Sunday was not a day for murder – but I managed it!

Double Vision with Charlie Adley

Last Sunday was not a day for killing. Not a day for violence. A peaceful Summer Sunday that was not crying out for murder. Last Sunday did not want its air ripped asunder by the crashing roar of destruction.

The sun was shining bright through the edges of my bedroom blinds and as I rolled them up I saw that the gravel on the drive was dry.

A perfect morning to mow the lawn. The sooner I get it done the sooner my voluptuous backside can be melding with my living room chair.

There was Ireland v England on the telebox at 1pm and I wasn’t going to miss it. Equally, I suspected I was unlikely to enjoy it. For once the football was secondary. As long as the day passed without riots, injury or ignorant behaviour all would be good … and that was just the players.

But seriously folks, it’s great to be able to offer that quip. Both nations and their people have moved on since the debacle of 20 years ago.

Admittedly, this time both FA’s and police forces worked closely together, so as not to get caught out like last time.

Sadly, it’s impossible to believe that the ignorant fascists of England’s extreme Right have all disappeared, just as it is now thankfully wholly plausible to expect them to be known to and forbidden by the relevant security forces.

Of course there was a bit of whistling during God Save the Queen, but it was as likely from any lovers of rousing anthems as a Republican faction. Beyond that the whole affair was benign and wonderfully boring.

Were it an important competitive game I’d have to support the English, but on that sunny Sunday I didn’t give a damn.

I was curious to see how the England team played, and watch every game both teams play as a matter of course. In any other fixture I’d support the Boys in Green, such is my love and affection for this country, but last Sunday?

Last Sunday I was on the side of peace.

As they say in football, at the end of the day the best team won. A goalless draw in which the Irish showed more desire and urgency, the English more poise, lovely jubbly, keep it calm.

No need for madness, not today.

Twenty years ago there were bigots and bastards. There was a game cancelled and a host of people injured.

I was at that time sitting at the bar of a pub in Dundalk. Given that I was with a friend who was attending a Sinn Fein meeting in the pub’s back room, I reckoned it was pretty safe to assume that I was the only England fan in that pub that night.

To read Charlie’s column in full, please see this week’s Galway City Tribune.