Bohs 'Til Full Time!!

Next Monday evening will see one of the League's founder members embark on the next step of what has so far been a memorable season for eircom League clubs in European competition when "Da Bowez" take on German heavyweights Kaiserslautern in Tolka Park. It all began back in June when UCD performed admirably against Bulgarian opposition but went out on the away goals rule having drawn 3-3 in Belfield and 0-0 in Bulgaria. It looked then as if we were off on another run of "moral victories",all too common in recent eL outings in Europe, Cork City holding at 0-1 for 70 mins then collapsing as the Swedes showed their superior fitness,Pats holding Celtic in the first leg but losing at home,$hels going 3-0 up against Rangers and throwing it away, the list goes on. For too long we have been happy with these moral victories and expected little else and as impressive a result and as unfortunate an exit as UCD's was it looked like we were getting ready for more of the same. Next up $hels V Sloga Jugomagnaut of Macedonia with the first leg away from home, it wasn't going to be easy(just ask Mick McCarthy!)Not only every $hels supporter but every eL supporter waited with baited breath for the result to come through from Skopje,here it comes,Sloga 0(cue sighs of relief, they haven't lost)$helbourne....1,they've done it,the first Irish side to win away in Europe since 1982.1-0 and the second leg at home, could this be the year an Irish team progresses past the qualifying round. The big night came and with Rosenborg awaiting the winners,$hels got the draw that would put them through, roared on by a huge crowd of supporters from all clubs. However they did give those same fans a few heart attacks in the closing minutes but thanks to an amazing Owen Heary goal line clearance they made it.$hels were now in with teams of the calibre of Rosenborg who have taken some huge scalps in recent years. With only a week between the rounds tickets were in huge demand, in the delirium some even suggested RTÉ may show the game but that would've been asking too much wouldn't it!!So instead Eurosport decided the game was worth screening across Europe!As the night arrived Tolka was packed to the rafters with shirts from many eL clubs on display, united for one more night(at least).Then, disaster strikes,$hels are 2 down in 20 minutes but to their credit they didn't collapse and kept battling and thoroughly deservedtheir 2nd half goal. The atmosphere inside Tolka,for the 2nd half especially,really was something special and the 3rd goal at the end flattered the visitors and gave them a 2 goal lead they scarcely deserved.$hel's adventure came to an end a week later in Trondheim after another brave display which won them plaudits from Irish and foreign sources alike.

So with $hels out, the focus now turned to the UEFA cup.Bohs had been paired with struggling Scottish outfit Aberdeen while Cork City faced a difficult assignment with Swiss club Lausanne Sports. Cork returned in confident mood having fallen only 1-0 to a late goal away from home,and in front of a packed Cross who knew what mighthappen.All the headlines that night, however, went to Bohs who beat Aberdeen 2-1 in Pittodrie and set up another memorable night in Dublin. Unfortunately Cork lost their 2nd leg 1-0 and went out but as that game was ending an historic night was just beginning in Tolka Park and although it ended in defeat on the night for "Da Bowez" nobody really cared because they went through on away goals to become the 1st Irish team to knock a Scottish side out of Europe. Yet again both clubs enjoyed the backing of all eL fans with many going to one or \par other of the games. We may love to hate each other during the season but it's great to see the way eL fans can come together for a common good when our European representatives are in action. This was in stark contrast to the fans of Sloga's local rivals who turned up to cheer on $hels in Skopje.However we always have a unique way of doing things in Ireland and long may this continue because for the league to progress we must reach a wider audience. There is no point in preaching to the converted. We must make others sit up and take notice and make them get up out of their armchair, turn off the Sky Sports and go to a match. The increased publicity received by eL clubs during their Euro runs can only help this cause and here's hoping that this publicity will continue throughout the season. So best of luck to "Da Bowez" on Monday, they all alone flying the eL flag now so let's get behind them and the league.

All together now..........

Bowez 'til full time, I'm Bowez 'til full time,I know I am, I'm sure I am, I'm Bowez 'til full time.

PS:For anyone interested in making the trip, tickets are on sale at ticketmaster outlets nationwide from 11am on Saturday 9th or before that fromDalymount Pk, priced at £10 for adults and £5 for OAPs/U-16s