41 reasons why the League of Ireland is the greatest league in the world

It's not just a hashtag, the League of Ireland actually is the greatest league in the world. Here's a few reasons why:

1. Versatility of the players

Everyone's a utility player.

Matthew Connor, a goalkeeper, is on up front for Daniel Pender, who has been carried off on a stretcher. #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld — Chris McNulty (@chrismcnulty86) September 5, 2015

2. The officials

They can be pretty funny...

...even if the comedy isn't intentional.

#GreatestLeagueInTheWorld ... ATFC ground staff wash away the lines as ref asks for centre circle to be made bigger pic.twitter.com/XlFlUQG8hz — Ashley Cahill (@cahill_ashley) September 5, 2015

3. Tiki Taka

And they can do it on a cold, windy night in Connacht

4. Selfie Kings

It puts Arsenal's efforts to shame.

5. Strikers are above Premier League-level

You can't argue with the stats.

Stop calling us, stop texting us @FinallyMario, we don't need you for our game on Friday versus @AthloneTownFC pic.twitter.com/2z4CDKyN86 — Cabinteely FC (@Cabinteely_FC) June 8, 2015

6. Laser-like focus

From players and officials alike.

Mess at the EA cup. Players and ref didn't know the peno shoot out was over pic.twitter.com/yT3XNFJS8i — Kevin Mc Gillicuddy (@KMcGillicuddy86) September 19, 2015

7. Loyalty

The fans spare no expense to support their club.

In Turners Cross tonight I heard that 4 Rovers fans got a TAXI from Dublin to the game #TheGreatestLeagueInTheWorld 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀 — Boris (@GougherA) May 22, 2015

8. Attention to detial is unparalleled

*detail

9. Inclusion

No matter how big of a name he is, the new guy doesn't get any special treatment.

@ShamrockRovers players won't give Damien Duff the ball during tonight's warm up #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld https://t.co/5CThzVkjlX — Alan Kinsella (@electionlit) August 17, 2015

10. The art of defending

It's been mastered.

11. Athletes are fine-tuned, fitness machines

Smoking is just weight-lifting for the lungs.

Big Dave Barry interview in Cork programme - like this story about Patsy Freyne and his fondness for a smoke pic.twitter.com/M5xAHGg0XX — Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) August 21, 2015

12. Players are reliable

They always show up... eventually.

Madness...one of this Athlone Town squad has just entered the pitch area having been locked in the dressing room for the 1st 30 mins!!! — Ashley Cahill (@cahill_ashley) August 21, 2015

13. They've got the support of the long arm of the law

The shades know to give credit when it's due.

14. The PA announcements

More often than not, they're gold.

PA announcer at Oriel has just informed the owner of a car that they 'have left all their windows open'. #greatestleagueintheworld — Gavin McLaughlin (@gav_mclaughlin) August 17, 2015

The Bohemians stadium announcer in the League of Ireland tonight just asked on the intercom if anyone has a spare Samsung charger for 20mins — DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) July 24, 2015

15. Opportunistic teams

1,500 leaflets handed out at the German fans end tonight #projectwillkommen @tallaghtstadium pic.twitter.com/PsFFuDpFb5 — Shamrock Rovers FC ☘️ (@ShamrockRovers) October 8, 2015

16. Schmoozin' the A-listers

How could he refuse?

Stuck for something to do on Friday Zayn? We'll let you in free and knock 50% off soup. #AlwaysInOurHeartsZaynMalik pic.twitter.com/mlUVH8SP3c — Finn Harps FC (@FinnHarpsFC) March 25, 2015

17. Never a dull moment

Got fired today, then I got my job back, scored 2 goals to be 2-1, up, then I got sent off and then lost 3-2. Tomorrow should be interesting — John McKeown (@JohnMcKeown94) August 15, 2015

18. Job Security

You can't slack off, not even for five minutes.

Bray made the announcement this morning, stating that their former Under-19 coach will take over the senior side with immediate effect, following the resignation of Alan Matthews. Tarnogrodzki may have been on the receiving end of the quickest demotion in Irish football history. Bray sent out an initial statement, shortly before noon today, that announced Tarnogrodzki as their coach. Five minutes later came an updated statement and Tarnogrodzki became caretaker coach.

Only in the LOI could you get a question like number 15!!#greatestleagueintheworld pic.twitter.com/pgnOd4BTJd — sean Cotter (@seanco88) July 23, 2015

19. Where stars are born

11 yrs ago today @KevinDoyle1983 played Wes Hoolahan in the @SSEAirtricityLg, both have done well since! #TBThursday pic.twitter.com/edzS8hYehu — Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) October 29, 2015

20. Clubs make hay while the sun's shining

RT our Bray match poster & you could win a @stpatsfc jersey! Anyone wearing a mankini or bikini tomorrow gets in free pic.twitter.com/itA2OcJ2Fk — St Patrick's Athletic FC (@stpatsfc) August 13, 2015

21. Even the thieves know some items are just too scared to steal

You wouldn't get that level of respect in the Premier League.

The Club Shop was broken into again last night for the second time in a number of months. There was nothing taken... http://t.co/Ky3FSkSdy9 — Athlone Town FC - Unofficial (@AthloneTownFC) April 15, 2015

22. International recognition

Richie Towell of Dundalk gets a mention in @marca today pic.twitter.com/J8Gd09aY1r — Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) November 25, 2015

23. Golazos

24. Wondersaves

VIDEO | Paul Hunt produced an unbelievable double save tonight to keep Shelbourne out #CRFC pic.twitter.com/KcCTaorze7 — Cobh Ramblers FC (@CobhRamblersFC) April 28, 2017

25. Even the ball boys are passionate

The Ballboy's reaction to Stephen McPhail's @ShamrockRovers free kick sums up the mood of all @LimerickFCie fans.https://t.co/QItEqkri1P — Darren Cleary (@RadioCleary) October 23, 2015

26. The mascots

The sidelines are alive with big cats, goats and superheroes.

27. They paint you a picture

We may not know art, but we know what we like... REALLY BIG BANNERS!!!

28. Every league needs a Neymar

Joga bonita, Shannonside.

29. Rewarding fans

But only to those who've earned it.

To celebrate the new @FootballManager, the 1st person to win the Premier Division with us wins a Cabo Season Ticket! https://t.co/kM8YtLWF9c — Cabinteely FC (@Cabinteely_FC) November 11, 2015

We have teamed up with @FootballManager, the winner of our competition will become a player in the game! https://t.co/q2OkYs3nnT — Cabinteely FC (@Cabinteely_FC) November 23, 2015

30. Joey Barton

He's too clearly intimidated to play in it. Let's consider that a victory.

Would you ever play in the League of Ireland? #askjb — Leagueofireland.ie (@LOIDOTIE) August 5, 2015

No. Probably retire. Unless of course I lost all my money in a Bernie Madoff style ponzi and had no other option. https://t.co/kXXasGQwbZ — Joey Barton (@Joey7Barton) August 5, 2015

31. Outstanding promos

Goosebumps.

32. Video game superstars

Andy Boyle owned that cover way better than Jordan Henderson ever could.

33. Priorities

In 2016, Cabinteely FC teamed up with the Dublin School of Grinds so that their U19 squad would receive free Leaving Certificate grinds.

The club said on its official website that "this study/training/play balance will give young players the opportunity to achieve their true potential, not only on the pitch, but also help them to achieve their academic goals."

How awesome is that?

34. It's not about the money

How much is his contract worth?? pic.twitter.com/bWcaRfhfgH — Des Walsh (@desTHFC) January 5, 2018

35. The transfer announcement photos

They're next level.

36. ...and they're well aware of it.

At least they can have a laugh about it.

Taco sauce added in for a hat trick. — Finn Harps FC (@FinnHarpsFC) January 3, 2018

37. Alf Stewart

Need we say more?

Who knew Alf Stewart from #HomeandAway was such a huge fan of @CorkCityFC!!! Flamin Mongrels!#CCFC84 #ccfc Congrats again from Dyjaho 😎 pic.twitter.com/2ngOURCRm3 — dyjaho (@dyjaho) October 17, 2017

38. Michael D Higgins

Uachtaran na hEireann approves of this message.

39. The Freudian slips

*suppresses giggles*

40. The poetry

'Fuckin' hell!'

41. And finally...

Proof doesn't come much more definitive than this.

The greatest one of all who played in Dalyer has wished us a happy 125th birthday. #Bohs #Pele #mrgreen #Dalymount pic.twitter.com/1nOb2hWBSH — Bohemian FC 🔴⚫ (@bfcdublin) October 16, 2015