General
- Thursday September 25th, 2008 @ 16:27
PAST PATS FANS SUPPORTING SAINTS
As the Saints prepare for tomorrow night's FAI Ford Cup Semi Final with Sporting Fingal in Richmond Park a couple of Pats fans now earning their living across the water have sent their best wishes to the club they supported as boys ahead of next Tuesday's big game with Hertha Berlin.
St Patrick's Athletic supporter, Republic of Ireland and Ipswich Town midfielder Alan Quinn has sent wishes to the management, players and supporters ahead of the Saints' UEFA Cup 1st round, second leg tie with Hertha Berlin next Tuesday, 30 September at the RDS, kick off 5:00pm.
Quinn along with his younger brother Stephen were brought to Pats games at an early age by their father John to watch their cousin Graham Quinn line out for the Inchicore club.
"We, me and Steo (Sheffield United and Republic of Ireland), were taken to Pat's games by our dad when our cousin Graham played for them and we soon became fans"
"I look out for their results every week and they are having a great season so far. They were very impressive against Hertha Berlin in the away game and the quality of their football turned a few heads.
"Unfortunately I've a game on Tuesday evening so won't get to see it live on TV but I would like to to wish everyone good luck and hopefully Pat's can get that early goal to open up the tie. It would be great to see an Irish side finally make the breakthrough and if that is St Patrick's Athletic I would be delighted as they are the club I've supported"
Born in South Terrace, Inchicore is not the only connection Ireland B international and Dundee United defender Sean Dillon has with St Patrick's Athletic but it was the beginning of the links.
"I was born in South Terrace in the Works and supported Pats as a kid before I became a season ticket holder", Sean told stpatsfc.com today.
"Friday nights in Richmond Park were the highlight of the week for me before I became a profesional footballer. Even then there was a Pat's connection as I roomed with Keith Fahey when we were both on the books at Aston Villa. Then I played alongside Paiso (Stephen Paisley) with Longford Town and Bobby Ryan and Jamie Harris at Shels.
Sean added "I was thrilled to see the team progress against Elfsborg and into the first round proper of the UEFA Cup. Hertha Berlin are a big club but I was not surprised at the football that the Saints played in the Olympic Stadium. It's only half time in the game and the two goal deficit is not too wide a gap, but Pat's need an early goal I think to unsettle the visitors.
"European football is where we all want to be, I know I;ve been there myself and with Willo (Flood) will be waiting for the result with interest on Tuesday and would like to wish everyone associated with the Saints the best of luck in the UEFA Cup and hope all are fit and ready for the task", he finished.
