Interview With A Blues Fan: Patrick Lynn

(first published in the June 2009 Athlone Town programme)

Name: Patrick Lynn (Lynny)
 
Who or what first got you supporting the Blues? My Dad brought me to my first game with my younger brother. Probably the biggest mistake he has ever made because I’m the only one in the family that enjoyed it and continued to go back!

Can you remember your first match? Yes, It was about 10/11 years ago v Shamrock Rovers. Think it finished 2-2 and I remember Jason Sherlock was playing for Rovers.

How often would you get to the RSC? Every game.

Any improvements you’d like to see to the ground? Well I’d love to see a crowd there every week but apart from that a bar would be great!

Any improvements to the matchday experience? I think more effort should be made to encourage kids and families to come along. Penalty competitions at half time/family area in the old stand.

How many away trips would you make a season? All if possible. Got to nearly every one for about the last 5 years. Only Drogheda, Dundalk and Finn Harps left on the list to visit in the country!

Favourite away ground? Turner’s Cross/Tolka Park.

Best ever away trip? Monaghan away on the last day of the season last year was some night or Tolka Rovers away in the Cup a couple of years back. They had a smashing clubhouse!

Favourite current Blues player: Paul McCarthy as he gives 100% every time and is a very talented footballer.

Favourite all-time Blues player: Anyone that knows me will say Pat Flynn so I’ll agree. Gary Dempsey in second place, He was a class act when he played for us.

What current league player would you like to see in a blue shirt? Shane Robinson as he has been one the best players in the LOI for the last couple of years and he’s a local lad.

Best moment as a Blues fan? Being in Dalymount to see our incredible 2-1 win v Rovers which kept us up and condemned Rovers to the play-offs. A night that any Blues fan will never forget.

And the worst? Losing the 2004 Cup Final to Longford Town in the way we did was sickening and also every game under “Magic” Mike Kerley’s reign as that was the worst Waterford United team I have ever seen.

What’s your funniest memory of supporting United? Watching a linesman taking a smack to the privates a couple of years ago down the RSC. The good natured banter which we used to have behind the goal with Longford keeper Digger O’ Brien or St Pat’s grey haired striker Tony Bird!

Best thing about supporting the Blues? The fact that nothing can beat the excitement of supporting your local club. The friends I have made at the club. The sense of pride in being known as a Blues fan. Beating Cork City in any competition is pretty special too!