Louis Spence's Premier League Preview || The Fiddler And The Football Fans

THE FIDDLER AND THE FOOTBALL FANS 25-3-08
Louis Spence

Whilst everybody was shivering in England last week, I had gone to sunny Magalluf in Majorca to check out an Irish bar called Mrs. Doyles. This claims to be 'probably the best Irish Bar in the world'.

I had heard about it a few times and found it on the net by googling. I was intrigued, you see.

I have been to Magalluf loads of times, particularly in my younger days with the football sides I used to play for. With my love of Irish music, I decided to take the week that included St. Patrick's night and thus see for myself how good this bar was.

In my time, I have drunk in many Irish bars in many places. I also used to create and sell advertising so I know for myself how spurious some of these claims can be.

Let me tell you reader that I had one of the best nights of my considerable life in this brilliant bar which was packed to the gunwales with happy revellers. The craic was fierce so it was.

The musical content was supplied by one Mick Cormican, a multi-talented singer, story teller and bar owner. He displayed outstanding musicianship encompassing organ, guitar, banjo and unforgettable fiddle. It was as authentic as you'll find anywhere.

And what exactly, you may well wonder, has this to do with football? Read on, amigo.

The next evening I returned to the same bar. It was inevitably quieter than Pad's night although it was still busy.

I recognised some Boro lads who were there on a golfing holiday. They were drinking with fellow golfers who were West Ham fans. There was some lively banter between the two sets of aficionados.

On the next table there were four Scousers and further across from them, there was a man and his wife both decked out in Man City shirts.

Everybody was in good humour and there was plenty of inter-table joshing going on. Having played, sung and joked for well over an hour, our host, aka Mick the Fiddler, invited any singers or performers from the audience on to the stage.

Now reticence has never been part of my nature and I volunteered to do a couple of Irish songs accompanying myself on the house guitar.

As I had gone down reasonably well, though I sez so meself, in my inebriated wisdom I then decided to play a Boro song called 'Tranmere Rovers No More' (sung to the tune of 'The Wild Rover'). This amused the Boro lads no end. And not only them as the lyrics blast supporters of other clubs.

Having thanked me for my efforts, Mick then picked up his fiddle and proceeded to play 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles', much to the raucous delight of the 'ammers fans in there.

Finishing that cheeky little number he segued into 'Blue Moon' which of course brought a loud cheer from the City two.

Everybody had caught the mood by now as next up we had a Celtic crew with their famous ditty, 'Grand Old Team'.

Beckoning over to the Liverpool lads, Mick shouted to them to finish off the football section. Having been neglected until now, all four scallies got up and sang 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. And they were not alone as all the crowd stood and linked arms to this great anthem.

Inquiring if any other football supporters wanted requests played, Mick then reverted to his extensive collection of Irish airs and jigs, but not before regaling us all with a Christy Moore number about the Irish team in the 1988 European Championships.

It was a bravura performance to balance up the evening by including all of his audience. It was absolutely immediate in originality and heart warming in its execution.

Me and the leg-iron had a terrific time in there. As the evening wore on, people were up dancing and jigging and everybody in there got on famously, regardless of club loyalty.

That to me is what it is all about - support your own club for all you are worth but respect your fellow fan's desire to do the same.

Probably the best Irish bar in the world?

Definitely.

If you don't believe me then see for yourself next time you are Majorca bound. Unforgettable.

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