The subject of one of the greatest songs in Irish football history (to the tune of The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine), on 9th August 2006 Gary Breen called it a day on the international stage.
With his Mother from Kerry and Father from Clare, Breen may have been born and raised in London, but he always dreamed of growing up to represent Ireland. He even declined a call up to the England Under-21 squad, such was his determination to play for the boys in green.
Enjoying a twenty-year club career which included stints at Gillingham, Peterborough United, Coventry City and West Ham United, Breen played 552 club games and scored 13 goals. He also enjoyed a decade of working alongside Mick McCarthy at Sunderland, Wolves, and of course, Ireland.
Winning 63 caps for Ireland, Breens class at Birmingham City won him a call up to the national team. He made his debut on 29th May 1996 in a game against Portugal at Lansdowne Road and on 5th June 1996 he scored his first goal for his country against the Netherlands in Rotterdam.
Whilst at Coventry City, Breens form secured him a place on the plane for Ireland’s participation at World Cup 2002 in Japan/South Korea. Playing every minute of the tournament (in games against Cameroon, Germany, Saudi Arabia and Spain), Breen scored the second goal in the 3-0 group stage win over Saudi Arabia. Interestingly, as a free agent, Breen had agreed to join Inter Milan after the World Cup (Inter had allegedly fended off interest from Barcelona no less!), but unfortunately he failed a medical due to an issue with his knee. He has openly spoken about his disappointment with the move falling through.
Since hanging up his boots, Breen transitioned into coaching with Barnet and Peterborough, and he is also a respected pundit.
Ireland fans show an authentic warmth towards a player who gave his all in the green jersey, and who genuinely appreciated the opportunity to represent his country on the biggest stage of all. A boyhood dream fulfilled.