Galway- Have won a total of 9 All Ireland Championships; their most recent success came in 2001. They have dominated the Connaught Provincial Championships with a total of 43, most recently in 2008 with a 2-12 to 1-14 win over Mayo. After beating Mayo they went down to the eventual runners up Kerry by a score of 1-21 to 1-16. Sure to be in the mix again this year.
Leitrim- Have never won the All Ireland. They have won a total of 2 Connaught Provincial Championships most recently in 1994. In 2008, they beat New York, before losing to Galway 2-14 to 1-13. Unlikely to figure again this year.
Mayo- Have won a total of 3 All Ireland Championships, most recently in 1951. They have won 41 Connaught Provincial Championships two behind their rivals Galway, their latest in 2006. In 2008 they reached the Final of the Connaught Championships after an easy 13 point victory over Sligo before losing out to Galway 2-12 to 1-14. In the Quarters they were paired with Tyrone, the eventual winners, a game they probably should have killed off before eventually going down to a point. Could have a chance this year as they showed last year they are not far off the top teams.
Roscommon- Have won 2 All Ireland’s, most recently in 1944, and 19 Connaught Senior Championships, their latest in 2001. In 2008 they were demolished in the Connaught Championship Quarters by Galway, beaten by 18 points, and again swept aside by Donegal in the last 32 of the Qualifiers, by 8 points. Unlikely to figure in 2009.
Sligo- Have never won the All Ireland, but has won 3 Connaught Championships, most recently in 2007. In 2008 they beat London before losing to Mayo in the Provincial semis by 13 points. Again unlikely to feature this year.
Carlow- Have never won the All Ireland, and has 1 Leinster Championship to their name, in 1944. In 2008 they were heavily beaten by Meath 1-25 to 0-08. A rank outsider this time around.
Dublin- Have 22 All Ireland’s, most recently in 1995, and 48 Leinster Championships, their last in 2008. In winning the Leinster Championship Dublin disposed of Louth, Westmeath and comfortably Wexford. In the Quarter Finals they were overrun by a magnificent Tyrone team, 3-14 to 1-8. With the large support and high expectations, they will surely be in the running again.
Kildare- Have won 4 All Ireland’s, their latest in 1928, and 13 Leinster Titles the last one coming in 2000. In 2008, they were beaten by Wicklow by 4 points, in the last 32 of the Qualifiers they beat Cavan by a point, overcame Limerick by a goal in the Last 16 of the Qualifiers, and comfortably disposed of Fermanagh by 6 points taking them to the All Ireland Quarters before losing out to Cork by a goal. This year could see another solid performance but unlikely to trouble the big boys.
Kilkenny- Have never won the All Ireland but has won 3 Leinster Championships. Unfortunately they currently do not compete in the Championship. Renowned more for their Hurling skills.
Laois- Have never won the All Ireland but has won 6 Leinster Championships most recently in 2003. In 2008 they beat Wicklow, before losing to Wexford in the Semis of Leinster. The Qualifiers saw them beat Longford before losing to Down 2-14 to 1-15. Unlikely again to make an impact this year.
Longford- Have never won the All Ireland but has won 1 Leinster Championship in 1968. In 2008 they lost to Westmeath and to Laois in the Qualifiers. No chance this time around.
Louth- Have won the All Ireland 3 times, lastly in 1957, and 8 Leinster Championships again the last in 1957. In 2008, lost by 13 points to Dublin and then to Tyrone in the Qualifiers. Unlucky to run into two big guns in their only two matches but little improvement expected this year.
Meath- Have won 7 All Ireland’s, most recently in 1999 and 20 Leinster Championships, their latest in 2001. In 2008, they overcame Carlow before losing to Wexford by a point. In a high scoring came they lost out to Limerick in the Qualifiers. A disappointing Meath team in recent years and again improvement unlikely.
Offaly- Have won 3 All Ireland’s, most recently in 1982 and 10 Leinster Championships, their latest in 1997. In 2008, they were knocked out of Leinster by Westmeath before being trounced by Down in the Qualifiers by 5-19 to 2-10. No hopes this year.
Westmeath- Have never won an All Ireland but has won one Leinster Championship in 2004. In 2008, they defeated Longford and Offaly before losing out to Dublin in the semis of Leinster, by a respectable 2 points. In the Qualifiers they overcame Tipperary before succumbing to Tyrone by 4 points. This team should not be underestimated and further improvement could make them a force in the latter stages of the competition.
Wexford- Have won 5 All Ireland’s, the latest in 1918 and 10 Leinster Championships their last in 1945. In 2008, they defeated Meath and Laois on their way to the Leinster Final before a heavy defeat against Dublin, losing 3-23 to 0-09. In the Qualifiers they easily swept aside Down, and in the Quarters of the Championship they defeated Armagh by 5 points. A remarkable effort by Wexford who only lost to the eventual winners Tyrone in the Semis by 6 points. A repeat performance could see them go close again, but it will be a lot more difficult to sustain those performances this time around.
Wicklow- Have never won an All Ireland or a Leinster Championship. In 2008, they defeated Kildare before being dumped out of the Championship by Laois who only narrowly defeated Wicklow by 2 points. Unfortunately again, one of the forgotten teams who may cause one or two surprises this time around but very unlikely to go far.
Clare- Have never won an All Ireland, but has won 2 Munster Championships, the most recent in 1992. In 2008, they defeated Waterford by 2 points before comprehensively losing to Kerry by 12 points. Another county more accustomed to Hurling so little chance of any impact.
Cork- Have won the All Ireland 6 times and won the Munster Championship 35 times most recently last year in 2008. In 2008 on their way to winning Munster they defeated Limerick and their great rivals Kerry in the Final by 5 points. The Quarters saw them paired with Kildare who they defeated by a goal. In the Semis they came up against Kerry again. The first match ended in a draw and the replay saw Kerry advance by a 4 point margin. Although Cork again will undoubtedly have a say on where Sam ends up, it seems as if they may have had their chance to overcome Kerry last year and their near rivals may just have that edge on them going into this year's competition.
Kerry- Have won the All Ireland 35 times, their latest in 2007 and the Munster Championship 72 times, again in 2007. In 2008, they defeated Clare before being defeated by Cork in the Munster Final. A hard fought victory by a goal over Monaghan in the Qualifiers allowed them to progress to the Quarters. A defeat of Galway and a victory over their rival Cork in a Semi Final replay saw them go into the All Ireland Final as favourites against Tyrone. It did not work out well for the Kerry men as they went down by 4 points to Tyrone. It goes without saying Kerry will once again be there this year fighting for Sam.
Limerick- Have won the All Ireland 2 times, the last in 1896. In 2008, they defeated Tipperary before losing to Cork by 3 points. In the Qualifiers they pushed passed Meath before succumbing to Kildare. A creditable effort last year, but little or no chance this year of making any impact.
Tipperary- Have won 4 All Ireland’s, the last in 1920 and 9 Munster Championships, their latest in 1935. In 2008, they lost to Limerick before being losing out to Westmeath by 9 points in the Qualifiers. Repeat performance expected this year.
Waterford- Have never won an All Ireland but has won the Munster Championship once back in 1898. In 2008, they lost to Clare by 2 points, unlikely to progress any further this year.
Antrim- Have never won the All Ireland. In 2008, they lost their one and only match in the championship to Cavan. No significant improvement can be foreseen this time around.
Armagh- Have won 1 All Ireland, in 2002, and 14 Ulster Championships their last in 2008. On their way to the Ulster Championship title they defeated Cavan, Down and after a Final replay they overcame Fermanagh. The Quarters saw them lose to Wexford by 5 points. May have past their best but surely to give it their all again, possibly not enough this time around.
Cavan- Have won 5 All Ireland’s, their latest in 1952, and 39 Ulster Championships, the last back in 1997. In 2008 they comfortably overcame the minnows of Ulster, Antrim, by 5 points before losing to Armagh. The Qualifiers saw them pitted against Kildare, which they narrowly lost by a point. Again Qualifiers looks likely again this year and it depends on their draw as to how far they can advance.
Derry- Have won 1 All Ireland back in 1993 and 7 Ulster Championships, their latest in 1998. In 2008, they defeated Donegal by 2 points before losing to Fermanagh in the Ulster Semis by the same margin. The Qualifiers saw them lose by a point to Monaghan. A disappointing campaign last year and should not be written off just yet, have the potential to go far.
Donegal- Have won 1 All Ireland back in 1992 and 5 Ulster Championships, the latest again coming in 1992. In 2008, they were knocked out of Ulster by Derry. The Qualifiers saw them easily defeat Roscommon before losing to Monaghan by a point. A few peoples dark horse this year, but would need to improve significantly.
Down- Have won 5 All Ireland’s, latest being 1995, and 12 Ulster Championships again the latest coming in 1995. In 2008, they took a real scalp, as they defeated Tyrone in a replay, before narrowly losing out to Armagh. The Qualifiers saw two great performances as they comfortably swept aside Offaly by 18 points and then beat a much fancied Laois team by 2 points. They were then knocked out by Wexford in the next round. Again a team that should not be underestimated, if they built on a solid year last year then anything could happen.
Fermanagh- Have never won an All Ireland or an Ulster Championship. In 2008, they went all the way to the Ulster Championship Final. On their way they disposed of Monaghan and then Derry, before losing out to Armagh in the final, by 6 points after a replay. A dismal performance in the Qualifiers saw them lose by 6 points to Kildare. Cannot see a repeat performance this year, the fact that they lost the chance to win the Ulster Championship for the first time may have knocked the stuffing out of them, can only wait and see if they can recover this year.
Monaghan- Have never won the All Ireland but have 14 Ulster Championships to their name, most recently in 1988. In 2008, they were knocked out of Ulster by Fermanagh in their first match. The Qualifiers saw a recovery of sorts as they narrowly defeated Derry, dispatched of Donegal, before losing to Kerry by a goal. This year they will be taken more seriously by the big names which could hinder their progress in this campaign.
Tyrone- Have won 3 All Ireland’s, they are current All Ireland holders, and 11 Ulster Championships, their latest in 2007. In 2008, on their way to taking home Sam, they decided to go the long route to Croke Park, as they lost their first match to Down in a replay. The Qualifiers saw them easily defeat Louth by 8 points, Westmeath by 4 points, and Mayo by a point. After finding their feet in the Qualifiers, Tyrone destroyed a Dublin team that went into the game as strong favourites, winning the match by 12 points. Wexford stood in their way of the All Ireland Final but were brushed to the side as Tyrone won the game by 6 points. The Final was a match up between the two dominant forces in the first decade of the 21st century, Tyrone v Kerry. Still considered the underdogs Tyrone overcame Kerry by 4 points. Many will be rueing the fact that they wrote off Tyrone very early on last year. They seem to overcome adversity and silence critics but this year it may well be a step too far. A lot will depend on the draw in the Qualifiers as I could see them crashing out of Ulster early on.
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Thursday 9 April 2009
Monday 6 April 2009
Irish Soccer
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After a hard fought 1-1 draw against Italy can Ireland really start to dream of World Cup Qualification? Can Trapattoni still adopt his tactics of ten men behind the ball, we were punished for it against the Bulgarians and we saw the masters of the one nil victories, granted they were down to ten men, punished for it in Bari. Can we even criticise Trap as we remain unbeaten and are still in with a great chance of qualification? Will Andy Reid be brought back in from the cold and will we ever see Stephen Ireland pull on the green jersey again? For your say on this and much more go to http://www.findirishpubs.blogspot.com/
After a hard fought 1-1 draw against Italy can Ireland really start to dream of World Cup Qualification? Can Trapattoni still adopt his tactics of ten men behind the ball, we were punished for it against the Bulgarians and we saw the masters of the one nil victories, granted they were down to ten men, punished for it in Bari. Can we even criticise Trap as we remain unbeaten and are still in with a great chance of qualification? Will Andy Reid be brought back in from the cold and will we ever see Stephen Ireland pull on the green jersey again? For your say on this and much more go to http://www.findirishpubs.blogspot.com/
Irish Soccer Team 2002
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The 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan got off to an auspices start. After a qualification campaign of mainly highs the World Cup before it even started brought a great low. The Irish team had shown great unity, determination and spirit which was characterised in the Dutch match, a training camp in Saipan brought disunity, and tore through the heart of the team literally. A training ground bust up involving Roy Keane and some of the coaching staff was blown out of all proportions. A critical article in an Irish newspaper from Keane and a team meeting which seems to have been a shambolic bit of man management from McCarthy resulted in the man considered to be the best midfielder in the world, Roy Keane being sent home. The world’s media attention was on the Ireland team now but for all the wrong reasons. Everyone had an opinion on this issue and the players, the media and the fans were split into two camps, those who believed McCarthy was right to send Keane home and those who supported Keane in his comments on the Irish set up. Keane had stated that the Irish lacked professionalism in every aspect of their preparation for the World Cup, obviously more heated exchanges occurred behind the scenes which led to Keane’s dismissal. Although politicians were even called in to resolve the issue Keane remained in his Manchester home and Ireland began the World Cup without their best player.
Whatever people may say about what happened in Saipan and many have and will continue to have their say it is evident that both men should have been able to resolve any personal differences they had for each other for the more important matter at hand.
The Irish faced Cameroon in the first match of the group stage. A strong physical team Cameroon imposed themselves on the game from the first whistle. Up front they had Samuel Etoo leading the line and his break down the right hand side of Ireland’s defence led to the opening goal. He skipped passed Staunton leaving him on his backside, entered the penalty area and squared the ball to Mboma who placed the ball into the gaping goal. Ireland managed to reorganise themselves and snatched an equaliser in the second half, a crisply struck shot from Matt Holland (Keane’s replacement) from outside the box nestled into the bottom right hand corner of the net. An opening draw in the campaign and some relief that the team had not capitulated under the undue pressure that had preceded the match.
Next up were the ever resilient Germans. The Germans although lacking the skills of previous teams could never be written off. In the 19th minute they took the lead with a Klose goal. However after they went one nil up Germany sat back and tried to sit on their lead. In a poor game, but another determined performance saw Ireland snatch an equaliser in the 92nd minute. A long ball up to Niall Quinn (reminiscent of the old days), headed into the box and latched on to by Robbie Keane who slots the ball into the corner of the net. Another memorable moment as Ireland now just needed to beat Saudi Arabia to qualify for the next round.
In the third match of the group they did just that. With a few nervous moments at the beginning of the game Ireland went on to win the match 3-0 with goals from Robbie Keane, Gary Breen and Damien Duff. They may not have been at their best against the Saudis but the result saw them progress to the Second Round.
The Second Round was a mouth watering tie with Spain. The Spaniards had started the Finals brightly with three wins from three and most were comfortable, 3-1 on two occasions. So when Fernando Morientes headed in after only eight minutes things looked bleak. However the Spanish began to sit back and the Irish threw everything they had at the Spanish defence. There were signs of the defence creaking under the pressure and it did just that in the 62nd minute, Damien Duff fouled in the area, penalty. Up stepped Ian Harte… Casillas saves. The luck of the Irish seemed to be running out until the unlikeliest of events transpired, in the ninety second minute Robbie Keane was brought down in the box, another penalty. This time up stepped Robbie Keane…GOAL!
The match ended 1-1 and extra time got under way. With further twists Spain ended that game with nine men on the pitch not through ill discipline but injury. Although Ireland looked the more likely they could not press home their two man advantage. This would be a fatal error as the penalty shootout resulted in a win for Spain. Yet again the Irish had given it their all and their supporters admired them for it.
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The 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan got off to an auspices start. After a qualification campaign of mainly highs the World Cup before it even started brought a great low. The Irish team had shown great unity, determination and spirit which was characterised in the Dutch match, a training camp in Saipan brought disunity, and tore through the heart of the team literally. A training ground bust up involving Roy Keane and some of the coaching staff was blown out of all proportions. A critical article in an Irish newspaper from Keane and a team meeting which seems to have been a shambolic bit of man management from McCarthy resulted in the man considered to be the best midfielder in the world, Roy Keane being sent home. The world’s media attention was on the Ireland team now but for all the wrong reasons. Everyone had an opinion on this issue and the players, the media and the fans were split into two camps, those who believed McCarthy was right to send Keane home and those who supported Keane in his comments on the Irish set up. Keane had stated that the Irish lacked professionalism in every aspect of their preparation for the World Cup, obviously more heated exchanges occurred behind the scenes which led to Keane’s dismissal. Although politicians were even called in to resolve the issue Keane remained in his Manchester home and Ireland began the World Cup without their best player.
Whatever people may say about what happened in Saipan and many have and will continue to have their say it is evident that both men should have been able to resolve any personal differences they had for each other for the more important matter at hand.
The Irish faced Cameroon in the first match of the group stage. A strong physical team Cameroon imposed themselves on the game from the first whistle. Up front they had Samuel Etoo leading the line and his break down the right hand side of Ireland’s defence led to the opening goal. He skipped passed Staunton leaving him on his backside, entered the penalty area and squared the ball to Mboma who placed the ball into the gaping goal. Ireland managed to reorganise themselves and snatched an equaliser in the second half, a crisply struck shot from Matt Holland (Keane’s replacement) from outside the box nestled into the bottom right hand corner of the net. An opening draw in the campaign and some relief that the team had not capitulated under the undue pressure that had preceded the match.
Next up were the ever resilient Germans. The Germans although lacking the skills of previous teams could never be written off. In the 19th minute they took the lead with a Klose goal. However after they went one nil up Germany sat back and tried to sit on their lead. In a poor game, but another determined performance saw Ireland snatch an equaliser in the 92nd minute. A long ball up to Niall Quinn (reminiscent of the old days), headed into the box and latched on to by Robbie Keane who slots the ball into the corner of the net. Another memorable moment as Ireland now just needed to beat Saudi Arabia to qualify for the next round.
In the third match of the group they did just that. With a few nervous moments at the beginning of the game Ireland went on to win the match 3-0 with goals from Robbie Keane, Gary Breen and Damien Duff. They may not have been at their best against the Saudis but the result saw them progress to the Second Round.
The Second Round was a mouth watering tie with Spain. The Spaniards had started the Finals brightly with three wins from three and most were comfortable, 3-1 on two occasions. So when Fernando Morientes headed in after only eight minutes things looked bleak. However the Spanish began to sit back and the Irish threw everything they had at the Spanish defence. There were signs of the defence creaking under the pressure and it did just that in the 62nd minute, Damien Duff fouled in the area, penalty. Up stepped Ian Harte… Casillas saves. The luck of the Irish seemed to be running out until the unlikeliest of events transpired, in the ninety second minute Robbie Keane was brought down in the box, another penalty. This time up stepped Robbie Keane…GOAL!
The match ended 1-1 and extra time got under way. With further twists Spain ended that game with nine men on the pitch not through ill discipline but injury. Although Ireland looked the more likely they could not press home their two man advantage. This would be a fatal error as the penalty shootout resulted in a win for Spain. Yet again the Irish had given it their all and their supporters admired them for it.
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Ireland v Holland 2001
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Mick McCarthy was appointed manager of Ireland after Charlton narrowly missed out on guiding Ireland to the Euro 96 Finals in England. On an emotional night which would be Charlton’s final game in charge, the Irish succumbed to a two nil defeat at the hands of the Dutch in a playoff. The team was now in transition, an ageing team had to make way for youth, and a long ball game had to make way for the now worldwide pass and move philosophy. It was McCarthy’s job to steady the ship and build on past successes. Unfortunately his immediate impact did not have a desired result. The Irish failed to qualify for the next two Tournaments, the World Cup in France 1998 and the Euros in Belgium and the Netherlands 2000. With some dismal performances in both qualifying campaigns although again narrowly missing out on both tournaments it was a disheartening period in Irish football until qualification for the World Cup in 2002.
In a qualification table including Portugal and Holland the Irish showed the fighting spirit of the previous era. With a mixture of some old stalwarts and youthful exuberance the team were not overawed. They finished the group in second place with the same points as winners Portugal and advanced to the World Cup Finals after a playoff with Iran. The qualification featured probably the greatest game ever played at Lansdowne Road not for flair or a flurry of goals but for drama. This game was against the Dutch, a nerve wracking nail biting match that no one who was there or who just watched in the pubs around the country will ever forget. To set the scene, the Dutch needed to win the game in order to keep their hopes alive, the Irish could not afford to lose. The Dutch team was filled with the superstars of the day, the De Boer brothers, Van Der Sar, Kluivert, Stam, Davids, Van Nistelrooy, and Seedorf. The Irish were underdogs with a capital ‘U’. They had managed a 2-2 draw away from home against the Dutch, a remarkable result but could they really prevent the Dutch from reaching the World Cup Finals?
If the Irish did not believe they didn’t show it spurred on by the best midfielder in the world Roy Keane, he did not let the Dutch breathe never mind pass the ball, undoubtedly his greatest performance in a green jersey. It may have been this over exuberance that caused the only moment of silence at that game, the moment Gary Kelly received a red card. Marc Overmars had been running rings round Kelly in the first half leading the Irish man to be yellow carded, the second half began as the first and thirteen minutes in a reckless tackle on Overmars again, saw Kelly see his second yellow of the game followed by the dreaded red. The Irish fans were disheartened but not silenced, the team were holding on to a nil all draw although the Dutch had missed chance after chance, it seemed only a matter of time. Shay Given was lucky not to concede a penalty when he seemed to bundle over Van Nistelrooy who surely would have been left with a simple tap in.
However a moment came that few are privileged enough to see in a football match. In the 67th minute Ireland for the first time in the half broke forward in numbers, Roy Keane led the charge, was strong on the ball, fouled, the ball breaks to Duff, ref waves play on, he spreads the ball wide to Finnan, he attacks Cocu down the right, forced to check back onto his left, crosses to the far post, and somehow it breaks to an unmarked Jason McAteer who on the half volley slots the ball past an imposing Van Der Sar. What a moment and the Lansdowne roar was never heard so loudly. For 23 and a bit minutes Ireland defended for their lives, eventually seeing out a one nil win. When the final whistle blew the Irish fans broke into a chorus of ‘Ten Men and we beat the Dutch’, few wanted to leave that stadium that day, even the Dutch fans, who played their part in the remarkable atmosphere, applauded as they had witnessed something special.
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Mick McCarthy was appointed manager of Ireland after Charlton narrowly missed out on guiding Ireland to the Euro 96 Finals in England. On an emotional night which would be Charlton’s final game in charge, the Irish succumbed to a two nil defeat at the hands of the Dutch in a playoff. The team was now in transition, an ageing team had to make way for youth, and a long ball game had to make way for the now worldwide pass and move philosophy. It was McCarthy’s job to steady the ship and build on past successes. Unfortunately his immediate impact did not have a desired result. The Irish failed to qualify for the next two Tournaments, the World Cup in France 1998 and the Euros in Belgium and the Netherlands 2000. With some dismal performances in both qualifying campaigns although again narrowly missing out on both tournaments it was a disheartening period in Irish football until qualification for the World Cup in 2002.
In a qualification table including Portugal and Holland the Irish showed the fighting spirit of the previous era. With a mixture of some old stalwarts and youthful exuberance the team were not overawed. They finished the group in second place with the same points as winners Portugal and advanced to the World Cup Finals after a playoff with Iran. The qualification featured probably the greatest game ever played at Lansdowne Road not for flair or a flurry of goals but for drama. This game was against the Dutch, a nerve wracking nail biting match that no one who was there or who just watched in the pubs around the country will ever forget. To set the scene, the Dutch needed to win the game in order to keep their hopes alive, the Irish could not afford to lose. The Dutch team was filled with the superstars of the day, the De Boer brothers, Van Der Sar, Kluivert, Stam, Davids, Van Nistelrooy, and Seedorf. The Irish were underdogs with a capital ‘U’. They had managed a 2-2 draw away from home against the Dutch, a remarkable result but could they really prevent the Dutch from reaching the World Cup Finals?
If the Irish did not believe they didn’t show it spurred on by the best midfielder in the world Roy Keane, he did not let the Dutch breathe never mind pass the ball, undoubtedly his greatest performance in a green jersey. It may have been this over exuberance that caused the only moment of silence at that game, the moment Gary Kelly received a red card. Marc Overmars had been running rings round Kelly in the first half leading the Irish man to be yellow carded, the second half began as the first and thirteen minutes in a reckless tackle on Overmars again, saw Kelly see his second yellow of the game followed by the dreaded red. The Irish fans were disheartened but not silenced, the team were holding on to a nil all draw although the Dutch had missed chance after chance, it seemed only a matter of time. Shay Given was lucky not to concede a penalty when he seemed to bundle over Van Nistelrooy who surely would have been left with a simple tap in.
However a moment came that few are privileged enough to see in a football match. In the 67th minute Ireland for the first time in the half broke forward in numbers, Roy Keane led the charge, was strong on the ball, fouled, the ball breaks to Duff, ref waves play on, he spreads the ball wide to Finnan, he attacks Cocu down the right, forced to check back onto his left, crosses to the far post, and somehow it breaks to an unmarked Jason McAteer who on the half volley slots the ball past an imposing Van Der Sar. What a moment and the Lansdowne roar was never heard so loudly. For 23 and a bit minutes Ireland defended for their lives, eventually seeing out a one nil win. When the final whistle blew the Irish fans broke into a chorus of ‘Ten Men and we beat the Dutch’, few wanted to leave that stadium that day, even the Dutch fans, who played their part in the remarkable atmosphere, applauded as they had witnessed something special.
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Irish Soccer Team USA 94
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The World Cup USA 94 was a heated affair both on and off the pitch. The sweltering heat had the entire Irish team running for refreshments during the match never mind at half time and many most notably Stan Staunton had turned beetroot in colour. The Irish had only qualified for the Finals after a late Alan McLaughlin goal against Northern Ireland in Windsor Park. The match probably one best forgotten due to its sectarian atmosphere, was aptly portrayed by Marie Jones’ in 'A Night in November'. However Ireland marched on after the 1-1 draw due to the fact that Spain had beaten Denmark that same night.
USA 94 was a mixed tournament on and off the field for Ireland and it could be said that this was the case for football in general. It saw the demise of one of the legends of world football Diego Maradonna. He was sent home after failing a drugs test which would be the last time we would see the Argentinean maestro on the world stage. Of much greater magnitude was the fate of a Colombian defender Escobar. Colombia who had been considered a dark horse to go all the way in the tournament were tamely knocked out in the group stages. Escobar had scored an own goal against the United States, a match they lost 2-1. Tragically he paid for this with his life ten days later when he was shot outside a pub in a Medellin suburb, Colombia.
Ireland was drawn in a group with Italy, Mexico and Norway. Their first match was against Italy their victors four years previously. In the Giants Stadium the Irish team walked tall as they recorded their first ever victory in the World Cup Finals. Yet another memorable day as Ray Houghton chests down a poor header from Franco Baresi, adjusts his feet, swings a left foot, the ball loops over Gianluca Pagliuca and dips under the bar and into the net. The goal celebration says it all and determination allowed the Irish to shut out the Italians and hold on to a one nil victory.
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Later on that day Irish fans and indeed the players would learn of the events at home which would overshadow that great occasion. Loyalist paramilitaries had gone into a pub full of people watching the Italy, Ireland match in Loughinisland, spraying the pub with bullets and in turn killing 6 people watching a football match. Players and fans alike were devastated as it marked another low point in Irish History and yet another atrocity added to the long list, carried out by both sides.
However the football continued and Ireland’s next match was against Mexico, a decent side which by no means lacked style as is characterised by their flamboyant Goalkeeper Campos. His jersey, designed by himself should not let us be distracted by the fact that he was one of the best Goalkeepers around at this time. It was always going to be a hard fought match with two contrasting styles, unfortunately Ireland lost out this time, going down to a 2-1 defeat. The match will be remembered more for outbursts on the touchline, as confusion and indeed a delay in John Aldridge coming on as substitute, led to rants and tempered exchanges with officials. The aftermath was that Aldridge finally came on and scored and Jack Charlton was suspended from the dugout for their next game against Norway.
The Norway game turned out to be a dull affair. Both teams lacking goals in their side and as both played similar styles it was inevitable that they would cancel each other out. The game ended nil nil, however results went their way in the other game as Mexico held Italy to a one all draw. With each team ending on four points Ireland managed to progress to the Second Round as a result of John Aldridge’s crucial goal in the defeat against Mexico.
The Second Round saw them pitched against the Dutch. The 4th July was the date and Orlando the setting. It was set up for another remarkable story, if Ireland beat a lacklustre Dutch team the prospect of playing the mighty Brazilians in the Quarters was mouth watering. However as most well laid plans end so did the hopes of the Irish team. A few defensive errors proved costly as Denis Bergkamp sent the Dutch on their way with 11 minutes on the clock and it got worse in the 41st minute when an innocuous hit and hope attempt by Jonk was fumbled by Packie Bonner into the back of the net. Unfortunately it would be the end of an era as we would not see many of the great Irish players play again on the world stage, including unbelievably Roy Keane. It was also the last tournament Jack Charlton would steer us to.
The World Cup USA 94 was a heated affair both on and off the pitch. The sweltering heat had the entire Irish team running for refreshments during the match never mind at half time and many most notably Stan Staunton had turned beetroot in colour. The Irish had only qualified for the Finals after a late Alan McLaughlin goal against Northern Ireland in Windsor Park. The match probably one best forgotten due to its sectarian atmosphere, was aptly portrayed by Marie Jones’ in 'A Night in November'. However Ireland marched on after the 1-1 draw due to the fact that Spain had beaten Denmark that same night.
USA 94 was a mixed tournament on and off the field for Ireland and it could be said that this was the case for football in general. It saw the demise of one of the legends of world football Diego Maradonna. He was sent home after failing a drugs test which would be the last time we would see the Argentinean maestro on the world stage. Of much greater magnitude was the fate of a Colombian defender Escobar. Colombia who had been considered a dark horse to go all the way in the tournament were tamely knocked out in the group stages. Escobar had scored an own goal against the United States, a match they lost 2-1. Tragically he paid for this with his life ten days later when he was shot outside a pub in a Medellin suburb, Colombia.
Ireland was drawn in a group with Italy, Mexico and Norway. Their first match was against Italy their victors four years previously. In the Giants Stadium the Irish team walked tall as they recorded their first ever victory in the World Cup Finals. Yet another memorable day as Ray Houghton chests down a poor header from Franco Baresi, adjusts his feet, swings a left foot, the ball loops over Gianluca Pagliuca and dips under the bar and into the net. The goal celebration says it all and determination allowed the Irish to shut out the Italians and hold on to a one nil victory.
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Later on that day Irish fans and indeed the players would learn of the events at home which would overshadow that great occasion. Loyalist paramilitaries had gone into a pub full of people watching the Italy, Ireland match in Loughinisland, spraying the pub with bullets and in turn killing 6 people watching a football match. Players and fans alike were devastated as it marked another low point in Irish History and yet another atrocity added to the long list, carried out by both sides.
However the football continued and Ireland’s next match was against Mexico, a decent side which by no means lacked style as is characterised by their flamboyant Goalkeeper Campos. His jersey, designed by himself should not let us be distracted by the fact that he was one of the best Goalkeepers around at this time. It was always going to be a hard fought match with two contrasting styles, unfortunately Ireland lost out this time, going down to a 2-1 defeat. The match will be remembered more for outbursts on the touchline, as confusion and indeed a delay in John Aldridge coming on as substitute, led to rants and tempered exchanges with officials. The aftermath was that Aldridge finally came on and scored and Jack Charlton was suspended from the dugout for their next game against Norway.
The Norway game turned out to be a dull affair. Both teams lacking goals in their side and as both played similar styles it was inevitable that they would cancel each other out. The game ended nil nil, however results went their way in the other game as Mexico held Italy to a one all draw. With each team ending on four points Ireland managed to progress to the Second Round as a result of John Aldridge’s crucial goal in the defeat against Mexico.
The Second Round saw them pitched against the Dutch. The 4th July was the date and Orlando the setting. It was set up for another remarkable story, if Ireland beat a lacklustre Dutch team the prospect of playing the mighty Brazilians in the Quarters was mouth watering. However as most well laid plans end so did the hopes of the Irish team. A few defensive errors proved costly as Denis Bergkamp sent the Dutch on their way with 11 minutes on the clock and it got worse in the 41st minute when an innocuous hit and hope attempt by Jonk was fumbled by Packie Bonner into the back of the net. Unfortunately it would be the end of an era as we would not see many of the great Irish players play again on the world stage, including unbelievably Roy Keane. It was also the last tournament Jack Charlton would steer us to.
Irish Soccer Team 1990
www.findirishpubs.com
After finishing second to Spain in the qualification table Ireland were on their way to Italia 90. We didn't play the most attractive style of football in that tournament but the team as we have become accustomed to showed great heart and determination. In a group including Holland England and Egypt the Irish managed to advance without winning a single match and only scoring two goals. A memorable one again against England , scored by Kevin Sheedy and a goal against the Dutch, another classic just for the expression on Packie Bonner's face a now familiar sight but one which encompasses the team spirit, when he put all he had into a long punt upfield characteristic of how we played, a poor clearance, a fortunate fumble, and a long leg of Niall Quinn sent the Irish into the Second Round.
The Second Round saw Ireland face Romania, again they were never going to do it the easy way. A tense nil nil draw and it came down to a penalty shoot out, could it be possible that a team in the world cup without winning a match and only scoring two goals could advance to the quarters, well as they say the rest is history. With eight penalties taken and eight goals scored, up stepped Daniel Timofte. A firmly struck penalty to the keepers bottom right hand corner, Saved, Packie Bonner will always be remembered for that moment the greatest of his career, however although exhilarated you can almost see the realisation on his face that the job was only half done, it still rested on one man's shoulders to do the unthinkable. This man was David O'Leary and can anyone forget the commentators infamous words before the ball was struck. 'The Nation holds its breath' and for that one moment I really think it did, a re-spot of the ball, an eternity, a side footed shot to the keepers left, the keepers gone right, and 'it's there'. Ireland through to the World Cup Quarter Finals.Next up were the Italians on there own turf, but first a more pressing matter, an audience with Pope John Paul II, this just added to the almost dream like occasion. I am sure people were asking themselves just that, was this a dream? Well it wasn't and Ireland lined up in a quarter final against a team which included legends such as Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, Toto Schillaci, Roberto Baggio, the list in fact could include their starting eleven. Well as much is to say the dream ended that night but it was certainly not a nightmare. The Italians won the game 1-0, a blistering shot from Donadoni could only be parried by Bonner and unfortunately it landed at the feet of Toto Schillaci, a prolific goalscorer, who slotted it into the empty net. The celebrations throughout Ireland in the pubs, homes and streets during that tournament will hopefully be repeated under our current manager in 2010. The homecoming just emphasised the great supporters this team has, undoubtedly the best in the world. It is said that Jack Charlton never had to buy another pint in Ireland after Italia '90, it was always on the house, I can believe that, a more interesting anecdote is that he used to offer to buy the whole pub a pint and would pay for it by cheque as he knew the owner of the bar would not cash it instead opting to frame it on the wall. Whether true or not it just adds to the legend and character of Big Jack.Watch the Video of Irelands Italia 90 Heroics
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After finishing second to Spain in the qualification table Ireland were on their way to Italia 90. We didn't play the most attractive style of football in that tournament but the team as we have become accustomed to showed great heart and determination. In a group including Holland England and Egypt the Irish managed to advance without winning a single match and only scoring two goals. A memorable one again against England , scored by Kevin Sheedy and a goal against the Dutch, another classic just for the expression on Packie Bonner's face a now familiar sight but one which encompasses the team spirit, when he put all he had into a long punt upfield characteristic of how we played, a poor clearance, a fortunate fumble, and a long leg of Niall Quinn sent the Irish into the Second Round.
The Second Round saw Ireland face Romania, again they were never going to do it the easy way. A tense nil nil draw and it came down to a penalty shoot out, could it be possible that a team in the world cup without winning a match and only scoring two goals could advance to the quarters, well as they say the rest is history. With eight penalties taken and eight goals scored, up stepped Daniel Timofte. A firmly struck penalty to the keepers bottom right hand corner, Saved, Packie Bonner will always be remembered for that moment the greatest of his career, however although exhilarated you can almost see the realisation on his face that the job was only half done, it still rested on one man's shoulders to do the unthinkable. This man was David O'Leary and can anyone forget the commentators infamous words before the ball was struck. 'The Nation holds its breath' and for that one moment I really think it did, a re-spot of the ball, an eternity, a side footed shot to the keepers left, the keepers gone right, and 'it's there'. Ireland through to the World Cup Quarter Finals.Next up were the Italians on there own turf, but first a more pressing matter, an audience with Pope John Paul II, this just added to the almost dream like occasion. I am sure people were asking themselves just that, was this a dream? Well it wasn't and Ireland lined up in a quarter final against a team which included legends such as Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, Toto Schillaci, Roberto Baggio, the list in fact could include their starting eleven. Well as much is to say the dream ended that night but it was certainly not a nightmare. The Italians won the game 1-0, a blistering shot from Donadoni could only be parried by Bonner and unfortunately it landed at the feet of Toto Schillaci, a prolific goalscorer, who slotted it into the empty net. The celebrations throughout Ireland in the pubs, homes and streets during that tournament will hopefully be repeated under our current manager in 2010. The homecoming just emphasised the great supporters this team has, undoubtedly the best in the world. It is said that Jack Charlton never had to buy another pint in Ireland after Italia '90, it was always on the house, I can believe that, a more interesting anecdote is that he used to offer to buy the whole pub a pint and would pay for it by cheque as he knew the owner of the bar would not cash it instead opting to frame it on the wall. Whether true or not it just adds to the legend and character of Big Jack.Watch the Video of Irelands Italia 90 Heroics
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Irish Soccer Team
www.findirishpubs.com
History of Irish Soccer:
The Irish team made its competitive debut at the 1924 Olympics and in the process they reached the quarter finals. Between 1924 and 1936 the team competed as the Irish Free State and from then until 1950 the team was known as Ireland. After some confusion as the north of Ireland and the south were both called Ireland and the fact that players were playing for both sides FIFA intervened and after 1950 the team became known as the Republic of Ireland and this remains the case today.
The Republics greatest era came under the management of Jack Charlton 1986-1995, during his reign we qualified for the 1988 European Championships in Germany, 1990 World Cup Finals in Italy and the USA 1994 World Cup. Not only did the Irish qualify but they left there mark on each championship they qualified for. In the 1988 European Championships in Germany the Irish failed to advance from the Group stages but with only 8 teams in the competition Ireland finished a very respectable 5th. It also provided the Irish fans with the first but not the last great moment in Irish football. Who put the ball in the English net? Watch the video below to find out.
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History of Irish Soccer:
The Irish team made its competitive debut at the 1924 Olympics and in the process they reached the quarter finals. Between 1924 and 1936 the team competed as the Irish Free State and from then until 1950 the team was known as Ireland. After some confusion as the north of Ireland and the south were both called Ireland and the fact that players were playing for both sides FIFA intervened and after 1950 the team became known as the Republic of Ireland and this remains the case today.
The Republics greatest era came under the management of Jack Charlton 1986-1995, during his reign we qualified for the 1988 European Championships in Germany, 1990 World Cup Finals in Italy and the USA 1994 World Cup. Not only did the Irish qualify but they left there mark on each championship they qualified for. In the 1988 European Championships in Germany the Irish failed to advance from the Group stages but with only 8 teams in the competition Ireland finished a very respectable 5th. It also provided the Irish fans with the first but not the last great moment in Irish football. Who put the ball in the English net? Watch the video below to find out.
>
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