True Blues Remain True 

The Last Word by Brendan White

(first published in the March 2009 Sporting Fingal programme)

A real fan is described as someone who has known disappointment but not loved their club one degree less. A real fan is one who will support their club through thick and thin, through the good times and the bad times.

League of Ireland clubs depend on a set band of hardcore supporters. These supporters consist of the young and the old, both men and women. For the past number of years, the Blues have had that support. This band of supporters has seen the Blues recent ups and downs in the Premier Division and now in the First Division. Whether a club has 300, 400 or 500 hardcore supporters, these are crucial to keep the club going; these were the problems with the demise of Kilkenny City and
Dublin City. However, the problem has been trying to raise the numbers.

While clubs have tried to increase attendances through one thing or another, many teams have decided to try their
hand at Saturday night football. This season, the Blues have switched to Saturday nights, joining other First Division clubs
Kildare County, Longford Town, Athlone Town and Premier Division clubs Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers.

The merits of Saturday football have been challenged, with some still believing it won’t work. With other distractions to be overcome, including Sky Sports among others, clubs will hope they will win out. Saturday night football allows the opportunity for more away supporters to travel; it allows people living away from Waterford to travel home in time and will hopefully allow people to enjoy a good Saturday night watching live football for people unable to make Friday nights. Saturday night football also appeals to families, with young kids to bring along, and who will hopefully remain Blues supporters for years to come.

Over and over, we hear the excuses why people won’t support the Blues and all have long be exhausted. But one thing is for sure….the loyal Blues fans will always remain loyal. Loyal Blues supporters will be at every Blues game they can possibly make. Loyal Blues fans will travel the length and breathe of the country to follow their team. These are the loyal supporters who keep us going! These are the people who are proud to support the Blues, who would proudly display the blue and white shirt and are proud to watch their team every week. Hopefully it will continue and the Blues will soon be back where they belong in the League of Ireland Premier Division.