Carlow’s Hartlepool United fans cutting quite a dash!
By Sarah Slater
A HAPPY group of Carlow football fans recently travelled to see Hartlepool United play in their last away match of the season.
Hartlepool United Irish supporters club made the long day trip to Dorking in Surrey for the themed Blues Brothers fancy dress fun and were dressed in style.
Thirteen Carlow and Kilkenny fans ensured they were kitted out in sharp suits, shades and hats.
Hartlepool is located between Sunderland and Newcastle in the north of England.
David McDonald explained that the group have made a trip across the water to a Pools home game every year since 2002. The largest number they had travelling over to a game in England was 35. But this was their first time joining in with the final away game fancy dress tradition.
Previous outfits have ranged from Smurfs and Star Wars Stormtroopers to cowboys and clowns.
Mr McDonald, who is now aged 65, has followed Hartlepool since he was eight years’ old as his father Tom took a liking to them, explained: “We always travel over for one game, usually towards the end of the season. We flew over from Dublin airport to Gatwick and my grandson Jack met us there and we all had a great time.”
The McDonald tradition of supporting the club is continuing now that David’s grandson has gotten involved.
“We always looked at the fancy dress away games and said we must do that one day, and the costume this year suited our group,” said Mr McDonald.
He first travelled over to Hartlepool many years ago with his wife and young children. The supporters and club made them very welcome.
“They even made my son a mascot, so impressed were they with us travelling from Ireland. Ever since then they have and continue to be so welcoming to us all. They are the only club in the UK that has the tradition of dressing up on the final away game every year. Although the team is non-league now after being relegated, we will always continue to travel to see them play. It’s a great way to keep in contact with one another.”
The fans’ headquarters is in Scraggs Alley, Carlow, where they have a snug at the back to watch games.
