We’re a gas bunch sometimes.
Plenty of folk have been quick to dismiss what Niall Quinn and his consortium are trying to do with the League of Ireland.
It’s been a year or so in the making and, really, we’re none the wiser.
That might change today when Quinn and his group meet Minister for Sport Shane Ross at an Irish football stakeholders forum in the Mansion House.
The suggestion is it’ll be an informal-ish gathering of interested parties across the game. More an exchange of ideas.
Whether we get the full meat on the bone of the Quinn proposal document is up in the air and we’ll just have to see what comes of today’s three-hour get-together.
But criticism of Quinn seems to stem from the fact that he’s been vague on the specifics up to now.
I’m quite happy to wait for the big reveal and judge it on its merits then. Anything else is just shouting at clouds territory.
Sure, it could all be a load of nonsense but I suspect it won’t be.
League of Ireland people have a natural tendency to start on the back foot when ideas are floated to transform the game.
That’s because we’ve all been down this road before with piecemeal proposals or reports into this and that.
The Conway report? Gathering dust on a shelf somewhere and not worth the paper it’s written on if nothing is actually done about it.
I’m interested in Quinn’s plans because it’s not coming from the FAI and it’s not coming from Government. It’s help will be vital, but from what I can see nobody has asked Quinn to do this and I think he’s an impressive guy.
Yes, he’s a businessman but there’s nothing wrong with trying to marry genuine intent with business so let’s hear him first.
John Delaney is still on the FAI payroll pending investigation but he’s not coming back and Irish football can flourish.
But there’s no knight in shining armour riding in to save the game like Sky did for the Premier League.
Yes, we need a cash boost and Quinn’s point about the millions being pumped into horse racing by the Government is a valid one.
But there are more subtle ways of doing that through tax breaks and incentives. Politics is politics and the more stakeholders, the more complicated it gets.
Quinn has kept his plans under wraps and he’s dead right. I’d have done it the same way.
Obstacles in the FAI have been removed but that doesn’t mean he should rush into things. Do it your way, do it right.
Maybe his proposals are bonkers and unrealistic but I can’t help but feel we’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Bohemians look lost without Dinny’s experience
Dinny Corcoran's injury is a hammer blow for Bohs who look like they could do with a break.
They started the season on fire but results have tailed off, even though they continue to play some smashing football in spells.
Dinny broke a bone in his foot against Sligo last Friday and could be out for a few months.
I was talking to him after the game and he knew it was bad as he heard a crack. It’s a huge loss for the Gypsies as Dinny is one of the most underestimated players in the league.
He’s experienced, leads the line and is a figurehead in a young team. Without him, they look lost.
That game at Dalymount was remarkable considering the injuries to Dinny and Sligo’s Dante Leverock and Johnny Dunleavy.
Thankfully Dante is doing well after a near 19-minute delay – it just shows you the value of having an ambulance on hand at every game.
In form - in contention
Good on James Talbot for getting into the Ireland squad.
Some will point out that other goalkeepers were injured or away with the Irish Under-21s.
But that doesn’t change the fact that Talbot is playing out of his skin for Bohs and doing the business week after week.
His call-up just drives home the message that if League of Ireland players are doing well, they will be considered.
And that’s all they want because international recognition was token gesture territory for so long.
There was a snobbery and lack of understanding of how good some League of Ireland players are.
But that’s changing.
A Spurs win won't hurt
Ireland's clash with Denmark next Friday is huge - and I’d snap your hand off for a draw right now.
With Gibraltar to come at home three days later, a four-point haul will leave us in great shape at the halfway stage.
It’s a strange time of the year for competitive internationals but I think it’s a good time to be going to denmark.
And all the better with Christian Eriksen preoccupied with the Champions League final. Hopefully Spurs win and he cuts loose with a few sherbets!
Respect for Lilywhites' donation
Hats off to the Dundalk players and staff for donating a day’s wages to Temple Street Children’s Hospital.
You don’t see too many gestures like that and it’s an important one.
I’ve four kids and haven’t had to spend too much time in Temple Street but when I have the staff were superb.
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