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Fan Focus - Ann, Anne & Rose
There are some people who epitomise what their football club is all about. And our club is lucky enough to have a number of characters that have helped give Bray Wanderers the fine name that it has today. But I recently spoke with three lovely ladies who, for me, sum up everything I love about supporting the seagulls.“Hold on and I put my teeth in, then we can start.” Says Anne Doyle. But not RTE news Anne Doyle. “I bloody wish! I bloody wish I had her money too!” Next to Anne are Anne Walsh, and Rose Walsh. Come rain or shine, these three ladies will be at the front of the bus going to every ground around the country supporting the Wanderers.
The younger supporters who have been to any of the away games may know them as the ladies who bring the big bags of sweets with them. As thats certainly how I first met them. The girls go on to explain their love for away games every other week. “I love travelling around the country” Says Rose, “There’s great craic in places like Cork and Galway. The overnight trips are even better.” “Remember last year in Cobh?” Screams Anne Doyle. “I walked into my room and there was a fella standing there! Well it mightn’t have been my room, but I threw him out anyway.”
At even just the mention of the 1990 final, all three light up with excitement. “The buzz around the town was unbelievable.” Says Anne Walsh. “I’ll never forget the atmosphere getting the train up to Lansdown, it was packed and everyone draped in green.” “Green knickers and everything!” shouts Anne Doyle.” Well I didn’t, I had a green hat though.”
I ask them if there’s anything they might miss a game for. Anne Doyle politely explains, “I hate missing the games, I’d only miss one if I was in Alicante......or Lourdes.” Rose Continues, “They’re our local team, and sure someone has to support them. Win lose or draw, you’ll find us there.”
It has now become even more special for Anne Doyle. “My grandson goes to all the games with me now. I’ve been bringing Jack since he was a young lad. He’s 12 now, and his younger brother Jamie, who’s only 2, wants to start going now. Now he’s my grandson Paul, not my son!” “I’ve been going for 30 years now, through thick and thin, and it’s nice to pass it on to the grandkids.”
“The only other team I like watching is Barcelona.” Continues Anne Doyle. “I was over there about 5 years ago for a match. It was f**king brilliant! Oh god, don’t tell anyone that I said f**k!”
As the bus coming back from Dundalk is nearly home, I get ready to leave the girls, Telling them I’ll see them next week. As I’m leaving Rose says “We’ll certainly see you next week, we’re the ones who spend all our money to travel around the country chasing after the young lads.” Before Anne Doyle blurts out “Story of our bloody lives!”
