IT WAS the ultimate grudge match - the Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland, Windsor Park, Belfast, November 17 1993.
The Republic could qualify for USA ‘94, but ‘Norn Iron’ could not, and Billy Bingham and co were determined to rain on Jack Charlton’s parade. Yet despite Jimmy Quinn’s superb goal for the North and Alan McLaughlin’s dramatic equaliser, the match was marred by sectarian and bigoted chanting, and a poisonous atmosphere.
That match inspired A Night in November by Belfast playwright Marie Jones (Stones In His Pockets ), which is coming to the Town Hall Theatre on Wednesday May 7 at 8pm.
Produced by Ramor Theatre, directed by Paddy Farrelly, and performed by Padraic McIntyre, it follows Ulster Protestant Kenneth McCallister who finds himself on the football terraces for that crucial match.
A man in search for his own identity. Jones’ enduringly humorous play is both uncomfortable and compelling as it lays bare the issues of Ulster Protestant identity in the 1990s.
Tickets are available from the Town Hall on 091 - 569777 or www.tht.ie
