Here at Balls Towers, we're always keen to pay tribute to the people, places and quirks that make the Irish sporting landscape so unique and so ... ours.
For example, you've already seen our loving and long-overdue look back at how the humble cup of tea sustains fan and official alike. More regularly, we love to bring you glimpses of the earthy beauty of the League of Ireland, while plenty of you have seen your county's GAA fans get the recognition their passion deserves (don't worry, we'll get to the rest of you in no time at all).
Today, however, we're doffing our caps to another under-appreciated staple of the Irish sporting scene - the humble, yet indispensable match-day shop, a place that has sustained and often clothed us since childhood. Yes, some of them may be viciously overpriced and vendors of pretty dodgy wares, but whether they sell your favourite snacks, or seem to exist to play havoc with your delicate insides, there's always the satisfaction that you're keeping it local and supporting your own.
As with all our other homages, picture credit must go to the wonderful SPORTSFILE archive.
