Dublin Hammers Trip - Manchester City - Sunday 9th May 2010

West Ham 1 vs Manchester City 1 – The Love Trip!

Ah yes, another glorious season in the life of a Dublin Hammer comes to a close as we all headed off to see the crucial last game of the season. What was on offer a few weeks ago was a game we had to win to stay in the Premiership (following our stunningly inept performance against Wolves), against a team that had to win to get that important Champions League place. A few weeks later and another round of funny results sees West Ham safe from relegation and Man City with nothing to play for.

We assembled in the bar in Dublin Airport on Saturday morning and harangued the Man Ure fans about being the Dublin Norwich Supporters club with their new scarves. Refreshments were consumed and the banter was hilarious. The Ryanair staff were asked about the in flight movie, if there was gravy with the in flight meal and could we drink the cans of Bavaria outside the plane for authenticity!

As ever the organisation of the trip was wonderful and we left Stansted (by the wrong door!!) and got the bus to the hotel in Barking. President Ryan was holding court and tales were told of some of the characters that have passed through the club over the years. After we checked in to the hotel most of us headed to the ground and hit the shop. It was perfect as the place was empty so you could get to see everything without being run over. Jackets, T Shirts, Baby Gear (???), pens etc were purchased and we adjourned to the Spotted Dog in Barking for the afternoon.

Again our President led the proceedings with jokes and tales of past trips and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house with the laughter. That night we headed to O’Gradys to meet up with some old WHU friends and danced and sang the night away. The sight of Linda with the three foot high shoes was frightening for all of us poor punters under 5ft 9. Funniest of all though was Eoghan comparing his beautiful physique with the local lad who obviously spends too much time in the gym working out – and therefore was on his own in the pub! Next morning and the sore heads eventually surface - Tommy was first up when he smelled the breakfast, he managed to eat his way through the weekend.

On to Weatherspoons for breakfast and then the tube up to the ground. We assembled in the Queens (who serve the worst beer Liamo!!) and tried to install some enthusiasm for the game – it was difficult but the sight of Dawn with Antonio did help our spirits. The less said about the game the better. We scored through Boa Morte (I always said he was good – President Ryan) and then managed to concede a goal from a header from Wright Phillips (2ft 9 in his boots) who rose like a salmon at the far post to equalise.

From then on it was difficult to get excited about anything. West Ham looked poor with certain players looking forward to their Summer Holliers. The cheers for Tevez showed the affection that the crowd still have for him and his irons sign to the Bobby Moore will ensure the affection will live forever. After the match it was straight onto the bus (following a stop off at the off licence) and President Ryan opened the RyanLine for discussions on the Tevez appreciation in the crowd and plans for our 20th anniversary next year.

Liamo professed his love for all of us which led us to rename it the Love Trip 2010! Onto the flight, from Gatwick (not a people friendly airport), some slagging of the depressed looking Chelski fans and more requests for the in flight movie and no gravy on the spuds. Yes, we can confirm that the Love Trip 2010 was undoubtedly the best trip ever!!!!

Many thanks to Gerry Murtagh for this report and photographs! Additional photos (see below) from Alfie Tonge.