80 Bóthar Choilm Naofa,
Na Glaschnoic,
Baile Átha Cliath 12
10th December 2001
A chairde,
Dermot Looney here, Chairman of Independent Saints, writing to wish you all a peaceful and prosperous Christmas season, complete with victories over Bray Wanderers, Shamrock Rovers and Longford Town and our 9 points back!
2001 has been an interesting year for Saints fans, to put it mildly. Success in the League Cup for the first time in the club’s history, coupled with the emergence of new talents on the field such as Paul Marney and the new darling of Richmond, Charles Mbabazi Livingstone, as well as the much-needed upgrades to Richers itself, have brought a warm glow to the hearts of our success-starved fans. The problematic merger with St. Francis and the docking of 9 points for an administrative error have been controversies we could have done without likewise the foot and mouth outbreak that stopped our League ascent last season. Part and parcel of football support perhaps, but remarkable nonetheless!
Independent Saints have enjoyed our first full year of activity, and have endeavoured to represent our members in all matters Pat’s. One problem evident at Saints’ matches, particularly but not exclusively at home, has been the poor atmosphere I.S. have sought to turn this around with better organisation of fans, support for flares, balloons and other colourful items, as well as the purchase of a massive red and white Independent Saints flag and a striking Shed End Invincibles banner. Our work is ongoing and as always we appreciate any comments, support or ideas from our members.
This year has also seen the launch of our travel club with two away trips to Galway and Cork; we view travel as a vital component of Independent Saints and will be organising more subsidised trips in the New Year. We’ve also organised the supply of new Independent Saints polo shirts, which are expected to arrive in January. We’ve had consultations with the club on several issues, meeting with them every two or three months in particular, we sought clarification on the merger, pushed very hard for ground improvements and have issued, along with the Tallaght Hoops Shamrock Rovers supporters club, a statement condemning the poor security at Richmond and our suggestions as to improving it. Safety of all fans is paramount to the success of St. Patrick’s Athletic in keeping their support and attracting new fans, and as with our formal criticism of Dundalk FC for the attacks on Pat’s fans, a banner, and, racially, on one of our players by a section of their support, we will continue to oppose violence of any kind at Richmond and all eircom League grounds.
On a brighter note, the Independent Saints / First Active Player of the Month Award has proved a massive success around Richmond Park, and the unique statistic that every outfield player in receipt of the award has scored endures! Congratulations are again due to Liam Kelly and Robbie Griffin on receipt of the Independent Saints Player of the Season and Goal of the Season Awards for 2000/01. Many thanks, of course, to First Active for their continued and generous sponsorship of said awards.
All in all, a busy year for us with only a handful of our activities mentioned here - and an even busier year coming up; you can continue to find out about IS activities and news for 2002 on our website at https://www.angelfire.com/super/saintmania/issc.html. Check out our page in every issue of When the Saints Go Marchin’ In, possibly the greatest fanzine in the world - and we will, of course, continue to supply these mail outs.
Many thanks for your continued support of Independent Saints the voice of Pat’s fans and here’s wishing you all an enjoyable festive season.
Nollaig shona dhaoibh go léir agus Athbhliain faoi mhaise agus shíocháin.
Dermot Looney,
Chairman, Independent Saints
