Billy and his mates keep the faith

Reporter: DAWN MARSDEN
Date online: 04/02/2010

Postponement fails to put off Irish Latics fans

THE luck of the Irish certainly evaded Billy Scanlan when he flew from Galway to Oldham to watch his beloved Latics in action — only to find the match called off at the eleventh hour.

But the 32-year-old pushed his disappointment aside to make the most of his trip and ended up having the time of his life.

Billy, whose love of Latics stems from his Greenacres-born grandfather, convinced six of his mates to make the trip across the Irish Sea for Oldham’s League One home game against Brentford on Saturday.

They all booked time off work and forked out £100 each for flights, £30 on taxis and £30 each on hotel rooms.

They arrived at Boundary Park full of excitement only to be told the match had been postponed due to an icy pitch.

But their trip wasn’t wasted as Latics director Mike Newton heard about their plight and invited them for lunch with the players, before they ventured into the town centre for a pint or two.

Billy, who was at Boundary Park when Latics took on Leeds earlier this season, said: “As always, the people of Oldham were great and because of my Oldham roots I always feel a connection with the town.

“My friends had a great time, it was a novelty for them not to be seeing one of the big teams.

“Unfortunately over here, most people support Manchester United and don’t even see their local teams play.

“I try to see Galway United as much as possible because I think it is important to support a team you have a real connection with.”

Billy’s late father Tony was also a huge Latics fan and the pair frequently visited Boundary Park together.

The pair saw Latics play Cobh Ramblers in Cork during a pre-season friendly and Billy even managed to convince his long-suffering girlfriend, Catherine Bruen, to visit Boundary Park on Valentine’s Day last year.

Far from putting the lads off, last weekend’s experience has encouraged them to start planning their next visit to Oldham as Latics try to fight their way out of the relegation zone.

Billy said: “I’m hoping Latics can turn it around this season, dodge relegation and put it behind us.

“It’s been a season to forget but I would love a feel good, optimistic atmosphere to return.

“It’s an expensive day out but the club is the heart of the community.

“Everybody at home had a bit of a laugh when they heard the match was postponed. But my pals know I’m a dedicated Latics fan and I’m sure we’ll be back.”

Billy’s pal Noel Baker (33), from Cork, said: “It might not have worked out this time but I’m determined to come back now. I’m already looking forward to the next trip.”