The League of Ireland, with its sellout crowds and unparalleled atmosphere on this island, has always been about community and footballing spirit.
My love for the league was enhanced by the electrifying atmosphere that pyrotechnics create at games.
The smoky air filled with your team's colours amplified the excitement at the time and still evokes some of the fondest memories from my playing days.
These moments, when the air is thick with anticipation and joy, especially just before the game has kicked off, resonate deeply with fans and players alike, creating unforgettable memories of some of the big games I was fortunate to play in.
The use of pyro, while officially banned, has undeniably been a significant marketing tool for the League of Ireland.
The atmospheric pictures and video clips with pyro in the background have played a role in showcasing the league's unique energy and passionate supporters.
These visuals have not only captivated long-time supporters but have also been instrumental in attracting new fans to the league.
Last season I brought along my neighbours, who would be rugby supporters, to the FAI Cup final. They were blown away by the atmosphere.
One of my neighbours, Daragh, was so captivated by the experience that he spent the entire evening delving into LOI games on YouTube, engrossed by the scenes created by the fans throughout the season.
In the past, I've openly spoken about the positive impact of pyro on the league's atmosphere.
I would have had the belief we should create a safe zone or a secure area within stadiums to allow the controlled use of pyro, believing it could enhance fan experience without understanding the full extent of its dangers or the fact that pyro is illegal.
However, recent events have drastically changed my perspective and there is no option but for the ban on pyro to be properly enforced by authorities.
The incident at the St Patricks Athletic v Bohemians game, where Cian Byrne was struck by a pyrotechnic, was a shocking moment that I witnessed first-hand.
The disbelief was compounded when a second flare, seemingly aimed at the players, was thrown onto the pitch.
This act of recklessness was compounded by Dermot Broughton, the linesman, being hit at the Drogheda v Shelbourne game.
These highlight a troubling shift in fan behaviour.
A small minority of the fanbase seems to have strayed from the spirit of support and camaraderie, leaning towards disruption and even harm. Flares aren’t the only items being thrown on the pitch
This evolution within fan culture underscores a grim reality: the safety of players, officials, and fans is at stake.
Players and officials should be able to perform their roles on matchdays without fearing for their safety. The freedom to play and officiate the game we love is paramount, and it must be preserved at all costs.
Moreover, the safety of fans can no longer be assured with the current use of pyrotechnics.
In recent weeks, in lesser-known stories, we have heard of fans with burned clothing, and many have voiced their luck in escaping serious injury. These incidents further highlight the inherent dangers of pyrotechnics within the stadium environment.
The allure of pyrotechnics, with their ability to create visually appealing and atmospheric moments, needs to be ignored now. The risks they pose have become impossible to ignore.
"We are tasked with preserving the essence of what makes attending LOI games a unique and joyous experience, without compromising the safety of any individual"
It is a hard truth to accept, especially for those of us who enjoy the scenes that pyro can create but, unless a safe alternative is developed, the use of pyro in Irish fan culture must come to an end.
The League of Ireland's allure is not solely dependent on pyrotechnics.
Its heart lies in the passionate support of its fans, the dedication of its players, and the commitment of all those who work behind the scenes to deliver the game week in, week out.
Moving forward, we must ensure that the atmosphere remains energetic but, more importantly, safe for everyone involved.
The incidents involving Cian Byrne and Dermot Broughton must serve as a wake-up call to the entire football community.
We are tasked with preserving the essence of what makes attending LOI games a unique and joyous experience, without compromising the safety of any individual.
In doing so, we can continue to celebrate the game we love, creating new memories and traditions that will endure for generations to come.
Next Friday sees Shelbourne fans banned from travelling to their away fixture in Galway, one of the more desirable away fixtures of the campaign for their supporters.
Not only are Shelbourne fans punished but Galway also suffer with crucial revenue lost on the away gate.
Let's not let the failures of a very small minority ruin the experience for all of us who love the game here in Ireland.
Watch Shelbourne v Bohemians in the League of Ireland on Friday from 7.35pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app
Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
