland 0

Published: Happy Days Issue 8

Ten Greatest NI matches. No.4
21/10/1967 Belfast; Attendance 55,000
Northern Ireland 1 Scotland 0 (ECQ/HIC)

When Stan Mortensen scored a hat trick in the 1953 FA Cup Final he could be forgiven for being a little miffed that it was dubbed ‘The Stanley Matthews Final.” In the same way, Dave Clements winning goal against the Scots in 1967 has been overshadowed by the performance of the man who provided the assist; El Beatle himself, George Best. The game has become known as his greatest ever performance in the green shirt and stories of the day have been well recounted through the years.

There is little doubt that George Best was a huge name. A year after destroying Benfica in the 5-1 demolition in the European quarter final, he was a huge revenue generator for the Irish FA. For the game against Scotland, the crowd was three times larger than it had been at the previous home game against Wales where Best wasn’t playing. Despite having the 21 year old talent in their team, Northern Ireland resumed the role of underdogs, against a Scottish team fresh from defeating World Champions England, and boasting a strong line up including Denis Law, Ian Ure and Tommy Gemmill. Gemmill is seen as arguably one of the greatest British full backs of all time, and just 6 months previously had helped Celtic become the first British team to win the European Cup. When faced with the genius of Best however, he was painfully embarrassed as George would twist and turn, ‘nutmegging’ the full back and then gallop back to tease him again. Best’s performance that day was mesmerising, on an arena that resembled more of a quagmire than a football pitch, gaining credit from the Scottish press the following day.

There were 22 players on the pitch, but the vast majority seemed to be spectators, Gemmell in particular sitting on the field for much of the game. Debutants for Ireland Billy McKeag and Billy Campbell might have spent the night previous dreaming of a perfect performance, but they were merely pawns along with their teammates as Best battled with Scotland and Celtic goalkeeper Ronnie Simpson who excelled in goal, matching everything that Best could throw at him. The same could not be said of his defence however, who longed for the final whistle and the torture to end. Best would pop up everywhere, taking on defenders who tried to bring him down by any means possible but his exquisite balance shone through, all the time heading either for goal, or for Gemmell. Never has such an individual performance been witnessed, tearing apart the Scots, twisting their blood and shattering self-belief.

The goal finally came in the 67th minute. As the Scottish defence flocked to the immediate danger that was Best, he played the ball into Dave Clements in space, and he finished the move from within the penalty area. It was no more than was deserved, Simpson finally beaten after his heroics. The goal gave Billy Bingham a win in his first match as manager, a fact that has been glossed over in recent years. There was no doubt that the glory and limelight belonged to the ‘Belfast Boy’. The joy he gave the people of Northern Ireland had never been encapsulated as much as it was that day, in what has rightly become known as ‘The George Best Match’

Team: P. Jennings, W. McKeag, J. Parke, A. Stewart, T. Neill, D. Clements, W. Campbell, J. Crossan, D. Dougan, J. Nicholson, G. Best

Northern Ireland v Everton: What’s the point?

Published: Happy Days Issue 8

Northern Ireland v Everton – What’s the point?

So, half an Everton team beat a Northern Ireland side featuring four regular squad players in a match where neither set of players were at full fitness levels. What did anyone learn from this? For David Moyes, it was a chance to assess how his young players cope playing with seasoned first teamers and to further his players’ progress towards match fitness; but those who turned out for the Northern Ireland ‘select’ could easily have done that with the clubs that employ them. For Nigel Worthington, cleverly disguised as Roy Millar, he will have picked up very little from watching this drab 90 minutes that he couldn’t have found out from you or me.

Irish League players can’t cut it at International level. Sure in days gone by there were exceptions, but can you really convince me that Peter Thompson or Gary Hamilton have set the International stage alight? The only one who can claim to have made and impact in Europe in recent years is Glenn Ferguson, but I’m not sure being banned from Prague is quite what we’re looking for. Oval hero Hamilton was back for this match to show that he is more suited to the ‘big fish-small pond’ scenario. Alongside him was Kevin Braniff, showing good upper body strength and aerial ability, but demonstrating the main indication of his Irish League status, that is the ‘first touch syndrome’. That six Irish league players took part, along with a string of players from the lower English and Scottish leagues who were all captained by the unemployed Stephen Lomas pretty much sums up the quality on show. This was dubbed a showpiece match and had the players featured in the match programme squad lists turned up it would have been. But they didn’t so it wasn’t.

Now far be it for me to be pessimistic and condemning against a Milk Cup committee who persuaded the Irish FA that this would be a good idea. That they also persuaded me to purchase a ticket at £18 so that I could watch my childhood heroes Sean Webb and Sammy Morrow deserves credit also. As a marketing ploy (and I see it as little else) this was a financial success. The committee played the 25th anniversary card spot on. If half the Everton squad turned up to my 25th Anniversary I’d be reasonably happy although I’d be keeping an eye on the thirst and antics of Shandy van der Meyde. However, as much of a success as it was for the Milk Cup and its ego, it was equally a waste of time for Nigel Worthington. How many of these players changed the manager’s mind about whether or not they deserve a full cap? Dean Holden said he would walk from Falkirk to Windsor for the chance – Thing is Dean, so would I. And I’m crap. Holden played well, along with several other players including Keith O’Hara, but did they really show enough to say I deserve to play against Denmark, Spain, Sweden? I doubt it.

Now perhaps I’m mellowing as I get older, but I thought Ciaran Toner actually looked the part. He not only looked energetic and committed, but showed glimpses of quality in his passing and movement, particularly when he moved from right flank into the centre. There you go – A positive. It’s the only one I can find from an otherwise pointless affair.

Soccer Sight – Another triumph for ‘Football for All’

Published: Coleraine Times, 11th July 2007

Are you planning on heading down to Coleraine Showgrounds on Saturday to watch Northern Ireland XI against Everton?  Are you hoping to see attractive football and goals?  If you are, consider yourself fortunate.  In Northern Ireland there are 5000 people who are registered blind or partially sighted.  However, whilst there are many difficulties to be faced, sight problems do not seem to quench the passion for sport.  Football can overcome many obstacles and thanks to the RNIB, in conjunction with the Irish Football Association and the George Best Foundation, blind or visually impaired folks will still be able to take in the action and the atmosphere at this weeks showpiece match.  The project is called Soccer Sight and provides audio description via a personal receiver and transmitter.  It allows the blind or visually impaired person listening to sit in their normal seat with their mates rather than go to a special designated area to receive the commentary.  It was launched in March of this year and made its debut at Windsor Park for Northern Ireland’s 2-1 victory over Sweden

In order for the scheme to run smoothly and consistently, the IFA ran a competition via their website to find two commentators.  The winners of the competition, as judged by the BBC’s Joel Taggart were Brian Elliot of Newtownards and Robin Peake from Ballynahinch.  After a trial run at the Setanta Cup game between Linfield and Glentoran and some Visual Awareness training, the pair were put to the test for the European Championship qualifier.  Robin says “It’s fairly nervy, because you know that there are people listening who are forming opinions on the match from how accurately and objectively you describe what’s happening on the pitch.  I was surprised how tired you can get by concentrating on describing what’s going on, so it’s good to have Brian with me to break it up with his analysis.”  Funded by the George Best foundation, the system will allow older members of the crowd to still enjoy the atmosphere despite diminishing eyesight.  As Robin explains, it differs from Radio Commentary in a number of ways: “If you took a walkman and tuned into the game you might get interruptions as they cross over to other matches, but importantly a radio commentator is not as focused on describing what’s happening off the pitch, be it a manager fuming on the sideline, a substitute warming up or what is happening in the crowd.  These are things that make the football match experience whole, and for those who can hear the crowd react around them but not know what they are reacting to, that must be very frustrating.”

The Milk Cup team have decided to utilise the scheme for the 25^th Anniversary Challenge match between Everton and a Northern Ireland select side.  As a result the equipment and commentators will be in place so that those with little or no eyesight, can still enjoy the full matchday experience.  If you know of anyone who may benefit from this scheme then contact Barry Macaulay at the RNIB on 90329373 or email barry.macaulay@rnib.org.uk

Liechtenstein 1 Northern Ireland 4 (Match Report)

Published: Happy Days Issue 8

Liechtenstein 1 Northern Ireland 4

Northern Ireland came away from Vaduz with a convincing result despite giving not an altogether convincing performance. However, to return from a competitive away match having scored four goals without playing particularly well is a fantastic achievement. Add to that the fact that Northern Ireland never do particularly well under the label of favourites, and this scoreline was as important as it was flattering.

It was David Healy inevitably who was to be the star of the show, becoming the first Northern Irish player to score two hat tricks for his country. And whilst the same prestige may not be attached to this hat trick as to his previous one against Spain, there is no doubting the quality of his finishes. The record breaking talisman took his goals calmly and with accuracy that led Sanchez to declare him a “world class finisher”

Liechtenstein were confident on the ball and stroked it around crisply and succinctly in a way that former Northern Ireland captain Danny Blanchflower – a great ambassador for the passing game – would have been thrilled to witness. As a team they played with their heads held high, always looking for the attractive short pass rather than the ambitious long ball that the visitors preferred. A nervy first half was endured with Healy and Davis trying to see how dubious Peter Jehle was with some ambitious long range efforts. Rather than rattle him however, it seemed to help his confidence as he clawed away a goalbound Keith Gillespie shot at full stretch in what was Northern Ireland’s best effort in a fruitless first half; compounded by Chris Brunt’s inability to deliver any threatening set pieces. Indeed it was the home team who could have stole the lead at the end of the first period, when FC Basle’s Franz Burgmeier headed over from a Mario Frick cross when well placed. It was Frick who was the danger man for the home side, but a lack of quality and awareness from his team-mates meant that his menacing crosses were to no avail.

It took Northern Ireland just seven minutes of the second half to take the lead and calm the nerves of the majority away following. A mistake in the home midfield saw the ball fall kindly for Damien Johnson who fed Kyle Lafferty. A poor attempt on goal from the Burnley striker was quickly forgotten as the ball broke to Healy who slotted it into the empty net. Liechtenstein continued to press and a combination of Frick’s skill and Maik Taylor’s handling on a couple of occasions showed that this was not over yet. Healy eased Sanchez’s worries however, when on 75 minutes Gillespie showed a bit of pace and quality and knocked the ball forward for him, whose first touch took him onto his right foot before sending a reverse shot past the stranded Jehle. As Liechtenstein continued to press forward with their admirable style of football they got caught in possession on 82 minutes when a visionary pass from Steve Davis sent through Healy for his third, slotted coolly through Jehle’s legs.

Liechtenstein got their reward for their perseverance with the strike of the match; Burgmeier cutting in on his right foot and sending a sweet curling shot past Taylor from 18 yards. However it was the away fans who had the final cheer, when the impressive Gillespie sent a cross over from the right wing which was met beautifully by the head of the onrushing Grant McCann. All in all, there wasn’t a lot between these two sides, bar a little bit of quality in the green shirts, and an unforgiving Killyleagh finisher.

Liverpool and Northern Ireland: Quality over Quantity

Published: StateOfTheGame.co.uk, 16th February 2007

http://stateofthegame.co.uk/2007/02/16/liverpool-and-northern-ireland-quality-over-quantity/

When Jim Magilton was a trainee at Anfield, it was hoped that the boy would be able to break into the first team. Instead he found himself transferred to Oxford, having been as close as any Ulsterman to turn out for the Reds since the 1930s. It is now over 70 years since a Northern Irish International has played a senior game for Liverpool, and the prestige of playing for both belongs to only three men. However what Liverpool may have lacked in quantity, they made up for in quality.

Billy Lacey was no stranger to success. A member of Liverpool’s title winning teams of 1922 and 1923, he was also an integral part of the 1914 British Championship team. It was the first time the honour had come to Belfast, and it didn’t return until a Noel Brotherston goal against Wales in 1980 saw Billy Bingham’s men lift the trophy. Born in Co. Wexford at a time when the Irish FA could select any player from the whole island, Lacey went on to win 23 caps, scoring 3 times. He didn’t represent the FAI until the ripe old age of 37, and remains their oldest player to make a debut and their oldest player of all time on his last appearance, aged 41.
A tricky winger, he made 230 league appearances for Liverpool after his transfer from local rivals Everton. Not renowned for his goal-scoring ability, scoring only 18 league goals, he clearly had an affinity with the FA Cup, scoring 11 times in just 28 matches. Lacey left for New Brighton in 1924, leaving behind his international colleague, Elisha Scott, arguably the greatest goalkeeper to play for the Reds. Joining Liverpool in 1912, he remains the longest serving player in their history, playing for over 20 years. His ability cannot be questioned, nor should it be forgotten. One contemporary reporter wrote of him; “He has the eye of an eagle, the swift movement of a panther when flinging himself at a shot and the clutch of a vice when gripping the ball.” He was held in high esteem by the Kopites, and in 1924 when he pulled off a spectacular save against Blackburn, one supporter ran onto the pitch to kiss him! He had a good friendship with record breaking Dixie Dean, who was a great goal-scorer for Everton. Their battles on the pitch were great spectacles and well anticipated, much like the great Ian Wright versus Peter Schmeichel contests of the late 90s. One story tells of Scott and Dean meeting each other in town one day. When Dean nodded to Scott in acknowledgment, Scott dived through a shop window to save the imaginary ball! After leaving Liverpool he returned to Belfast as player manager of Belfast Celtic, and was in charge of their farewell tour in America in 1953, where they famously beat Scotland – A feat the international team of that time couldn’t achieve.

Aghadowey-born Sam English completes the trio of connections. Having scored 44 goals in the 1931/32 season for Glasgow Rangers, a club record which is still held today, he left Scottish football after a freak accident with Celtic goalkeeper Johnny Thomson which left the latter dead. Hounded out by opposition fans who refused to recognise his innocence, the centre forward joined Liverpool in August 1933, and went onto score 26 goals in 50 appearances. His goal ratio carried through to international football, being capped twice by the Irish FA and scoring once, against Wales.

Next time you find yourself on a plane to Liverpool; don’t expect to be travelling with some local footballers, ready to make their mark at Anfield. Somehow, I don’t think Rafa Benitez is planning on using his Dubai investment to send some scouts over to Linfield versus Limavady. Apparently the Spanish don’t like Windsor Park . . .