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       #Post#: 8554--------------------------------------------------
       The Bizarre Away Run
       By: Clint Date: February 16, 2022, 2:58 pm
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  HTML https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/northern-ireland-football-fans-mark-23118930
       [quote]Northern Ireland football fans to mark anniversary of
       bizarre 'away' run
       Bessbrook NISC will host an evening with Sammy McIlroy and Sammy
       Nelson on behalf of the AONISC and Irish FA Foundation on
       Thursday night
       This week marks 50 years since Northern Ireland began a run of
       18 consecutive matches being played outside the country due to
       the Troubles.
       'Home' games were staged at Hull City, Sheffield Wednesday,
       Everton, Fulham and Coventry City during 1972 and 1973.
       It wasn't until April 1975 that international football returned
       to Belfast, when Yugoslavia arrived for a European Championship
       fixture.
       To mark the 50th anniversary of the first of those matches,
       Bessbrook NISC will host an evening with Sammy McIlroy and Sammy
       Nelson on behalf of the Amalgamation of Official Northern
       Ireland Supporters Clubs and the Irish FA Foundation.
       The event will also include a fantastic collection of
       memorabilia.
       AONISC Chairman Gary McAllister said: "Whilst this was a very
       sad and difficult period for our international side, it is a
       significant part of the history of the Northern Ireland team.
       "Ultimately, Northern Ireland football prevailed.
       We take many things for granted today, but that wasn't always
       so."
       The event takes place at Newry Hockey Club this Thursday night,
       February 17 (8pm).
       Doors open at 7pm. Admission is free.[/quote]
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