Irish invasion expected
AN Irish invasion - prompted by the appointment of Roy Keane as Town boss - would be warmly welcomed at Ipswich's bars and pubs, landlords said today.
AN Irish invasion - prompted by the appointment of Roy Keane as Town boss - would be warmly welcomed at Ipswich's bars and pubs, landlords said today.
Scores of football fans are expected to flock to Suffolk from the Emerald Isle for Blues home games thanks to the popularity of Keane.
Tourism bosses believe the county's economy could receive a significant boost as a result.
And today, landlords vowed to make the Irish contingent completely at home in Suffolk.
Wicklow-born Veronica Chambers, manager at PJ McGinty's in Northgate Street, said her countrymen would be fully catered for.
“There are a lot of Irish people who come over already and they all drink here,” she said.
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“Since the news came out nearly every friend of mine in Ireland has rang me, saying 'Keano is going to be in Ipswich'.
“It's the talk of town and I can't wait.
“I hope Keano comes in himself and has a pint. Jim Magilton was a regular and hopefully he will be, too.
“Some people in Ireland still have bad feelings towards Keane for walking out on the team at the World Cup but he's a good Cork man and he'll be welcome here.”
Aidan Coughlan, owner of Isaacs on the Waterfront, hails from near Cork and moved to Ipswich in 1978, the year Town won the cup.
He said: “Ipswich has had quite a big following from Cork for quite a while now anyway.
“And with the Irish players in the squad, there's a decent following.
“There are quite a few Irish fans who will come in, especially if they are staying on the waterfront and, although we are not a sports bar, if more come over they will be made very welcome.”
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