SOME Irish people may look down their noses at the National League, and some National League supporters might regularly have their sanity doubted. But, as the St Patrick's Athletic chief executive, Pat Dolan, is fond of saying: "It matters. It does matter."

That was forcefully driven home by the events surrounding Shelbourne's match with Dundalk on November 8th. As was reported here and elsewhere, a 12 year old fan of Shelbourne, Brian Nelligan, died tragically in a domestic accident the night before the game.

Aside from being a loyal Shelbourne supporter, Nelligan's favourite player was Stephen Geoghegan. It was fitting that the Shelbourne striker scored both goals in their win that night.

Brian's father, Colm, was presented with an autographed match ball and Stephen Geoghegan's shirt, which were placed inside his son's coffin. "We had Brian lying in Shelbourne colours in the house for three days and the Shelbourne players came out and carried the coffin out of the church. Of course, all the children saw this. We also had the coffin draped in the Shelbourne flag. Now all the kids want to follow Shelbourne."

A supporters' club of about 40 kids in Donaghmede will be formed this Saturday in honour of Brian Nelligan.

Brian had also stirred his father's interest in Shelbourne four years ago. He will continue to go in the seasons to come.

Brian Nelligan's death underlined how relatively unimportant a game of football is. Yet, at the same time, football and Shelbourne were of immense help to the Nelligans in their grief.

Writing in the Shelbourne programme a fortnight later, the club's manager Damien Richardson reflected on the Nelligans "wonderful dignity and composure in their time of deepest grief" which "provided a scene that will live with me forever".

It also reminded him of his own childhood days "supporting Shamrock Rovers and loving the League of Ireland".

"I realised how easily professional football cocoons those on the inside. How soon the performers can take for granted the loyal supporter. Since I returned to domestic football I have found there is no more loyal supporter than those who follow the National League.

It is therefore imperative, according to Richardson, that everything is done to realise the potential of the domestic game. "Should we not succeed in realising this obvious ambition," says Richardson, "then we can forget about attracting the likes of Brian Nelligan to our grounds. And as I found out National League football has too important a part to play in our society for us to renege on our responsibilities."

There'll always be knockers of the National League. But it matters. It does matter.

. This Friday, at Richmond Park, St Patrick's Athletic, who play Bohemians, celebrate Brian Kerr's remarkable decade in charge of the club. Kerr took over the reins at Inchicore on December 1st, 1986, officially taking charge of St Patrick's for their 1-0 home win over Galway on December 7th.

To mark the occasion, St Patrick's will make a presentation to Kerr as well as issuing what Pat Dolan describes as "a bumper programme".

St Patrick's have crept back up to sixth place, seven points behind Defry and Bohemians. Kerr points out that since the champions defeat to Bohemians in the third series of games, they've actually gained one point on the joint leaders. "I'm not saying we're making any great inroads, but it does prove our form has been no worse than the two leaders.

"But it is a crucial match for us (on Friday). Looking at the (Bohemians Shelbourne) match on Sunday, we'd have a bit to do."

. It is expected that the FAI/National League interview panel for the recently created post of National League Executive Secretary will be making a formal recommendation from the final short list within the next fortnight.

Meanwhile the vacancy for the under 16/under 18 Republic of Ireland coaching position will be filled shortly. Advertisements for the vacant position of National Coach are expected to be placed in February. The FAI's coaching committee, elected at the association's a.g.m., met yesterday evening for the first time in 2 1/2 years to discuss the remit of the post.