Given the time of year that's in it, we thought we'd look at some of the most annoying habits of Irish sports fans that we could collectively give up for Lent. Ideally they'd be given up forever, but we have to start somewhere.
Pretending to care about the rugby
It's okay not to like it, but just shut up about it. No son or daughter wants that 7:30pm phonecall from their mother saying, 'Great result in the rugby wasn't it?/what happened to the rugby lads? They were fierce bad'.
Trying to explain how it was actually the referee's disgraceful lack of control at the breakdown which cost Ireland, and not necessarily poor performance, is a thankless ask, and goes in one ear and out the other. Because. They. Don't. Care.
Blaming the referee for fucking everything
Sometimes there doesn't have to be a more sinister reason for your team losing. Sometimes they can be a bit crap, or play within themselves, or lose concentration, or defend poorly, and so on.
It's human nature to question things, but the man in the middle is an easy target. Have you ever heard a GAA fan who felt the referee put in a fantastic shift? Usually both teams leave the field apoplectic with him.
Shushing for the kicker in pubs
You're not at the stadium, the kicker's not in Mulligans, your mate talking isn't going to affect the chances of the kick going over, so get over yourself, enjoy your drink and leave the rest of the pub alone.
Saying 'what do you think of that Joe Brolly?'
It's been years, folks. It's time we let go.
Calling Manchester United fans 'Mancs' and calling Liverpool fans 'Scousers'
Your mate isn't from Liverpool, you're not from Manchester, simple as. Fine, you support teams from those cities but that doesn't mean you're from there. The rest of Irish civilisation despairs at their fellow citizens using these terms.
Mexican Waves
The true sign that the majority of those in attendance are there to say they were there and couldn't care less about what's going on in front of them. The same fans who'll engage in this activity won't be seen to sing a chant nor the anthem, probably due to not knowing the words.
Comparing Hurling to the sport on TV before or after
Most of us enjoy hurling, and rightly so. There is no need, however, to constantly compare it with other sports that happen to be on either side of a televised game. You're right, soccer's probably not going to be as physical, high scoring or even as entertaining, but there's no need to constantly point those facts out; we get it about hurling. Let us get on with enjoying the other matches on what is probably a great day of sport.
People getting to their seats 10 minutes late
Amongst the worst things when you're at a game is lads piling in late as they wanted to get an extra pint in, no doubt making you get up again 20 minutes later for the jacks. The pub will still be there after. Get to your seat on time and make the most of the ticket you've no doubt paid good money for. This is made even worse at big games when you convince yourself that somebody else would have been better off with their ticket.
People who refer to Ireland's November victory over New Zealand, or any summer or November Test, as 'a friendly'
'I hear they're making a documentary about a friendly now, lads!'
Huh huh huh, very good.
Keep enjoying the Tests against Oman in Craven Cottage.
Spewing up the same old shite about Champions League-style formats
Here's the thing about the Champions League: The group stages are a load of gack. Even the Champions League is sick and tired of the Champions League-style format. What we need is a Cavan Intermediate Championship-style format.
Writing off counties' chances in the Championship despite it being months until Championship
Stop spouting nonsense, Spillane, please.
