A ROVERS-MAD Irishman has spent £30,000 in five years travelling to Blackburn -- and all because blue and white are his favourite colours.

So strong is the pull of Ewood Park that Michael Hanaway, 41, a pub worker from Swords, County Dublin, scrimps and saves each penny of his wage to afford the £6,000 a year it costs him to attend every home game.

"It's the only hobby I have," said Michael, who is single. "I'm not a drinker or a smoker, so this is what I spend my money on."

Which is lucky, because if Michael's did like a drink he'd have to down 58 pints of Guinness every week for a year to spend the same amount of money -- or smoke 80 cigarettes a day.

The reason for choosing to support Rovers might be strange, but Michael was quickly sucked in by the quality of their game and now counts himself as one of their keenest fans.

"I first started watching English football on television when I was younger. The only reason I picked Blackburn was the colour of their shirts.

"I was only 26 when I first came to watch, but I've been coming ever since and I'll keep doing it for as long as possible."

He blames the quality of Irish football for his lack of enthusiasm about the sport in his own country.

He said: "I don't support any clubs in Ireland because none of them are any use. They're hopeless."

Michael, who was at the match last night to see Rovers play Chelsea, even travelled to Cardiff to support them in their victorious Worthington Cup final clash against Tottenham.

"It's the furthest I've been. It was brilliant."

Every time Rovers play at home, Michael stays in the same place -- the St Albans Guest House, Blackburn Road, Darwen.

Mandy and Tony Butler, the owners, have known him for five years.

They said: "He comes over whenever there's a home match.

"He's a very good guest and we enjoy having him."

And in terms of avoiding relegation this season Michael thinks Rovers' chances are good.

"They have a couple of games in hand, so they should be okay," he said.

"Even if they do get relegated I'll still come to watch them.

"I love it so much I'd keep coming if they were in the conference league."

Here's the cost breakdown of Michael's typical trip:

Taxi from Swords to Dublin airport: £5

Return flight from Dublin to Manchester: £245

Taxi from Manchester to Darwen: £30

One night's stay at the guest house: £18

Programme, cup of tea and king size Yorkie at Ewood Park: £4