Love Street/McIntaggart Cup

Jolinho executes the St Pauli Double

The undisputed international, all embracing, non-racist, anti-sectarian ethos that we so proudly nurture at Ulidia was much in evidence when we were recently visited by two young Europeans. The fact that they were lost and looking for the former Kincora Boy's Home did not matter to Jolinho who gladly imparted the sterling advice of a man older than their combined years. He taught them how to perform his unique stepover and this time, in the shower. Kai and Jan were eager students and were happy to have included Ulidia in their whistle stop tour of the North and all the madness on offer. Jan will never forget the knife to his throat in Derry while Kai is proud to be remembered as a "Big Fuckin' German" all over Belfast. Hande Hoch meine Jungs!!

24 players on the pitch last week, but the intervention of Storm Ciara and more annoyingly, Belfast City Council meant that there were none on the pitch this Monday. Selection for the upcoming Love Street Charity Cup has therefore been unfairly compromised because the selection committee have very short memories. I would like to remind them how well Cruncher O'Keefe performed in the last competitive game with Cromac Albion when he was hailed for the chances that he missed rather than the one he converted.

Energy giving wotsits! - Cruncher swears by them

It is also worth reminding said committee that Cruncher is not available for this "Crunch" match due to other commitments. He will be with us in spirit though - Jameson's, I believe, as he has donated ballot prizes for the post match raffle. Thank you for that philanthropic gesture.

The opposition for the game on Sunday will be Orangefield Crocks which demonstrates the "Hands across the Divide" bollocks which has been fostered by our unique club. We have played Orangefield before and many of their players are neighbours of ours, even turning out in the green and white stripes when required.

Michael, Jim and Craig of Orangefield after a recent game for Ulidia

How fitting it is that they will provide the opposition in this replaying of The Love Street Charity Cup, last lifted by our Captain Willie McIntaggart in 2016.

Weiry and Willie in April 2016

It is anticipated that Weiry, for whom we played to raise funds 4 years ago will be making an appearance at Ulidia on Sunday, but don't expect him to buy you a drink. Not because he's a tight Scottish bastard, but because he has contributed handsomely to the fund raising page which has been set up to raise money for the Belfast Marie Curie Hospice who cared for Willie in December.

For those of you playing or coming to the game, please note that players are to convene at Ulidia at 12.15 for a 1 o'clock kick off. Post match nibbles in the Big House (next door) where music will be provided by The McIntaggart Ensemble and football will be on the telly. We hope to make this an annual event but much depends on your support so please do what you can do attend at some point on Sunday. If you are unable to make it (and you will need a bullet proof excuse) please go to
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ulidiafootball and give what you can. Just do it.