History of Irish Soccer

Ray Houghton Celebrating his famous Goal against England.

Early years-

The history of soccer In Ireland can be traced back to as early as 1878. The Irish soccer team first made their debut at the 1924 Olympics. The team competed as an Irish free state from 1924 until 1950 where during these years they were referred to as either Eire or Ireland. It wasn't until 1953 when fifa came to an agreement that they could be officially known as the Republic of Ireland . It has competed under that name ever since then. Legendary Irish Manager Jack Charlton.

Italia 1990-

The world cup in 1990 was where the famous chant of Put Em under Pressure came from. As Charlton lead Ireland to the quarter finals on the biggest competition in the world the Fifa World Cup. Along the way Packie Bonner made himself an all time Ireland legend as he famously saved the penalty in the last 16 against Romania which famously sent the nation to the quarter finals

1986– 1995-

The nearly decade long spam between the years of 1986 and 1995 are known as the golden generation for the Irish soccer team. Prior to these years the Republic Of Ireland was just seen as another small nation that was not able to compete on a global scale with the other nations. It was in fact an England World cup winner from 1966 Jack Charlton who came in and truly transformed the Irish soccer scene for the better. Jack Charlton was able to bring in a philosophy which he had developed and learned in while coaching in England. This has an immediate impact and saw the Republic of Ireland qualify for two World cups and a European Championship. Charlton had developed a style of play which had never been seen before and was able to put Ireland onto a global scale for the first time in its Soccer history. Ireland would go on to create some of the magical moments ever.

Who put the ball in the English net-

One of the most legendary goals in the history of Irish soccer came on the countries competitive debut in 1988. Ireland went up against a much fancied England sides. However in one of the biggest shocks in European football, Ray Houghton popped up to score the only goal of the game. That has since been known as Who put the ball in the English net. Packie Bonner legendary Irish keeper from Italia 1990 World cup.

2000-2019 Years-

The early 2000s followed on from what Jack Charlton had Built. Under the leadership of Mick Mccarthy Ireland qualified for the 2002 World cup in Japan. They once again gripped the whole nation as they surprisingly made it all the way to the last 16 losing to Spain on Penalties. They were driven on and lead by Robbie Keane who would go on to become captain and all time top scorer for the Country

Robbie Keane former Captain and all time top scorer for the Country However like all good things the good times would come to an end for a while. After the 2002 World cup despite Robbie Keane smashing in goals the Republic of Ireland would fail to qualify for a tournament until Martin Oneill stepped in. Martin Oneill came in and steadied the ship and helped to guide the country to back to back European championships in 2012 and 2016 making the last sixteen in the latter one Oneill would then step down in 2019.

Former Republic Of Ireland boss Martin Oneill

2019-Now

In 2019 Mick Mccarthy took over for a second spell that was meant to last until the end of 2021. However due to the covid pandemic he left and Stephen Kenny is now in charge. It has been a rough start for Kenny but he is grabbing the nations attention once again as he goes for the approach of youth in his team which everyone is fully on board with.

Stephen Kenny current manager of the Republic Of Ireland