Research commissioned by Three to mark todays opening game of the Euro 2016 Championship reveals that 94 per cent of us will be using more than one channel of communication while watching matches.
That’s a long way from the 1988 Euro’s when social media was merely a twinkle in the eye of young tech nerds and mobile phones were the size of a bus.
Over half of Irish football fans (54%) describe their mood as “excited” or “hopeful”, which also explains why fans cited a “never-say-die-attitude”, “hard-working” and “pride” as the traits they most admire in the current Republic of Ireland football team.
Most of us (93%) are anticipating a tangible lift in the mood of the nation with some 15% even suggesting this Summer of Irish football produces a baby boom.
Irish fans are also nostalgically optimistic – 46 per cent believe the Euros will bring the country back to the high mood of Italia ’90.
Packie Bonner’s save in that tournament was chosen by a third of respondents (32 per cent) as their most memorable football moments, and nostalgia gave way to poignancy as 25 per cent of respondents cited the more personal moments of watching their kids play or playing themselves as children as their most memorable football moments.
Rituals
Fans may be optimistic, but they also put their faith in pre-match rituals. The research found over a third of us have a lucky routine when supporting the Republic of Ireland football team, with one in five sticking to the same places and people when they watch Ireland play. And 15 per cent being superstitious about wearing the same jersey or their lucky socks or boxers.
46 per cent will share via social media with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat listed in order of popularity.
45 per cent will text or send a message via WhatsApp or Viber, and a quarter will hark back to what seems a less connected age by actually making a phonecall.
“Football uniquely impacts on a nation’s mental health and emotional wellbeing in a positive sense,” said Clinical Psychologist Eddie Murphy.
“The anticipation, the fun and the debate all adds to this sense of possibility.”
“Qualifying for a tournament like this is a genuine platform for lifting a nation’s mood. It’s a positive energizer, an anticipation and a collective belief that the underdog can prevail and together we can #makehistory”.
“From a psychological point of view, we can all live our dreams through the Irish team. We can identify with their fighting spirit, their tenacity, and their pride.”
“There is a very tangible and emotional connection between the team and the fans where national pride is expressed positively.”
Unifier
“Football is a unifier. It unites us and gives us a shared identity, regardless of age, gender, or background. This year in particular, football will capture the heartbeat of the summer and will, regardless of results, create memories that have the potential to stay with us for years to come.”
“It’s uplifting to see such enthusiasm, energy and positivity among the fans ahead of the Euros,” said Three Chief Commercial Officer Elaine Carey, one of Sport for Business’ 50 Most Influential Women in Irish Sport.
“The team has worked tirelessly to qualify, and it’s great to see the research show that their hard work, honesty and never say die attitude resonates with the fans.”
“Ireland’s involvement in the Euros will create opportunities for debate, pride, and exhilaration. The need to communicate these strong emotions will be facilitated by Three, helping people connect, share and express their views and make their own piece of footballing history.”
