A feature-length film about former Republic of Ireland manager Jack Charlton is set to be released next year, marking 30 years since Italia ’90. The film is being produced by the Noah Media Group, who are responsible for the documentaries, Bobby Robson: More Than A Manager and Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans, and it is reported that former Ireland captain Andy …
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Joe Schmidt has capped off an amazing 2018 as Ireland head coach by winning the Philips Sports Manager of the Year award for the second time. Schmidt beat off some strong competition from coaches in other disciplines to win the award given to the top coach in Ireland each year. Other nominees included Graham Shaw, the head coach of the Irish women’s …
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In the second of an eight-part World Cup series, Jordan Norris takes us back to Italia 90, where Ireland shocked the world by reaching the quarter-finals.
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Ireland take on Turkey on Friday afternoon with a number of new faces in tow looking to become the latest to pull on the green jersey (or white, probably, it being an away game and all). Aaron McCarey, Kieran O’Hara, Matt Doherty, Declan Rice, Enda Stevens, Derrick Williams, Darragh Lenihan and Scott Hogan are the uncapped players in the squad …
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In a BBC documentary looking back at the great career and life of Sir Bobby Charlton, the Manchester United legend’s brother, Jack, has described how his family discovered Bobby had survived the Munich air disaster. On February 6, 1958 the ‘Busby Babes’, along with supporters, journalists, other passengers and crew members, boarded a plane bound for Manchester from Munich, however 23 …
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The Republic of Ireland face a potentially group defining match in World Cup qualifying against Wales at The Aviva Stadium on Friday (kick-off: 7.45pm). If the home side can return three points from this hugely anticipated fixture, it could set them up for a magical adventure next summer after the largely enjoyable experience at the 2016 European Championships in France. …
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When we think back to USA ’94, it’s hard to look past that astonishing victory over Italy. We often reminisce joyously about McGrath frustrating Roberto Baggio, Ray Houghton confounding Gianluca Pagliuca and Jack Charlton berating every nearby FIFA official. It’s quite easy to forget whatever else occurred during that tournament. We prefer to envisage the team as heroes and the …
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Following Ireland’s exploits at Euro 2016, the majority of fans are delighted to have Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane remain at the helm for the upcoming World Cup campaign. The hopes of our fervent fans can be quite erratic. Initially, much wasn’t expected from our boys; drawn in a tough group, the sour taste of Euro 2012 lingered and reminded us not to …
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With Swedish side Kalmar FF signing Viktor Elm, giving them a monopoly on the Elm family’s footballing fortunes. Kalmar FF now have all three Elm’s at the club as Viktor joins Rasmus and David. So, that got Sarah Fitzpatrick pondering who are the best footballing brothers of all time? 8. Eden & Thorgan Hazard Belgium is known in recent …
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Top 5 lists rarely feature Irish goalkeepers…..and for good reason because after an extensive search we are stuck on three. Legends Shay Given and Packie Bonner are automatic choices for the list, but in the dark old days before Ireland’s first glorious foray into a major tournament – Euro ’88 – there are few stand-out performers that demand inclusion. Outside …
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Conor Heffernan looks back at the time Ireland faced up to the world champions prior to the 1994 World Cup. This coming Tuesday will see the Republic of Ireland face off against the mighty Germans once more and hopes for an Irish victory are well…non-existent. This time two years ago saw Germany humiliate Ireland with a 6-1 defeat in Dublin …
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“Put em Under Pressure” – Jack Charlton Italia 90, the two sweetest words in the English language. The Republic had yet to experience something called the Celtic Tiger but there was still an optimism in the air. Following a strong début in Euro ’88 and qualification for the World Cup in 1990 Irish fans south of the border were on a …
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Conor Heffernan discusses the historic appointment of Jack Charlton as the first non-Irish manager of the Republic of Ireland football team. “Basically it’s all football.” –Jack Charlton Fans of Irish football take notice, for 1986 was perhaps the most important year in the recent footballing history of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. During this year two momentous events …
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James Fenton discusses the possibility of West Ham’s Mark Noble lining out for the Boys In Green, a notion that has gathered pace in recent days. Farkin’ ‘ell, I can’t Adam & Eve it. One of the East End’s toppest geezers has only gone and picked up the dog and bone and declared he wants to play for Ireland now …
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Bonner parries it, it spills across the 6 yard box, Schillaci…1-0 Italy. Little old Ireland punching above its weight amongst the pantheon of World Cup football, bringing their own brand of enthusiasm with a sea of green taking up every RTE news segment back home. As George Hamilton poured every ounce of passion into each spoken word, he gripped the …
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