Ipswich Town FC Northern Ireland Supporters

A wet evening in Co Donegal

2009-07-08T10:47:00.002+01:00

Overall a dissapointing evening for all Town fans in Ballybofey. I travelled with Rod, Callum and Alex from Carrickfergus during the afternoon and picked up Jon Craig on route. After a minor argument with MR Satnav we made it to Strabane with a few minutes to spare. We had to collect tickets from a friendly Notts Forest supporter from his sports store in the town. The 10 minute journey to Ballybofey took us half an hour. I think these locals have serious issues judging distance. Either that or they drive like maniacs. It was plain to see that EU funding for the roads in Donegal had failed to make much of an impact.

After a short trip the wrong way up a one way street, we parked up at Heeneys bar and had refreshments. We then dandered to McKelveys where we met up some Town friends. Clive, Anga, Chris and Steve from Suffolk, Bert from Cookstown and Alan from Co Meath.

Sure enough as we headed to the ground the rain started. I estimate a crowd of around 1000 and a splattering of Town fans from England, NI and Ireland. Two ITFC banners were on display - Spirit of 78 and ITFC Northern Ireland.

Town played in red and Finn Harps in blue. The Town line up was strong with Stead playing on his own up front. To be honest the game was crap. I wont go into all the gory details but I felt Delaney and Wickham played reasonably well. We definately have some fitness issues and maybe that is to be expected. I know when I go back to work after a holiday I am expeceted to be at 100%, lets just hope that is what we get come Coventry.

Finn Harps were a very young side in the middle of their season. They well deserved the victory and their second goal, a breakaway was well executed even though the final shot took a deflection off Shumi(?).

Keane was mobbed at the end of the game and the Town side didn`t warm down. Maybe they were too embarrassed.

We headed home around 10 and were back in Carrick shortly after midnight.

Finn Harps

2009-07-05T18:03:00.002+01:00

We leave Carrickfergus around 2-45pm on Tuesday evening and head to Ballybofey for the Finn Harps friendly. Hopefully Town will have made another signing by then. I have 1 space in the car if anyone is interested. Match tickets are €15 and we should be home shortly after midnight.

Anyone making there own way please be advised that we are meeting up in McKelveys Bar, Ballybofey about 5-45pm.

Town v Newcastle on BBC

2009-07-01T11:49:00.000+01:00

Live on Sky

2009-06-26T21:30:00.002+01:00

The match currently scheduled for 3pm on Sat 8th August against Coventry will be moved to 5-20pm kick off or the following day to suit sky TV.
Will be in touch when it is confirmed.
Tickets for Finn Harps have been booked. I will be in touch next week regarding transport plans.

Chris

Fixtures released

2009-06-17T12:16:00.002+01:00

Ipswich

Saturday 08th August 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Coventry
v
Ipswich
15.00

Saturday 15th August 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Leicester
15.00

Tuesday 18th August 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
C.Palace
19.45

Saturday 22nd August 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
West Brom
v
Ipswich
15.00

Saturday 29th August 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Preston NE
15.00

Saturday 12th September 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Middlesbrough
v
Ipswich
15.00

Tuesday 15th September 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Nottm Forest
19.45

Saturday 19th September 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Doncaster
v
Ipswich
15.00

Saturday 26th September 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Newcastle
15.00

Tuesday 29th September 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Sheff Utd
v
Ipswich
19.45

Saturday 03rd October 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Barnsley
v
Ipswich
15.00

Saturday 17th October 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Swansea City
15.00

Tuesday 20th October 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Watford
19.45

Saturday 24th October 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Plymouth
v
Ipswich
15.00

Saturday 31st October 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Derby
15.00

Saturday 07th November 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Reading
v
Ipswich
15.00

Saturday 21st November 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Sheff Weds
15.00

Saturday 28th November 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Cardiff City
v
Ipswich
15.00

Saturday 05th December 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Bristol City
v
Ipswich
15.00

Tuesday 08th December 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Peterborough
19.45

Saturday 12th December 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Blackpool
15.00

Saturday 19th December 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Scunthorpe
v
Ipswich
15.00

Saturday 26th December 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
C.Palace
v
Ipswich
15.00

Monday 28th December 2009

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
QPR
15.00

Saturday 09th January 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Leicester
v
Ipswich
15.00

Saturday 16th January 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Coventry
15.00

Tuesday 26th January 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
West Brom
19.45

Saturday 30th January 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Preston NE
v
Ipswich
15.00

Saturday 06th February 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Middlesbrough
15.00

Tuesday 09th February 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
QPR
v
Ipswich
19.45

Saturday 13th February 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Cardiff City
15.00

Tuesday 16th February 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Peterborough
v
Ipswich
19.45

Saturday 20th February 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Sheff Weds
v
Ipswich
15.00

Saturday 27th February 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Bristol City
15.00

Saturday 06th March 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Blackpool
v
Ipswich
15.00

Saturday 13th March 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Scunthorpe
15.00

Tuesday 16th March 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Watford
v
Ipswich
19.45

Saturday 20th March 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Barnsley
15.00

Tuesday 23rd March 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Plymouth
19.45

Saturday 27th March 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Swansea City
v
Ipswich
15.00

Saturday 03rd April 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Reading
15.00

Monday 05th April 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Derby
v
Ipswich
15.00

Saturday 10th April 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Nottm Forest
v
Ipswich
15.00

Saturday 17th April 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Doncaster
15.00

Saturday 24th April 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Newcastle
v
Ipswich
15.00

Sunday 02nd May 2010

Coca-Cola Championship
Bet
Ipswich
v
Sheff Utd
15.00

Sunderland supporters pub quiz

2009-05-15T17:18:00.002+01:00

Another good night was had at the Sunderland supporters club pub quiz at the Bot on monday night. Myself, Lynda Davy & Karin were joined later by Chris. Unfortunately Wayne's babysitter let him down but hopefully it'll not be too long before he'll be bringing young Evan with him...only joking Claire....We didn't come first but we didn't disgrace ourselves either, finishing 4th in the 'Championship'...I can't remember how many teams were there but there were a few below us...Man City won the 'Premier League' (There's something you may only hear once lol). Hopefully see everyone at the next meeting or the Morning Star night, whichever comes first.....

Update

2009-05-03T21:18:00.002+01:00

Hi guys, hope you are all well.
Glad to see Naaridge fall off their perch today, but better to read of a Town win and a near full house.
Thanks to DD for a great evening last night. Good to see the auld belly made an appearance.
Have a look at this link to see RK interviewed on the RTE Late show. Scroll forward to 1 hour.
http://www.rte.ie/tv/latelate/av_20090501.html?2536502,null,228

The NI Sunderland supporters quiz will be held on Monday 11th May, once again at the Bot. It is unlikely that I can get off work that night but would like us to enter a team if poss. I could be over for shortly after 9pm. Please let me know asap if you can make it.

I would like to hold one more meeting before the proposed dinner. I suggest Tuesday 19th May at Derriaghy Cricket Club at 8pm. Graham/John could you get in touch to confirm that this would be possible and then I will confirm to all members.

At this meeting we will finalise all branch business for the year, complete plans for the meal and with any luck we know a little about pre season plans.

What a week

2009-04-24T22:28:00.003+01:00

Well what can you say. Who would have guessed Town would get 3 pages in most pages by the end of the week. My personal feelings are that JM had come to the end of the road. I cant doubt his loyalty to the club nor his wishes for success. But that didnt make him a manager - not yet anyway. After 3 years and no improvement the timimg is perfect for a change. I wish him well in the future.

RK- well it`s taken me the total of 24 hours to realise that what he will bring to the Club is something to be excited about. I am well aware that he probably doesnt have much love for our team, but I sincerely believe that he will do a job for us.

I look forward to hearing of branches opening up in Dublin, Galway and of course Cork.

I wonder is there any chance of ITFC making it to these shores again this summer.

Looking forward.....I see we are installed as favourites to win the championship already! Wonder what Newcastle fans think of that?

http://www.greenun24.co.uk/content/greenun/sport/football/championship/ipswich-town/story.aspx?brand=EADOnline&category=IpswichTownFC&tBrand=GreenUnOnline&tCategory=xDefault&itemid=IPED24%20Apr%202009%2014%3A03%3A42%3A670

Derby day pics

2009-04-20T13:27:00.001+01:00

Click the link for some great derby day photos. Check out 72 and 74 to see if you can spot us.

http://www.greenun24.co.uk/content/greenun/sport/football/championship/ipswich-town/story.aspx?brand=EADOnline&category=IpswichTownFC&tBrand=GreenUnOnline&tCategory=xDefault&itemid=IPED20%20Apr%202009%2009%3A55%3A05%3A540

Budgie weekend

2009-04-20T09:17:00.002+01:00

What a great weekend. Just a shame that its back to porridge today. I think everything went swimmingly and the team certainly put on a show against the budgies. It was grand to meet up with some old friends and make some new ones. We met fans from Norway and Sweden and will be keeping in touch. I will get some photos up as soon as possible. See you soon.

Latest

2009-04-14T22:42:00.002+01:00

Hello all,
Hope you are all well.
I am hoping Sundays game is as thrilling as the Chelsea Liverpool tonight.
Somehow I doubt it though. I dont have a good feeling about the game. Me is thinkin JMs last derby game.
Have a safe trip over everyone, I will see you on Saturday afternoon at the Novotel.
A couple of suggested dates for the meal are Friday May 29th and Friday June 4th. Let me know which date you prefer and we will run with the most popular. All preferences should be with me by May 1st.
Keep the faith

Tickets update + Sunderland quiz

2009-03-26T21:35:00.003Z

Good evening all,
I am pleased to tell you that Nick will have tickets for the Norwich game tomorrow. He will make contact with you in the next few days to arrange collection. As discussed we are sitting in one row together in the south stand upper tier, slightly right of the goal. The cost per person is £29. Please discuss with Nick method of paying.
The NI branch of the Sunderland FC supporters club have been in touch once again. Their annual quiz is taking place on May 11th at The Bot. I hope we can enter at least 1 team. If you would like to come along for a grand nights craic please let me know. We have done well in the past and enjoyed the evening.

I need to swear

2009-03-04T09:56:00.002Z

I can`t stomach the shit that was last night at feeble fortress Portman Road. I sincerely hope the players are disgusted with themselves. Of course they will tell us how dissappointed they are and how sorry they feel for the fans. If we all put tha amount of effort into our jobs and businesses the country would be buried, never mind in a bloody recession. Message to Jim - take their bloody wages off them. I understand we cant be great all the time but lack of effort and pride is inexcusable.

March update

2009-03-03T10:02:00.002Z

Hi guys,
I am pleased to announce that Davey D, Callum and I have booked for the Norwich weekender in April. We depart Belfast City on Saturday 18th at 1340 and return from Stansted on 19th at 2010. We will book accomadation with the rest of the gang at the Novotel, Ipswich.
Our next meeting will take place at the Joymount Arms, Carrickfergus on Wednesday 18th March at 8pm. Bob has managed to get details on the Morning Star for the end of season bash. We will discuss this and plans for the weekender. Hope to see you there.
On another note, Bertie has just returned from Preston where he saw the 3-2 defeat.

Great win at Loftus Road

2009-02-22T18:03:00.002Z

I really enjoyed Towns win in London last night. I didnt expect much especially as it was on Sky. Our last two live games have been awful. Lots of positives after the poor start. I thought Thatchers attempts to tackle for their goal was pathetice but after that I thought he was pretty solid. Lots of good performances all over the park. We see to have gained a spark of enthusiasm which has been missing recently. Now would be a good time to keep up the effort and make a push towards the end of the season.

Sad news

2009-02-22T18:02:00.000Z

It is with great sadness that I send the attached note which was today sent to members of the London Branch. "Before I launch into the usual round-up of news and matchday info, we have a sad message for all branch members. [Tim Edwards writes] I am sorry to have to tell you that our branch vice-chair, Ashley Cushion, died yesterday, in hospital, just a couple of months after being diagnosed with cancer. His death is both a huge loss and a massive shock to all of us in the branch. We had been hoping for, I guess expecting, a strong fightback, in his trademark robust and cheerful way. I count myself as privileged to have known Ashley in recent years, and it will simply be impossible to fill the gap that he leaves in my life, and that of many others. When our shock wears off, we will begin to realise all the ways that we miss him. We are in touch with his wife Marianne, who many of you will recall came to our recent AGM with him"Ashley was a very close friend of mine and I can't imagine football with out him, especially away games where he was always there for me. He was very active with the Supporters Forum and the Academy. Most recently he was heavily involved with the fund raising at the London Branch AGM and he also donated a signed shirt to the main Supporters club AGM which raised £100 which will be donated to the academy.He was looking forward to getting involved in the organisation of the Player Awards evening and had many ideas to share with us all. He will be missed by all that knew him. Our thoughts are with his wife Marianne and his family at this sad time. Liz

Blues sign N Irish youngster

2009-02-06T11:18:00.002Z

Ipswich Town have signed Northern Ireland Under-16s captain Josh Carson. Carson, who has been recruited for the Blues Academy from Parkhall College, County Antrim, has also represented his country at Under-17 level.Liam Trotter has joined Scunthorpe United for a few days' training. He follows Jai Reason, who went to Cambridge United earlier in the week, and Ed Upson, who is at Southend.Billy Clarke is nearing the end of his loan spell at Northampton Town while Jordan Rhodes is halfway through his one-month stint at Brentford.Former Academy keeper Andrew Plummer has been signed up on loan by Irish Premier League side Glenavon from Bangor.
Josh Carson
Forward
Club: Greenisland BoysPosition: strikerHeight: 5'8
Club career:Greenisland Boys
International Career:Under-17: 3 apps, 0 goalsUnder-16: 3 apps, 0 goals
Under-17 International Record:

GOLDEN GOAL RESULT

2009-02-01T18:00:00.001Z

The reult from todays golden goal competition is 1st goal 89, last goal 90.
Once again no dollars coming to East Antrim, probably off to Bangor or Lisburn again.
Please let Nick know if you have a winning ticket. Ta

Latest news v Plymouth

2009-01-30T10:21:00.001Z

Good video report on happenings at Portman Road and is updated reguarly

Civelli

2009-01-30T10:04:00.000Z

NEW signing Luciano Civelli last night admitted he was woefully short of match fitness and is unlikely to be included in the side to play Plymouth.Although John Gorman, in the absence of Jim Magilton at the press conference to unveil the Argentinean, said they would leave it until late, Civelli may have to wait to make his Ipswich Town debut.Civelli said: “I have not played a game for six or seven weeks. I started pre-season on January 5 but I have not been allowed to do any ball work while the negotiations were going on.“I have trained with my new team-mates for the first time and I enjoyed it.” The 22-year-old completed his move from Sporting Club Banfield in a deal that cost Town an initial £900,000 but could rise to £2m with add-ons.While the Blues own 100 per cent of his playing registration, his former club are entitled to half of any sell on fee, although Ipswich can buy out that clause in the future.An admirer of Liverpool's Dutch forward Ryan Babell, the left-footed player who started as a defender and can play up front favours playing wide left in a solid 4-4-2 formation and is comfortable taking on defenders and going past them on the outside before crossing.The 6'1'' player is nicknamed Lucho, which translates as 'It fights' and believes the English football is similar to what he is sued to in Argentina.With brother Renato playing for French club Marseille and a close friend playing in Holland, Civelli was keen to play in Europe.He said: “It has been by dream to play in Europe. The leagues in England, Italy and Spain are the best in the world and I wanted to play in them. I'm happy that it is England.“I was surprised and excited when I heard an English club wanted to sign me and it was an easy decision to make.”Civelli admits he had never heard of Ipswich Town before finding out they knew all about him and wanted to sign him.Nor was he familiar with many of the former town stars, including Adrian Paz and Mauricio Taricco but there was one popular Argentinean he does know about.He said: “I didn't know who Ipswich were but when I heard they were interested I went on the internet and searched from there.“I know Sixto Peralta but not Mauricio Taricco.”Although he only flew into the country at the beginning of the week Civelli has had a good look round and has liked what he has seen of the area.He said: “I live in a small town, much smaller than this but my first impression is it is very tranquil and relaxed. It has history and has a lot of similarities to my home town in Argentina.”Civelli has flown in the face of superstition by asking for the number 13 shirt and explained why. He said: “I like the number because when I was young I also played basketball.“My favourite player wore the number 13 and so I wore it. I also had by first trial to play football when I was 13 and so since then that has been my favourite number.“In Argentina it is considered an unlucky number like here in England but in Italy I believe it is seen as a lucky number.”While Maradonna has not called upon him yet, Civelli has international aspirations although also qualifies for Italy from the paternal grandfather.

Crash on A12

2009-01-30T09:58:00.001Z

http://www.eadt.co.uk/content/eadt/news/story.aspx?brand=EADOnline&category=news&tBrand=EADOnline&tCategory=News&itemid=IPED30%20Jan%202009%2009%3A11%3A48%3A717

Box at Portman Road

2009-01-30T08:55:00.002Z

Hi guys,
Please see below letter that I have received from ITFC regarding box hire. I will make no comments until the next meeting.

Hi Chris,
Thank you for your email regarding box hire here at ITFC. I have outlined the package below for you as well as some others which I thought may be of interest. The prices are for this season though and may well change for next season especially if we are promoted (there is still hope!)Executive Hospitality - From £80+vat per person.Includes a three course meal prior to the game in the Centre Spot restaurant prior to the game, half-time refreshments, complimentary programmes, use of the Far Post Bar area and seats to watch the game in the lower Cobbold Stand. These seats are pitch-level on the half-way line and are partially sheltered. This restaurant is hosted on match-days by ex-ITFC player Bryan Hamilton.Robson Hospitality - From £125+vat per person.Includes a three course pre-match meal in the glass-fronted Sir Bobby Robson Suite overlooking the pitch. Half-time refreshments, complimentary programmes, seats adjacent to the restaurant and a bar facility. The restaurant is hosted on match-days by ITFC legend John Wark who also does a quiz for everyone to participate in and is also where the Man of the Match receives his presentations after the game. Sponsorship of the Match Ball, Shirt or Programme (subject to availability) - From £175+vat per person.Includes ALL elements of the above Robson Hospitality package PLUS: Complimentary drink on arrival, a gift for each guest, acknowledgments on the PA system, scoreboard, timesheets and programme, car parking passes and a signed item of memorabilia which would be presented to you by the Man of the Match. Presentation photographs would then be forwarded on to you after the game.

Away day at Southend anyone?

2009-01-04T16:11:00.002Z

FOURTH-ROUND DRAW
Liverpool v Everton
Southampton/Man Utd v Tottenham
Hull/Newcastle v Millwall/Crewe
Sunderland v Blyth/Blackburn
Hartlepool v West Ham
Leyton Orient/Sheff Utd v Charlton/Scum
Cardiff v Arsenal
Portsmouth/Bristol City v Histon/Swansea
Chelsea/Southend v Ipswich
Cheltenham/Doncaster v Aston Villa
West Brom/Peterborough v QPR/Burnley
Torquay v Coventry
Kettering Town v Fulham
Watford v Leicester/Crystal Palace
Derby County v Nottingham Forest
Birmingham City/Wolves v Middlesbrough

January meeting

2009-01-03T13:25:00.002Z

Hi everyone,

Hope you have all recovered from your Christmas and New Year celebrations. I think I have put on a stone! Ah well.

We will meet later this month on Wednesday 14th January, 8pm at The Marqus of Downshire in Hillsborough. I will jack up a small quiz again. The prize for the winning team will be pants, literally. Please bring along a pair of boxers or undies (preferably new and clean) to donate as a prize.

Apologies for not being in touch, I hav a big interview for promotion coming up on Tuesday and have been swatting. Fingers crossed.

I hope there is no bloody banana skin at Portman Road today.

I will have some 2009 branch calendars with me at the meeting, £5 each.

Hope to see you soon,

Chris

Golden goal results

2008-12-24T00:31:00.001Z

Arsenal - Liverpool golden goal result was 24 and 42. Good luck to you all. Nothing coming to Carrick again.
Have a crackin Christmas one and all.