Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

You'd like to think so but the difference in the population of the two countries is so huge and the English scouting network so well-established in Ireland that all the best young Irish footballers are going to end up in England for decades to come.

Which means that "supporting your local team" in Ireland usually means watching the footballing equivalent of an English team from the lower reaches of the Football League.

And most English Manchester United fans (including mancunians) need to ask themselves, is MUFC really the most local team to where they live? Or are they other, lower league, teams which might actually be closer to their home?

It seems harsh to criticise Irish people for being willing to travel a bit, for the opportunity to watch football that is infinitely better than their "local team" when English blokes do the same almost every weekend.