We're aware that many in the Republic of Ireland still harbour a grudge against the Irish League for rudely interrupting Grandstand on Saturday evenings.
However, when one gets past that prejudice, it is a league with its intrigues like any other. It is developing a nice line in celebratory tweets from championship winners. It is almost like a tradition at this stage. Last year, Cliftonville's Conor Devlin found a very pleasing, Colin Fennelly-esque way to celebrate a second successive title.
Crusaders, former club of Dublin Gaelic footballer Mick Deegan and once owned by Bohemians legend Tony O'Connell, currently lead Linfield at the top of the table by nine points. There are three games remaining. Their goal difference is also vastly superior.
It is, in short, over.
Crusaders' Declan Caddell is evidently enjoying the present situation. He opted to celebrate the inevitable title by baring his buttocks at a mural extolling Warren Feeney and Grant McCann, two internationals who play for Linfield.
Just wana celebrate with @grantmccann11 and warren #gargle #1narow pic.twitter.com/82xA2aJI6Z
— Declan Caddell (@declan_caddell) April 13, 2015
The Linfield fans have not responded well to these provocations. Mooning a mural and then being called a bigot - it really doesn't get any more Nordie than that.
@declan_caddell big brave men into a loyalist area at night. Ya Republican scumbag — Nathan Black (@Nathan_RFC1690) April 13, 2015
@declan_caddell @grantmccann11 keeping it classy as ever. Typical of your club. Small time and always will be regardless of odd title.
— David Browne (@David_MSLSC) April 14, 2015
@declan_caddell @grantmccann11 Grant is a legend and has played for his country and won more than you ever will you get some respect
— Speersy (@liverpoolrs123) April 13, 2015
@ryancecilmccann @grantmccann11 @ogers88 haha on our way to filthies mate n was a random photo, gettin death threats and everything here ???? — Declan Caddell (@declan_caddell) April 14, 2015
