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Ireland to face Kazakhstan and Belgium/Poland to Qualify for Brazil 2027
Adam Schmitz reflects on today's play-off draw which shows us Ireland's path to next summer's World Cup. The Republic of Ireland will face Kazakhstan in the playoff semi-finals on the road to secure a place in next summer’s World Cup in Brazil. The two legged...
4 Questions for the Group A Teams to Answer ahead of Matchday 2
With Matchday 2 of the 2026 World Cup kicking off this afternoon, Mark Lynch runs us through four key questions that will be answered over the next 24 hours of Group A football. We are off and running. The 2026 Fifa World Cup is here and last week we saw an opening...
An Irishman Through and Through
110 appearances. 8 goals. Kevin Kilbane has rightly earned himself legend status amongst Irish fans. While a youth player, Kilbane was called up to the England under 18 squad but declined as he had always wished to represent Ireland. Although born in Preston,...
Amber Barrett Strikes Late as Ireland Stun Netherlands and Take Control of World Cup Destiny
A late Amber Barrett winner gave Ireland a famous victory over the Netherlands a team ranked in the top 10 of Fifas Women's World Rankings and left Irelands World Cup destiny in their own hands as they head to Grenoble for a game against France where victory would...
Oisin Gallagher Called Up To Ireland U21 Squad As Adam Brennan Withdraws Through Injury
Republic of Ireland U-21 Manager Jim Crawford has confirmed that Oisin Gallagher has been called up to the Irish U-21 squad in place of Shamrock Rovers Adam Brennan who has been withdrawn due to injury from the squad for the two upcoming games against Moldova on...
In Praise of Darragh Maloney (and a hat-tip to Hamilton)
It was the GAA that first sparked my fascination with Darragh Maloney. We Tyronies were never off the TV or far from GAA HQ in our halcyon era of the noughties, and accompanying us on those heady days was Maloney himself; the man for the big occasion in Croke Park....
17 Days Out: How Ireland’s Squad Is Shaping Up Ahead of a Defining Playoff
As we now sit less than 17 days from the biggest game in Irish football in a long, long time, I thought it was time to pick up my pen or more accurately, my keyboard and get some thoughts down ahead of it. The closer the game gets, the harder it is to get it off my...
Brave Ireland fall just short against France as super sub Melard breaks Irish hearts in Tallaght
Ireland put in a very good performance but ultimately was undone by super-sub Melvine Melards two second-half goals as France drew first blood in World Cup Qualification group A2. Ireland started brightly - in the 3rd minute Emily Murphys run was checked by De Almeida...
Girls in Green Face World-Class Test as France Visit Tallaght
It's not just the field that's been narrowed ahead of tonight's game in Tallaght between the Republic of Ireland and France in the Women's World Cup...
Aviva Stalemate: Bohs and St Pat’s Cancel Each Other Out in Drab Dublin Derby
Image: Sportsfile Bohemians and St Patricks Athletic played out a fairly tepid scoreless draw at the Aviva Stadium this afternoon in a game with few chances as Bohemians looked the most likely to shade it over the ninety minutes with a sizable chunk of the possession....
The Nations League 2026/2027 Draw – All you need to know
The draw for the fifth edition of the Nations League takes place on Thursday 12th February 2026. Here is all the information that you need to know! What is the Nations League? The UEFA Nations League was designed to minimise meaningless friendlies and give nations...
Derry City Lay Down Marker as Markey Seals Presidents Cup Glory
PHOTO: Kieran Morrison Derry City sent a message tonight to the rest of the league that they mean business as they overcame the double champions Shamrock Rovers 1-0 to lift the Presidents Cup on a chilly January night in Tallaght. Darragh Markey scored the only goal...
Who Replaces Josh Cullen? Ireland’s Midfield Dilemma Ahead of March
Heimir Hallgrímsson is in desperate search of a defensive midfielder after Josh Cullen suffered an ACL tear in late December. Many names have been thrown into consideration, but who should be lining out for Ireland in March? Cullen started five of...
Saipan on Screen: The Feud That Shook Irish Football
It was a seismic event that happened in May 2002 on a tiny island in the Pacific Ocean. A drama that divided the nation and split the population between team Keane and team McCarthy. And now it has been given the silver screen treatment. Directors Lisa Barros...
Prodigious Parrott became an Irish hero when the nation desperately needed one
Just before 4pm Irish time yesterday, it looked as though as though the country’s hopes of a place at the 2026 World Cup were about to end. The heroic display against Portugal two and a half days previously seemed to have been in vein. They hadn’t delivered the same...
Did it really happen? Yes, it did!
CREDIT: SPORTSFILE Four of the most remarkable days in Irish football history. Pride restored. A new hero is born. And fans are dreaming of a return to the biggest stage of all for the first time since 2002. On Thursday night just before kick-off against...
Portugal & Hungary Fanzine 2025
Hey folks, please check out our Ireland V Portugal & Hungary fanzine with useful tips and advice for those of you travelling to Portugal & Hungary with the Boys in Green! Useful links inside. Download Thank you, you wonderful people. Lansdowne Roar...
Is winning meant to feel like this?
Are you meant to come away from a World Cup qualifying win feeling disgusted with the manager and questioning if some of the players are all that bothered about whether they make it to a major tournament or not? Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Armenia keeps Ireland’s hopes...
The Undefeated Champions of Moral Victories – However, Armenia is the REAL Test
11 October 2025; Republic of Ireland players, from left, John Egan, Josh Cullen, Dara O'Shea and Nathan Collins react after conceding their first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland at Estádio José...
Portugal & Armenia Fanzine 2025
Hey folks, please check out our Ireland V Portugal & Armenia fanzine with useful tips and advice for those of you travelling to Portugal & Armenia with the Boys in Green! Useful links inside. Download Thank you, you wonderful people. Lansdowne Roar...
‘House Private, No Visitors.’ Ireland die quietly during Apocalypse in Armenia
COPYRIGHT: Sportsfile The 1996 film ‘Crash’ follows a group of degenerates who are aroused by car crashes, horrendous accidents, and near-death experiences. Irish football fans must enjoy a similar perversion, as it’s the only way to explain why we keep watching these...
Record-Breaker Noonan Fires Ireland U21s to Victory
Michael Noonan (right) celebrates his goal with Ireland teammate Trent Kone-Doherty. James Lawlor/INPHO Under 21 sides have often given forlorn Ireland supporters cause for optimism in recent years throughout some bleak times for the senior side, with talented players...
One Point Saved or Two Points Lost?
Two points dropped or one point gained. When the ref blew the final whistle on Saturday night, I wasn’t quite sure. Having had time to digest Ireland’s opener over the last 48 hours, I still can’t decide. Football evolves and changes all the time; however, certain...
Older Posts
Ireland found their appetite for football, eventually, after Hungary scare
Halloween is still over seven weeks away, but at half-time on Saturday evening RTÉ’s Ritchie Sadlier observed that “a horror show” had been unfolding on the pitch. The ghost of the 2002 World Cup Qualifying campaign had teased us all this week, and the slow...
LOI First Division Matchday 30 Preview: Will Dundalk Bounce Back After Disappointing Kerry Draw?
Photo by Lukas Erbelding This weekend, all eyes will certainly be on the World Cup qualifier between Ireland and Hungary. But before the clash on Saturday at Lansdowne Road, LOI fans can also look forward to matchday 30 in the First Division this Friday. Bray...
Armenia Fanzine 2025
Hey folks, please check out our Ireland V Armenia fanzine with useful tips and advice for those of you travelling to Armenia with the Boys in Green! Useful links inside. Download Thank you, you wonderful people. Lansdowne Roar Team
LOI First Division Matchday 29 Preview: Treaty United Feel the Pressure From the Back
Photo by Lukas Erbelding League leaders Dundalk already have an eight-point lead over their closest rival, Cobh Ramblers, in the First Division. In their home game against Kerry, the Lilywhites do not want to rest on their laurels. Meanwhile, some exciting clashes are...
The European Dream Isn’t Over Yet for Athlone Town
The Athlone Town Women's side after their victory against Agram Zagreb. Photo by Lukas Erbelding Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne both have qualified for the group stage of the UEFA Conference League after their victories against CD Santa Clara and Linfield. By doing...
LOI First Division Matchday 28 Preview: Can Treaty Surprise the League Leaders for a Fourth Time?
Photo by Lukas Erbelding Due to the FAI Cup, there were no games in the First Division last weekend. However, all teams are back in league action this Friday night. Cobh Ramblers vs UCD The Rams were surprisingly defeated 2-0 by Kerry in the cup and will now be...
LOI First Division Matchday 27 Preview: Bray and Cobh Preparing for a Top Clash at Carlisle Grounds
Photo by Lukas Erbelding The decisive phase is slowly but surely beginning for the First Division teams. There are only ten matchdays left to achieve the goals set before the season. Tonight's most interesting encounter will certainly be held in Bray. Bray Wanderers...
LOI First Division Matchday 26 Preview: It’s Not the Men’s Team That Impresses for Athlone
Photo by Lukas Erbelding The First Division teams have no time to catch their breath. After the games on Friday, matchday 26 will already take place on Monday. Athlone Town vs UCD The Athlone Town women's team has been making waves in the Champions League qualifiers...
LOI First Division Matchday 25 Preview: Euphoria in Bray and a Tough Task for Dundalk
Photo by Lukas Erbelding It's a busy weekend ahead for the First Division teams, with matchdays being scheduled for tonight and also for Monday afternoon. Our preview for the Friday games: Bray Wanderers vs Treaty United The third-placed Seagulls have been impressing...
LOI First Division Matchday 24 Preview: League Leaders Dundalk in Need of Reaction After Recent Defeats
Photo by Lukas Erbelding Last week, the First Division teams were in action in the second round of the FAI Cup. Now, league football is back, with four games being played tonight and one game scheduled for Saturday evening. Athlone Town vs Treaty United Both teams...
Why Irish Football Needs Ferguson’s Roma Move To Work Out As Much As Evan Does
Evan Ferguson completed his loan move to Roma yesterday from Brighton. The deal involves a buy option of €40 million should Roma wish to exercise this at the end of the season. The reaction to the move has been varying and has somewhat exposed the tunnel vision...
Ozhianvuna Announces Himself as Rovers Ease Past Wexford
A cup run that may end up in glitz and glamour for Shamrock Rovers at the Aviva in November started tonight with an ultimately straight-forward win over a Wexford side who fought valiantly for the first three-quarters of the game. The tie will likely be remembered...
Making the Jump Abroad: Why more Irish Players should follow in Callum O’Dowda’s Footsteps
As Cardiff City were relegated to League 1 after finishing dead last on the final day of the 2024-25 EFL Championship season, a 30-year-old found Callum O’Dowda himself at a crossroads. Long gone are the days where Martin O'Neill praised the then youngster, who,...
Clarke’s Brilliance Powers Bohs to First Home Win Over Galway in a Decade
The last time these two sides met at Dalymount Park, Moses Dyer mightn’t have even known where Cambodia was, and the Bohemians fans were turning against Alan Reynolds after another painful defeat. Oh how times change. The first half tonight under the beating sun was...
Waterford extend gap to Munster rivals Cork with shutout win
Waterford regained Munster bragging rights as they pushed themselves fifteen points clear of provincial rivals Cork City in the League of Ireland Premier Division following a two nil victory at the RSC. The early pressure came from the visitors as they put Waterford...
LOI First Division Matchday 23 Preview: A Huge Clash in Bray and A New Owner for Athlone Town
Photo by Lukas Erbelding While only three games are scheduled in the Premier Division over the weekend, a full matchday is taking place in the First Division. The highlight is likely to be the crunch meeting between Bray Wanderers and league leaders Dundalk. Bray...
LOI in Europe – What We Are Up Against
It's the week that for League of Ireland fan feels a bit like Christmas especially for fans and players alike of the teams involved. This year of course instead of four teams taking the European plunge there are just three as Drogheda United fell foul of UEFAs multi-...
Why Andrew Moran Is the Key to Ireland’s Future
The Irish national team has, for years, lacked a true creative outlet, someone capable of producing a moment of magic when it matters most. The kind of player who can turn a game with a single action. That missing piece might just be Andrew Moran....
Mikey Johnston Set for Stunning Move to Flamengo
In what can only be described as the shock move of the summer transfer window, Mikey Johnston is set to sign for Brazilian giants Flamengo. According to the Express & Star, the 26-year-old will join the Brasileiro Série A side in a deal worth around £5 million - a...
Why Ireland MUST Start Well In September
When the draw was made for the qualifiers for World Cup 2026 on 13th December 2024, Ireland was drawn in Group F alongside Portugal, Hungary, and Armenia. Group winners qualify for the World Cup. Sixteen teams (twelve group runners-up and four best Nations League...
LOI First Division Matchday 22 Preview: Wexford Announce Signing of Five New Players
After a narrow victory against Cobh, table-toppers Dundalk have reinforced their claims for direct promotion. Ahead of today's game against Kerry, the Lilywhites announced another signing for their squad. However, some other First Division teams were also quite active...
Brennan Inspires, Clarke Rescues, but Bohs Left to Reflect
Bohemians must reflect on a failure to build on their derby day victory after a draw against Sligo Rovers in Phibsborough tonight. The game got off to a flowing start, with good chances for each side inside the opening 10 minutes. This continued when Ross Tierney...
LOI First Division Matchday 21 Preview: Dundalk and Cobh Fight for the Top Spot at Oriel Park
Photo by Clare McCahill The crunch meeting of matchday 21 in the First Division takes place at Oriel Park. But just before the clash with second-placed Cobh Ramblers, table-toppers Dundalk seem to have lost their form in the last couple of weeks. Athlone Town vs Bray...
The departed: The success of the coaches who jumped the Kenny/Andrews ship
Keith Andrews looks set to take over at Brentford, succeeding Thomas Frank following his brief stint as set-piece coach. The 44 year old would be stepping into his first role in management but as Ireland fans know, his highest profile role to date was cutting his...
Five Irish Stars Who Need a Summer Move
With the summer Transfer Window well and truly underway, Irish fans will be paying close attention to any possible moves for our Boys in Green. After a bland few years of underwhelming transfers for Irish internationals, there has certainly an upturn in the last...
From Mourinho’s Apprentice to Shelbourne’s Architect – Duff Walks Away
20 June 2025; Shelbourne manager Damien Duff at the final whistle in the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Shelbourne and Derry City at Tolka Park in Dublin. Photo by Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile The world of the league of Ireland has had plenty of ups...
LOI First Division Matchday 20 Preview: Longford and Athlone Looking for a Win in the Midlands El Clasico
It's a rapid-fire pace in the First Division. After matchday 19 on Friday, the next five games in the league are already scheduled for this evening. Bray Wanderers vs UCD The Seagulls are still in third place, but they have recently suffered two consecutive defeats....
Paul Nebel: A German Talent and His Talks with the FAI
Currently, Paul Nebel is getting the chance to showcase himself on the international stage. With the Germany national under-21 team, he is participating in the European Championship in Slovakia. After three victories in the group stage, he and his team will face Italy...
LOI First Division Matchday 19 Preview: Will Treaty United Surprise Dundalk for a Third Time?
It's a busy weekend ahead for the First Division teams, with matchdays being scheduled for Friday and Monday. Tonight, the most interesting clash might take place at Oriel Park, where league leaders Dundalk welcome an opponent they haven't really been comfortable with...
League of Ireland Returns: European Heartbreak and Premier Division Showdowns
The break has gone by fairly fast but its fair to say the events of the past 30 or so hours for the League of Ireland have put a bit of a dampner on things. At least tonight offers a bit of a domestic bliss for the League with 4 Premier League matches to be played....
LOI First Division Matchday 18 Preview: Ian Ryan Gives His Debut as Athlone Town Boss
After the international break, League of Ireland football finally returns to action tonight. Just like in the Premier Division, four of the five First Division encounters will be played this Friday. One game, Cobh's visit at Longford, will be held on Saturday evening....
Boys in Green not cut out for that Lux Life…just yet.
We were daring to dream about Budapest. We’d write a book and call it, ‘Our Night in November’. Manners would be put on Ronaldo in the Aviva too, and, whilst we were at it, ‘feck the play-offs’; we’d go on ahead and win the bloody group. Last night, those people with...
Luxembourg Fanzine 2025
Hey folks, please check out our Ireland V Luxembourg fanzine with useful tips and advice for those of you travelling to Luxembourg with the Boys in Green! Useful links inside. Download Thank you, you wonderful people. Lansdowne Roar Team
Title Race Tease: Contenders or Pretenders?
4 April 2025; Greg Cunningham of Galway United in action against Aaron McEneff of Shamrock Rovers during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Galway United and Shamrock Rovers at Eamonn Deacy Park in Galway. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile One...
LOI First Division Matchday 17 Preview: Dundalk Eager to Go Undefeated into Mid-Season Break
It's the last matchday before the mid-season break in the First Division, and league leaders Dundalk are determined to stay undefeated in their seventeenth run-out of the year. While the Railwaymen play at Wexford, there are four more interesting games that will go...
Gavin McAteer: Ballybofey’s Very Own Mason Melia?
Born in 2008 – when Bertie Ahern and his dreams of the Bertie Bowl were still very much alive and well – Gavin Mcateer is today just 16 years of age, but he is already bringing a much needed spark back to “The Pride of the Northwest”. Since making his league debut at...
The Maturation of a Team: Are Ireland Finally Ready?
Almost a year into his reign as Ireland manager, Heimir Hallgrímsson is proving himself to be an interesting character and a fascinating speaker. Over the last week or so, since his latest squad announcement, he has discussed topics such as his plans to invite Roy...
Five Irishmen Who Made Their Mark at Liverpool
With Liverpool lifting the Premier League trophy this weekend, we take a look at some of the boys in green who have donned the famous red jersey and graced the Anfield turf. 1. Steve Heighway Born in Dublin, raised in England, and immortalised in a terrace song...
Martin’s Hat-Trick Powers Shels Past Sligo in Tolka Thriller
John Martin of Shelbourne with the match ball after scoring a hat-trick in his side's victory over Sligo Rovers at Tolka Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile The atmosphere at Tolka Park before this clash between mid-table Shels and bottom side Sligo...
Title Race Takes Shape: Rovers Out Front, But For How Long?
It's taken a while but are we finally beginning to see a semblance of a picture forming in the LOI Premier Division title race? From the peloton of teams that we had at the start of the month Shamrock Rovers appear to have taken on the role of frontrunner albeit with...
Irish Winners of the UEFA Cup: A Look Back Through the Years
With Wednesday’s Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham now behind us, I thought it would be a good time to look back at five Irish players who have found success in Europe’s second-tier competition. 71/72 Joe Kinnear - Tottenham Hotspur Ireland...
LOI First Division Matchday 16 Preview: Tumultuous Days for Athlone Ahead of Home Fixture against Cobh
After 15 games played, league leaders Dundalk are still unbeaten in the LOI First Division. However, it was bottom-placed club Athlone Town who produced some interesting headlines during the last couple of days. Athlone Town vs Cobh Ramblers It was a fairly eventful...
LOI Preview: Crunch Time for Shelbourne, Cruise Control for Rovers?
Apologies to anybody who was waiting for my Friday Night LOI Predictions Preview that normally appears on a Friday evening, unfortunately something happened to me that I was not able to predict namely that I was waylaid with a stomach virus for the entire weekend....
Rovers Unbeaten in Five with Hard Fought Win in Waterford
Waterford kicked off at the RSC in front of a boisterous home crowd looking to make it five league wins in a row. The opponents Shamrock Rovers were also in good form and looking to make it three wins on the spin. An interesting night lie await in the south-east with...
LOI First Division Matchday 15 Preview: Can Cobh Ramblers Draw Level With the League Leaders?
It's another matchday and another crunch meeting for table-toppers Dundalk in the First Division. This time, the Railwaymen will be challenged by a strong Cobh Ramblers side tonight at St Colman's Park. Bray Wanderers vs Athlone Town Last week, the Seagulls nearly...
Shamrock Rovers Sweep Aside Drogheda to Go Top
Aaron Greene and Danny Grant celebrate the striker's 101st League of Ireland goal at Tallaght Stadium. Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile Shamrock Rovers knocked Drogheda off the top of the table with what was ultimately quite a comfortable victory over this season’s...
Waterford Snap Losing Streak Against Galway
Recent foes Waterford and Galway United took to the field at the Regional Sports Centre on matchday 15 of the 2025 League of Ireland Premier Division season knowing a win for either side could springboard their club into the top half of the most enthralling topflight...
The GOAT Chase Continues: LOI Predictions as the Title Race Tightens
Never let it be said that life doesn't give you symmetry! Tonight marks the last episode of the Late Late Show for the year- just as well that we have new kings of the Late Late Show now- I am of course talking about Alan Reynolds and his Bohemians team who from the...
Irish Football Legends Pour Pints and Celebrate Fans at Jameson and PUMA Launch Party
In an inspired blend of football culture and Irish hospitality, three of Ireland’s most beloved footballers swapped the pitch for the pub last Friday night. Shay Given, Ian Harte, and Clinton Morrison rolled up their sleeves to serve drinks behind the bar at The Dog...
LOI First Division Matchday 14 Preview: A Trend-Setting Crunch Meeting at Oriel Park
14 March 2025; Aodh Dervin of Dundalk in action against Calum Costello of Bray Wanderers during the SSE Airtricity Men's First Division match between Bray Wanderers and Dundalk at Carlisle Grounds in Bray, Wicklow. Photo by Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile Matchday 14 in the...
Andy Townsend? Definitely for me Clive
Credit - scoopnest.com Recently we asked the question. Was Andy Townsend an underrated player for Ireland? I think that would be a resounding yes. A mainstay of the Ireland side of the ‘90s, Townsend won 70 caps, scored 7 goals, and represented the Boys in Green at...
LOI Predictions: Monday Meltdown or Momentum? The Title Race Takes Another Turn
We have a new league leader after Friday nights fixtures but what odds on another new leader by the end of today. Another enthralling evening of Monday night football is in store as we see a new manager on the scene and an enthralling title race continue on a...
Clinical Waterford Punish Wasteful Bohs in Capital Clash
Waterford will enjoy their trip back to the sunny south-east tonight after a big win over Bohemians in Phibsborough. Bohs had enjoyed a stirring string of comeback wins in recent weeks but couldn’t repeat the trick against a dogged, pragmatic visiting side. The first...
LOI Predictions: Who Blinks First in the Mayday Showdown?
Here we go again- just one week ago we were basking in the glow of what was an exciting and thrilling Easter Weekend in the League of Ireland, we get to do it all over again. Its a double header weekend and such is close knit nature of the league this season- its very...
LOI First Division Matchday 13 Preview: Kilduff’s Return and a Big Clash in Cobh
PHOTO: David Fitzgerald / Sportsfile Exactly one third of the First Division season is played, and the table still appears to be relatively tight, with the two top teams from Dundalk and Bray only being separated by one win. Both sides have to master two interesting...
LOI Power Rankings: Chaos, Comebacks, and Cork at the Bottom
PHOTO: Seb Daly Sportsfile One third of the 2025 League of Ireland season has now been completed and it looks to be the most competitive League of Ireland we have ever seen. Just three points separate 1st and 7th place after twelve games. Meanwhile, the battle to...
Marc Canham: Not the Messiah, Not Quite a Villain Either
20 February 2024; FAI director of football Marc Canham during a media briefing for the FAI's Football Pathways Plan at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile Canham and the FAI It was another challenging week for the FAI. Despite having the best...
Pandemonium at Dalymount: Bohs Stun Pat’s in Derby Drama
One last gasp Dublin derby win is enough to give fans something to shout about for a while, but two in the one week? Bohs fans certainly can’t complain, for a few days at least, after some electrifying scenes at Dalymount Park tonight. A well deserved Dublin derby...
Waterford Stop The Rot With First Win Since March 3rd
Derry City came into their meeting with Waterford at the RSC having picked up ten points from their last available fifteen. A run of form which left them lying in sixth place but just three points off the league leaders Drogheda United. The hosts were looking to avoid...
LOI Predictions: The League That Won’t Sit Still
It's the league that keeps on giving for League of Ireland fans this year. With three points separating the top 6 clubs and some of the others not that far behind either nearly every game right now has some sort of title implication at the moment. Last weekends stat...
LOI First Division Matchday 12 Preview: Can Bray Continue to Close the Distance to League Leaders Dundalk?
Tyler Miller/Sportsfile After a packed and tumultuous Easter weekend with two matchdays, the First Division is back in action, this time with four games to be played on Friday and one game scheduled for Saturday night. Bray Wanderers vs Kerry FC The atmosphere around...
Holding On: Reynolds Lives to Fight Another Day
Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 1-0 down, 2-0 down, chants calling for his head (not for the first time) - at half-time in Tallaght on Monday it seemed increasingly likely that Alan Reynolds would be leaving Dublin 24 with his job in serious jeopardy. The way in...
Dyer Double Denies Shels as Galway Snatch Point in Tolka Thriller
It was a magic Monday at Tolka Park on Monday as Shels and Galway played out an entertaining and exciting 2-2 draw at Tolka Park this evening. Moses Dyer kept up his goalscoring run in Dublin with a brace with Chapman and Odubeko scoring for the visitors. It was...
First Division Matchday 11 Preview: Who Will Win the Second Midlands El Clásico of the Season?
BALLYBOFEY, IRELAND - 21 FEBRUARY 2025 - SSE Airtricity Men’s League of Ireland First Division match between Finn Harps and Dundalk FC at Finn Park in Donegal. Photo by Clare McCahill There is no time to relax in the League of Ireland. After some Friday night...
Easter Monday Madness: League of Ireland Predictions
It's an Easter Monday extravaganza in the League of Ireland today- fresh off of a cracking night of entertainment on good Friday. We're beginning to get some sort of picture of the league as a whole but at the top it's very nip and tuck and no real breakaway from the...
North East Football Scouting Firm Gets Business Boost from Deborah Meaden in NESCAFÉ® Mini-Series
A North East-based football scouting company is getting national attention after receiving expert guidance from entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden as part of a new business-focused mini-series launched by NESCAFÉ® in partnership with Nestlé...
Jameson and PUMA Team Up to Toast the Generational Magic of Football Fans
In a celebration of football’s unique ability to bring generations together, Jameson Irish Whiskey and PUMA have joined forces to launch a limited-edition collection that fuses sport, culture, and community spirit. The collaboration sees the world’s best-selling Irish...
McManus the Hero as Bohs Edge Cork in the Rain
Credit - Ben Brady INPHO At a rain drenched Dalymount Park, Bohemians clinched a vital 1-0 win despite an unconvincing performance. A great finish five minutes from time from midfielder James McManus secured the three points, much to the relief of under pressure boss...
Floodgates Open as Sligo Sink the Blues
Loads of Red; Cian Kavanagh of Sligo Rovers, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring their side's third goal during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Waterford and Sligo Rovers With just four wins combined from the two sides in action at...
From Drogheda to Dalymount: A Defining Night in the LOI
Pardon the pun but it's not a Good Friday for League of Ireland fans tonight it's a Great Friday! With two points separating first from fifth and with four of those top 5 playing each other tonight we could be in for a lot of fluctuation in that league table tonight!...
LOI First Division Matchday 10 Preview: New Manager and New Luck for Athlone Town?
Nine match days are completed, and we already have our second managerial change in the First Division. Three weeks ago, Finn Harps parted company with Darren Murphy. Now, Athlone Town made the decision to move on from Dário Castelo. Athlone Town vs Wexford After four...
Could Galway United Lift Connacht’s First LOI Title Since 2012?
The Sligo Rovers team in 2012 that was the last side from Connacht to win the League of Ireland John Caulfield’s Galway United have made it their business to be the unsettlers. The team no one wants to play in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Old school....
Bumper Weekend Ahead: League of Ireland Drama, Derbies & Predictions
It's a bonus bonanza in the League of Ireland Premier Division this weekend as we have the added bonus of an additional game Monday night in the form of the rearranged fixture from Matchday 2 as Shamrock Rovers will entertain Cork City- more on that fixture later! To...
LOI First Division Matchday 9 Preview: Frustrated Kerry FC Looking for a Bounce-Back Game Against Athlone
Who will be the first team to beat Dundalk in this LOI First Division campaign? Tonight, Cobh Ramblers travel to Oriel Park with the ambition to end the dominance of the undisputed league leader. Bray Wanderers vs Treaty United The Wanderers have only scored seven and...
Steadfast Duo Of Tierney and Devoy Drag Bohs Over The Line Against Sligo
4 April 2025; Lys Mousset of Bohemians during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Bohemians and Sligo Rovers at Dalymount Park in Dublin. Photo by Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile This fixture was billed as a relegation six-pointer, despite the fact that...
LOI Predictions: Can Pats Hold the Top or Is Another Twist Coming
Another week and another new leader of the Airtricity League Premier Division. They may have left it pretty late but St Patrick's Athletic have sat atop the league since last Friday- albeit only on goal difference. The fixture list has definitely not been kind to them...
LOI First Division Matchday 8 Preview: Can Table-Toppers Dundalk Expand Their Lead?
Seven rounds in the LOI First Division have been played, and league leaders Dundalk have established themselves as the only undefeated team in the season so far. Will the success of the Railwaymen continue or end this Friday night at UCD Bowl? Besides the clash in the...
League of Ireland Power Rankings: Galway Shine, Giants Struggle
Moses Dyer of Galway United celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match against Bohemians. Photo by Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile With nearly one fifth of the League of Ireland Premier Division season passed, this...
Top Five Ireland Home Shirts Of All Time
With the launch of our brand-new Castore Women’s shirts today, we’re celebrating by taking a nostalgic look back at five of our favorite home shirts from yesteryear. 5. 2010-2011 Umbro Home Shirt This “Tailored by Umbro” effort came in a shade of green known as St...
Ireland on the Rise: Two Wins, New Stars, and a Bright Future
23 March 2025; Evan Ferguson of Republic of Ireland shoots to score his side's first goal during the UEFA Nations League B/C Play-off 2nd Leg match between Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile It is safe...
Caught in the Crossfire: My First Ireland-England Clash at Wembley in 91
The old Wembley Stadium, with the Towers, was like a second home to me during the late 80s and early 90s. Growing up in Grahame Park Estate, Colindale, a few miles away from the iconic ‘home’ of English football I spent many an evening at the stadium with my dad and...
St Pat’s Stun Waterford with Late Comeback to Go Top
Brandon Kavanagh of St Patrick's Athletic in action against Dean McMenamy of Waterford during the SSE Airtricity Premier Division match at the Regional Sports Centre in Waterford. Photo: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile It was 2nd vs 5th before kick off and a chance for...
From National Pride to Domestic Drama: LOI Matchday Preview & Predictions
23 August 2023; Virgin Media Television and the League of Ireland have announced three live games in the SSE Airtricity Mens Premier Division in September; Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians on 1st September, Derry City v Shamrock Rovers on 15th September, and St Patricks...
Turning the Tide: Ireland’s Recent Wins Show Signs of Change
As the international window draws to a close, there seems to be a general consensus that this last week was a step forward for the “Boys in Green”. A year ago, the mood could not have been more different however. On the 26th of March one year ago, Finn Azaz made his...
LOI First Division Matchday 7 Preview: Will Dundalk and Cobh Continue to Shine?
CREDIT: EDDIE LENNON After 6 rounds, two teams that were highly rated before the season started are still unbeaten in the LOI First Division. Dundalk lead the table with 16 points, followed by a Cobh Ramblers squad that has gained more and more consistency during the...
Road to the World Cup: How Our Group F Opponents Are Performing
The full make-up of our World Cup Group is now known as Portugal defeated Denmark in extra-time on Sunday to confirm their place in the Nations League semi-finals and has placed them in Group F of the World Cup Qualifiers alongside Armenia, Hungary and ourselves. So...
(Cautious) Optimism is the order of the day
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES Adam Idah and Heimir Halgrímsson sharing a laugh and a joke, the pride on Jimmy Dunne’s face after finally making a hard-earned debut, ‘Put em Under Pressure’ blaring from the PA – the vibes were undeniably quite positive after Ireland defeated...
Ferguson Magic and Late Idah Strike Seal Ireland’s Nations League Status
Evan Ferguson scores Ireland's equaliser during the Uefa Nations League playoff, second leg against Bulgaria at the Aviva Stadium. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho Republic of Ireland maintained their League B status in the Nations League tonight with a 2-1 victory...
Job Half Done in Plovdiv, Time to Finish the Job at Lansdowne
Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile Normally people get thrown out of stadiums when they fail to have accreditation, however, Conor and I somehow managed to get thrown into one by the Bulgarian Police. Check out our Pre-Game on YouTube for an explanation! WATCH HERE:...
New Look Ireland Under-21s Slump To Defeat In Spain
The Scotland under-21s team earned a hard fought 2-0 victory over The Boys in Green in a friendly played at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia, Spain. Bobby Wales of Kilmarnock opened the scoring early in the first half. The ball was put across the box with pace with...
Republic Of Ireland Take Narrow Advantage Over Bulgaria To Dublin
Republic of Ireland secured a well-deserved 2-1 advantage over Bulgaria in Plovdiv in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League Promotion/Relegation Play-Off. Finn Azaz and Matt Doherty scored to help Ireland come from behind after Marin Petkov gave Bulgaria an...
Ireland’s XI from our most recent game versus Bulgaria, where are they now?
(Image: Inpho) The upcoming clash in Plovdiv will be the 14th time the Boys in Green face Bulgaria. The inaugural clash ended with the Irish running out 1-0 winners in the round of 16 of the 1924 Paris Olympics. The most recent fixture wasn't quite as glamorous - a...
Opposition preview: Bulgaria
It's been a turbulent couple of weeks for Ireland's upcoming opponents in the inaugural UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation play-off tie. At the beginning of the month, subject to the acceptance of the Bulgarian Football Union, manager Ilian Iliev announced he...
Five Rising Stars to Watch During the Under-21 Window
The under-21s have two upcoming matches, facing Scotland on March 21st and Hungary on March 24th. The squad is stacked with talent and potential, but I’ve highlighted five standout players worth keeping a close eye on. Mason Melia - St Patrick's Athletic Soon-to-be...
From Sheedy to Ó Ceilechair: Reclaiming Our Football Identity As Gaeilge
National festival Seachtain na Gaeilge 2025 recently took place from March 3rd to March 17th. The yearly event seeks to celebrate the national language and Irish culture. Foireann peile náisiúnta Phoblacht na hÉireann also known as the Republic of Ireland national...
Bulgaria Fanzine
Hey folks, please check out our very first fanzine with useful tips and advice for those of you travelling to Plovdiv with the Boys in Green! This is our first crack, so any feedback is welcome. Download Thank you, you wonderful people. Lansdowne Roar...
John Aldridge on Roy Keane, Italia ’90, and Ireland’s World Cup Hopes
The Ireland national team plays its first matches of 2025, this week against Bulgaria. There is much to be excited about with some exciting new players joining up, like Rocco Vata and James Abankwah. This is alongside some returning players in red-hot form with their...
Dara O’Shea’s Defining Summer: Making the Right Move for Club and Country
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Dara O'Shea of Ipswich euns with the ball during the Premier ... [+] Getty Images With 9 game weeks left in the 2024/25 Premier League, there are a few conclusions that can already be drawn. Liverpool will be champions, 5th Place...
From Paris to Tallinn: Ireland’s Dramatic Playoff History
Credit: © BPI / Michael Zemanek 1. World Cup 1966 - Spain 1-0 Ireland, Paris Ireland’s first involvement in play offs was a one-off game in Paris in November 1965. Ireland and Spain were the only two teams in a qualifying group. After a 1-0 win at Dalymount Park,...
From Spurs Castoff to Eredivisie Star: Troy Parrott’s Redemption
There are few Irish footballers in better form than Troy Parrott is currently. Especially after an impressive showing in the first leg showdown against his old club Tottenham Hotspur, where he drew ample praise. Some football fans may be surprised by this recent run...
Resilient Cork City Hold Shelbourne to a Draw at Tolka Park
14 March 2025; Ruairí Keating of Cork City, centre, celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Shelbourne and Cork City at Tolka Park in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile After suffering their...
Richard Dunne on FAI Leadership, League of Ireland & Ireland’s Prospects
Another former Irish international recently had their say on the current state of Irish football. This time, it was ex-Ireland and Manchester City centre-back Richard Dunne. In the interview, Dunne spoke about Marc Canham's performance as FAI Chief Football...
LOI Matchday 6 Prediction: Who Will Prevail Before the Break?
One more matchday for League of Ireland Premier Division clubs before the International break and its fair to say that the teams who were in dire need of a win for the most part delivered. Its also fair to say they delivered a crushing blow to this predictions column...
Why Derry City Keep Falling Short—and How They Can Change It
Tiernan Lynch (Image: ©INPHO/Lorcan Doherty) Can Derry City deliver their first Premier Division title since the 96/97 season? For the avoidance of doubt, I’ve no issues with Derry City Football Club as an entity, they’re an incredible club, with a compelling...
Five Perfect Opponents for Ireland’s June Friendlies
Looking beyond a trip to glamorous Plovdiv that awaits over 1,000 Ireland Fans in less than ten days’ time, it will be only seventy days until the customary end-of-season June window. A combination of the Nations League Finals in early June and World Cup...
League of Ireland Power Rankings: Drogheda on Top, Shamrock Rovers Stumble
Frank George Cooper of Drogheda United during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Shelbourne and Drogheda United at Tolka Park in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile Five matchdays into the new League of Ireland Premier Division season and last...
A Token Gesture or Genuine Progress? League of Ireland Players in the Ireland Squad
As we await the squad announcement for the upcoming Nations League Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs against Bulgaria, the major story surrounding the Ireland squad announcement next Thursday is the addition of two League of Ireland based players into the group. On...
Who Leads the Line for Ireland? Ferguson’s Place Under Threat with Parrott and Idah shining
In the autumn of 2023, when a teenage Evan Ferguson was scoring Premier League hat-tricks and providing Ireland fans with a glimmer of hope in the darkness of late era Stephen Kenny-ball, no one would have expected that the Meath man’s place in the Ireland team would...
Danny Grant’s Decisive Goal Seals Shamrock Rovers First Home Win of 2025
Ryan Byrne/INPHO An uneventful Dublin derby see’s Shamrock Rovers claim all three points against title rivals St Patrick’s Athletic. Shamrock Rovers Manager Stephen Bradley will be delighted with tonight’s vital win, in what was their first home game of the 2025...
Whelan First Half Hat Trick stuns Waterford
Colm Whelan of Bohemians, second from left, celebrates with team-mates after scoring their side's first goal during the SSE Airtricity Premier Division win over Waterford FC at the Regional Sports Centre in Waterford. Photo: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile Despite it...
League of Ireland: Rovers in Trouble? GW5 Preview & Predictions
Last Monday night provided a quite few shocks in the League of Ireland- some this column saw coming and some that we most certainly did not. So how did we do Monday night? A pretty satisfactory two correct scores, one correct result meant for a pretty satisfactory...
Kerry F.C. and the Road Ahead: Lessons for Ireland’s Newest Clubs
With the overwhelmingly positive news that 67 clubs across Ireland have applied to take part in a League of Ireland third division in 2026, it will be interesting to see not only which counties and clubs form the new tier, but also how they will adapt to competing in...
Shamrock Rovers Slump Deepens as Sligo Rovers Celebrate First Win
Before their clash, both Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers were without a win in this LOI season. On Monday night, the hosts were able to shift the momentum to their side, celebrated a 2-1 victory at The Showgrounds, and bagged their first three points. After the...
Waterford Leave Cork Feeling Blue With Late Winner
3 March 2025; Harvey Skieters of Cork City in action against Rowan McDonald of Waterford during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Waterford and Cork City at the Regional Sports Centre in Waterford. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile Waterford...
LOI Premier Division Predictions: Drama at the RSC and More Misery at The Showgrounds
The League of Ireland dazzled under the Friday night lights this week and three days later we get to do it all again. Some cracking goals, a seven goal thriller and some surprise results along the way as the new season kicked into another gear this past weekend. So...
Celtic return to Ireland in 2025
Current Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are set to return to Ireland for the first time since the summer of 2023. The Hoops faced Wolves in July of that year in the Aviva stadium in a 1-1 draw and two years later, the 1967 European Cup (Champions League) winners...
Weekend Review: How our Boys in Green Fared over the Weekend
With the Squad for the Bulgaria double-header due to be announced in less than a fortnight, Heimir Hallgrimsson and John O’Shea will be looking to pick from an established group of players in both the Premier League and the Championship, as well as many players...
Why the League of Ireland Holds the Key to Ireland’s Footballing Future
With Shamrock Rovers’ impressive European run in this year’s UEFA Conference League, the League of Ireland has rather quickly shot up to being a top 35 European League. This may not sound too impressive, but from where the League of Ireland found itself not too long...
Who is Irish Elglibe Winger Paul Nebel?
Last season, German side Mainz 05 were nearly relegated from the Bundesliga and avoided relegation on the final matchday. Currently, the club where former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp served both as a player and a manager for a long time is one of the contenders to...
Heartbreak for Sligo Rovers as Keena Haunts Former Club
Cian Kavanagh of Sligo Rovers celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between St Patrick's Athletic and Sligo Rovers at Richmond Park in Dublin. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile Sligo Rovers are still on the...
Waterford Hold Firm to Sink Candystripes
Tommy Lonergan of Waterford in action against Ciarán Harkin of Derry City at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile Waterford secured a memorable 2-1 victory over Derry City at the Brandywell, claiming their first win of the 2025...
Leinster Senior League Mid-Season Review
(Crests all © of club and LSL. Graphic: Daryl O'Connor)Starting in August 2024, we have reached midpoint of the LSL Senior Sunday division with some cracking games played and some surprising results along the way. With still so much to play for, a quick glance at the...
LOI Premier Division Predictions: Dublin Derby Drama and Weekend Showdowns
We are into week three of the LOI Premier Division in what has been a somewhat, turbulent start to the season which kicks into gear with five top games tonight and another round of fixtures kicking off on Monday, making it an exciting weekend to be a League of Ireland...
We All Dream of a Team of Gary Breens
We all know the song. Well, given our prolific ability to churn out one top defender after another. Why not take a look at the depth the national team could have at its disposal for the next decade or so? Here’s a look at the Boys in Greens incredible strength in...
7 Clubs That Could Sign Caoimhín Kelleher This Summer
Caoimhín Kelleher has arguably his biggest career decision to make in the summer of 2025. The calm and technical shot-stopper is rumoured to all but certainly leave Liverpool in the off season. A club which he joined in the summer of 2015 at the age of 16. Now after...
Ian Harte Accuses LOI Clubs of ‘Killing Lads Chances’ of Securing Dream Premier League Moves
The League of Ireland is hitting new heights after Shamrock Rovers successful UEFA Conference League run. Ireland's coefficient has now risen to 31st. The coefficient position of 31st means that the FAI Cup winners will start off in the Europa League qualifiers for...
Irish Prospects Impress Across Europe: A Statistical Review
This weekend, several Irish talents made their mark across Europe, proving their worth through standout performances backed by impressive numbers. From Troy Parrott’s creative display in the Netherlands to Gavin Bazunu’s heroic showing in Belgium, Irish football is on...
Shamrock Rovers Talent Ade Solanke to Join FC Lorient Before Dream Premier League Move
Ireland under-17 and Shamrock Rovers star, Ade Solanke is all set to sign for French side FC Lorient. Solane will sign for Premier League side AFC Bournemouth, Lorients affiliate club, when he turns 18 in January. Solanke first broke onto the scene in 2023 when...
Weekend Round Up Of Irish Players Around The Globe
Irish in Europe A bitter sweet matchday in Belgium for Gavin Bazunu as Standard Liège beat defending champions Club Brugge on their home turf 2-1. Gavin made 5 saves but had to leave the field via stretcher which is never a good look. Thankfully it looks like he will...
Opinion: I Suppose A Pyramid Is Off The Table?
(Kilbarrack United supporters away to Ballyfermot United in the Leinster Senior League Metro Cup Round 2. © Alan Quinn (LSL Live Updates). Full Time: Ballyfermot United 1-2 Kilbarrack United. 8 November 2024). Although extremely unlikely, winning the FAI Cup provides...
The Irish Game Through an American Lens
A wise person once told me that sport is a microcosm of society. This means that everything that makes up a society-history, values, culture, demographics of the people within that society, etc.- also make up the sporting fabric of that same society. To be...
League of Ireland Premier Division Power Rankings – Round 2
10. Sligo Rovers Conceding 6 goals in your opening two matches is not the ideal start to any season. Add in the fact there’s zero points on the board and the two losses were to Waterford and Drogheda United who many deem to be battling relegation with Sligo Rovers...
Conor Parsons Journey Through Football and YouTube Fame
Connor Parsons began his football career in the youth ranks of Norwich City. After mutually agreeing to depart the club in December 2019, he joined Norwich United, where he made a notable impact by scoring five goals in 12 appearances across all competitions. In...
5 Best Signings in the League of Ireland Transfer Window
“You never switch off “ is a phrase often used by professional Football Managers. While all fans are excited to see who their club signs during the transfer windows, the reality of signing players is far from easy these days. With agents often negotiating the deals...
A New Dawn for Irish Football: The Unstoppable Rise of the League of Ireland
On Sunday 16th February 2025, 33,208 fans attended the Bohemians versus ShamrockRovers season opener. This was the largest attendance at a League of Ireland game inalmost 80 years – since the 1946 match between Drumcondra and Cork United. This felt likea watershed...
How a German guy became obsessed with Irish Football
Round 2 of the 2025 LOI season is in the books, and despite not having a record-breaking game with over 33.000 spectators this time, the excitement for Irish football finally being back is omnipresent. This statement could sound slightly exaggerated, but it implies a...
Analysing the Average Squad Ages in the 2025 League of Ireland Premier Division
Vincent Leonard of Dundalk celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the SSE Airtricity Men's First Division match between Dundalk and Athlone Town at Oriel Park in Dundalk, Louth. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile The 2025 League of Ireland Premier Division...
Report: Drogheda United defeat Sligo Rovers as Kevin Dohertys side stay unbeaten
Before the second league game of the season, following a disappointing result against Waterford last week, John Russell gave debuts to new signings Jake Doyle-Hayes and Harvey Lintott. The pair came in to replace New Zealand international Oskar Van Hattum and Matty...
League of Ireland’s Bold Expansion: Who Will Join the Third Tier?
Now that everyone has had a chance to catch their breath after a chaotic opening weekend of the 2025 League of Ireland season which saw goals, a power outage and a record attendance. Let’s look to the proposed 3rd tier which is supposedly coming into play in 2026. The...
Exclusive: Malmö FF Lands Irish Prospect Aidan Gabbidon in Historic Signing
Aidan Gabbidon kissing the SEF Trophy after winning the Gothia Cup Ireland under-16 and Sligo Rovers defender, Aidan Gabbidon is set to sign for Swedish powerhouse, Malmo FF. The Rovers star will sign for one of Scandicvans best football academies when he turns 16 on...
Irish International Football at Dalymount Park
As it is now. The iconic Dalymount Park (Credit: the42.ie) The home of Bohemians is also the spiritual home of Irish Football. Hidden away deep within the red brick residential houses of North Dublin, its iconic floodlights tower high above the Phibsborough skyline....
Finding Ireland’s Next Star: Inside PlayerLink’s Scouting Revolution
Matthew Moore signing for Hoffenheim in 2023 Since Brexit came into effect, the landscape for young Irish footballers aspiring to turn professional has undergone a seismic shift. The new rules, which prohibit players from outside the UK from moving there until they...
A Pot Worth Picking: Why This Draw Isn’t So Bad for Ireland
Hemir Hallgrímsson's men will aim to create more memorable moments in 2025 Reasons to be cheerful (from) Pot 3 Finally, a decent draw for the Boys in Green! It's not the easiest of groups, but considering our recent luck with the pot, we’ll take it. Don’t get...
Exclusive: League of Ireland underage stars on trial in England
Ireland u17 star, Billy O'Neill is currently on trial at Championship title challengers, Burnley. The Bray Wanderers attacker has impressed for Ireland at underage level since under-15 level, picking up 16 caps since 2023. O'Neill broke Ireland international Andrew...
Five memorable Ireland games against England
With the Ireland squad being announced this week for the Nations League games with Finland and England, we take a look at five memorable clashes versus England across the years. England 0-2 Ireland – 21st September 1949 The Ireland team that played England on 21st...
Five takeaways from Ireland’s international window
An international break that began with trepidation in Ireland became one that left Irish players, coaches and fans returning back to club football with a sense of cautious optimism. Ireland trekked to Helsinki last Thursday night with their backs against the wall...
On this day 2007…Steve Staunton leaves the Ireland managers job
Steve Staunton in charge of Ireland (Credit: Guernsey Press) On this day (24th October) in 2007, Steve Staunton had his contract terminated as Ireland boss. Staunton, who had taken over from Brian Kerr in January 2006, had been under pressure due to results in the...
Third time’s a charm: A tactical breakdown of Hallgrímsson’s first win
After September's baptism of both fire and irony against Lee Carsley's England, as well as yet another game against the side who have joined Denmark in the bracket of teams we never want to be drawn with ever again, Greece, Heimir Hallgrímsson was afforded a sigh of...
On this day 2015….Ireland beat Germany 1-0
Shane Long strikes as Ireland beat Germany (Credit: Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images) On this day (8th October 2015) Ireland stunned the then World Champions Germany with an astonishing 1-0 European Championship qualifying win. Under the lights in Lansdowne...
On this day 2016…. Robbie Keane retires from international football
Robbie Keane (Credit: skysports.com) On this day (31st August 2016) Robbie Keane brought down the curtain on his illustrious international playing career. His last match for Ireland was a friendly against Oman at the Aviva Stadium and the then 36-year-old signed off...
We all dream of a team of Gary Breens – On this day 2006 Gary Breen retires from international duty
Gary Breen in action for Ireland (Credit: balls.ie) 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...
Irish Toffees
With Jake O’Brien’s recent move to Everton, we take a look at some of the boys in green who have donned the famous blue jersey and graced Goodison Park. 1. Seamus Coleman Credit: the18.com Hailing from Killybegs, Coleman started his career at Sligo Rovers before...
Five Young Irish Players to Catch the Eye In 24/25
In a little under two weeks you will see myself back on @reptracker tweeting “Sammie Szmodics scores”, or your whole timeline on a Saturday at 2pm being taken up with which Irish players are starting or are on the bench. I am personally very excited for what is to...
‘Start from the basics and build from there’ – What to expect from Ireland under Heimir Hallgrímsson
Following a recruitment process that began over a month before Christmas 2023, the Republic of Ireland have announced former Höttur (women), IBV (both men and women), Iceland, Al-Arabi and Jamaica manager (as well as qualified dentist) Heimir Hallgrímsson as their new...
Meet Ireland’s New Head Coach – Heimir Hallgrimsson
Credit: (Belfast Live) Today, after what seems like a lifetime (231 days in reality) the FAI have named Stephen Kenny’s successor. But exactly who is Heimir Hallgrimsson? Born on 10th June 1967, Hallgrimsson is 57 years old. As a qualified dentist Hallgrimsson is the...
5 Irish Footballers who would benefit from a move to mainland Europe this Summer
Piece on 5 Irish footballers who would benefit from a move to mainland Europe this summer
O’Shea gets his first win, but is it time to ditch the 5-2-3?
In the weeks preceding Euro 2024, a late Troy Parrott winner to get John O'Shea off the mark in his so far tortuous (not to be confused with torturous) spell as interim Ireland Head Coach was about as much as fans and players alike had to shout about. Two fixtures...
From Rejection to Recognition – Josh Keeley’s Road to the Irish Senior Team
Last week Josh Keeley fulfilled a lifelong dream of being called up to the Irish international senior squad for the first time when himself and Ireland under 21 team mates Bosun Lawal and Andrew Moran were asked to train with the Ireland senior squad. Keeley spoke at...
Parrott’s Last-Gasp Winner Earns O’Shea First Victory as Ireland Boss
A Troy Parrott 92nd winner gave John O’Shea a dramatic first win as Ireland interim Manager. Despite a lacklustre performance from the boys in green, Troy Parrott gave Irish fans a feeling that they have craved for a long time, a match winning goal. Ireland’s first...
Match Preview – Ireland vs Hungary
John O’Shea takes charge of his third game as Republic of Ireland interim manager tomorrow night at the Aviva stadium. The Irish will take on a Hungary side who have qualified for this summer's European Championship on a 14 game unbeaten streak and will look to make...
Cannonballer
Tom Cannon (Credit: independent.ie) This week’s news of Tom Cannon’s inclusion in the Ireland squad was met with a mixture of excitement and scepticism. Ireland fans though should afford Cannon the benefit of doubt. A youth product of Everton, Cannon made his debut...
The Obvious (and Overlooked) Candidate
Hervé Renard (Credit: reddit.com) Neil Lennon, Chris Coleman, Lee Carsley, Roy Keane, Steve Bruce, Anthony Barry, Gus Poyet, John O’Shea, Willy Sagnol, Paul Clement, Chris Hughton. This is the long list of men linked to the Ireland Managers job. Last week, FAI...
Toe-to-toe with Tedesco but sobered by the Swiss: A tactical review of O’Shea’s interim period
John O’Shea will come away from his first two games as a head coach with mixed emotions. A genuinely impressive performance against a much-changed Belgium side saw the former Manchester United man put together a well-drilled XI that had a good mix of youth and...
Ireland impress in O’Shea’s managerial debut despite Ferguson’s missed penalty
Ireland drew 0-0 with a strong Belgium side in what was an impressive display for the Irish in their first game under John O’Shea. Although it was a goalless game, it was one with plenty of chances with Evan Ferguson’s missed penalty the moment that will stick in...
It’s Szmodics Time
Sammie Szmodics (Credit: irishtimes.com) Some Ireland fans (including myself) were apprehensive about Sammie Szmodics. We were worried that we would never see him play in a green jersey. So, there was a sense of relief when interim boss John O’Shea named him in the...
Who are the newest faces in Ireland’s u21 squad ?
Jim Crawford has named his squad for the upcoming 2025 European u21 Championship qualifier away to San Marino this Friday. Crawford’s men currently sit second in their group, a point adrift of Italy and a point ahead of Norway, with qualification hopes still firmly in...
Predicted Squad for Belgium/Switzerland
With John O'Shea set to name his Ireland squad for the games against Belgium and Switzerland on Thursday, Nick predicts the team he would like to see the former Manchester United player choose. O'Shea has hinted that there will not be a lot of change to ensure...
5 players to watch out for: U21 edition
With squad announcement time coming up at U21 level, it is no better time to look at who could play a bigger role within the team with San Marino approaching. Meet the in-form players who are ensuring Jim Crawford will have a selection headache. Emmanuel Adegboyega It...
Brian Kerr in Profile
Brian Kerr (Credit: Limerick Leader) This week Brian Kerr made a surprise return to the Ireland SMT. The 71 year old will act as Technical Advisor to Interim Head Coach John O’Shea’s Management team for the upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland this...
5 uncapped players who could debut under John O’Shea
With John O'Shea taking the reigns for Ireland in March, fans will be curious if he stays with the tried and trusted of the Stephen Kenny era of if the upcoming games against Belgium and Switzerland are used as a springboard to launch some Ireland careers. Kenny...
UEFA Nations League Draw Explained
The draw for the fourth edition of the Nations League takes place this Thursday (8th February 2024). Here is all the information that you need to know! Credit: newsconcerns.com What is the Nations League? - The UEFA Nations League was designed to minimise meaningless...
From Monchengladbach to Austria – Conor Noss is starting to realise his potential
In November 2019, a German born footballer with the second name of Noss made his debut for Ireland at under-19 level against Denmark, catching the eye of many at the Showgrounds. The FAI were alerted of Conor Noss’s eligibility for Ireland through his Dublin born...
Five key issues for the next Ireland manager
While it remains to be seen whether Lee Carsley, Neil Lennon or someone else entirely will ultimately beat the helm when Belgium come to Dublin next month, here are five key issues for Stephen Kenny'ssuccessor - whoever he may be - to grapple with: Patterns of play -...
The Story Behind the Picture
Ireland fans watching the action from the roof of the shed at Dalymount Park. Credit: Reddit You may have seen the black and white photo. Ireland lining up a free kick in front of a five-man Italian wall. Fans standing on the roof of jampacked stand. It has become an...
10 Granny Rule Recruits for the New Ireland boss to Consider
With Ireland's next manager set to be named in the not so distant future, we take a look at some granny rule options that could be very realistic recruits for the incoming boss. Interestingly, several have worked under one of the men heavily linked with the job........
Lawnsdowne Road -“It’s Carsley or bust”
I’m going to get straight to the point: I want Lee Carsley as the next manager of the Republic ofIreland. He’s a bright and contemporary coach who would be the perfect foil for our current crop ofyoungsters. He is at the forefront of the modern game and he’s Irish....
The Irish coach who is making waves in Dubai working with some of the games very best
From Coventry to Dubai to Norway to Sweden and now back in Dubai , Sean O’Shea has had quite an hectic post playing career in the coaching world. Sean is current head coach of Dubai Irish FC and has coached in England, Norway and most famously with AIK in Sweden. He...
Lee Carsley – The Backroom Team
With it looking increasingly likely that Lee Carsley will be appointed as the new Ireland Manager within a matter of days, we profile some of the names who could be part of his backroom team. Ashley Cole Credit: expressandstar.com Considered as one of the best left...
Opinion Piece: The Dual Nationality “Dilemma”
Ireland is a small country both in population and in density, at 84,421 kilometres in size, you could fit Ireland into Russia 202 times. However, that doesn’t tell the full story, for Ireland is very much intertwined with and defined by emigration as early as...
Three Irish internationals who need a move this month
With the January transfer window in full swing, there are many Irish players who already have or are attempting to get a move by the end of the window. Kevin Zefi and Conor Coventry are among the most notable of the Irish contingent to have switched clubs so far this...
Five…..Ireland One-Cap Wonders
In this article we highlight five players that earned a solitary cap for the boys in green. With some surprising names on the list! 5. Jim Goodwin Credit: the42.ie The current Dundee United manager was born in Tramore and played for Celtic, Stockport County,...
Exculsive: Irish underage star Kevin Zefi is set to sign for AS Roma
Kevin Zefi's time at Inter Milan is soon coming to an end, with a transfer to AS Roma set to be announced in the coming days/hours. Zefi is currently in Rome to undertake a medical after Roma’s offer for the talented winger was accepted yesterday. It is...
Sinclair Armstrong shines as Rory Finneran makes history in your FA Cup round up
The FA Cup third round began this week and we saw plenty of Irish standouts over the course of the round. From hat-tricks to youngsters getting their first-team debut, it was certainly an eventful round of fixtures. Here is a rundown of how every player got on:Friday...
Bailey Cadamarteri, the 18 year-old with Irish Heritage who’s quickly becoming one of the rising stars in the Championship
Bailey-Tye Cadamarteri announced himself to all in the EFL on the 2nd of December, when on only his second start for Sheffield Wednesday he scored after five minutes against Blackburn Rovers. Son of ex footballer Danny Cadamarteri, Bailey has been at Sheffield...
Ireland’s Top 5 Goalkeepers
At the start of each month, we will give our top 5 Ireland players per-position before deciding on an All-Time XI at the end of 2024! Be sure to let us know your top 5 in the comments below!1. Shay Given (1996–2016) 134 capsThe Lifford man was quite correctly...
10 outside bets to take the Ireland job
Nick has a look at 10 outside bets that could end up being dark horses for the Ireland job, with 5 realistic and 5 more out there candidates! The realistic candidates! 1.Chris Coleman Former Wales boss Chris Coleman's Dublin father gives him an authentic link to...
Next Ireland Manager – The Contenders
With the end of the Stephen Key era confirmed, thoughts now turn towards his successor. We look at ten contenders for the position of next Ireland Manager. 1. Lee Carsley Image: Irish Examiner Former Ireland midfielder Lee Carsley was capped 40 times for his country...
The counterarguments to Stephen Kenny’s reign Part 2
In part two of this opinion piece, Nick provides the perceived pros and cons to the Stephen Kenny era and asks if his tenure was a complete failure, or one that has laid the foundations for the evolution of Irish football. He developed a golden generation? Stephen...
The counterarguments to Stephen Kenny’s reign Part 1
In this two part opinion piece, Nick unpacks the perceived pros and cons of the Stephen Kenny era and asks if Stephen Kenny's tenure was a complete disaster, or one that will provide the foundation for Irish football to evolve He changed the style of football? Kenny...
McClean receives a beautiful ovation as Stephen Kenny’s tenure ends with yet another grim performance
Stephen Kenny's time in charge of the national team has ended in a 1-1 draw with the 103rd ranked team in the world in yet another dull watch. Pre match there seemed to be a real negative atmosphere in the ground with some boo's ringing out in the ground when Kenny's...
THE DEADEST OF DEAD RUBBER INTERNATIONAL WINDOWS
There was a genuine feeling of apathy at yesterday's press conference. The Ireland manager looked jaded. Carrying the weight of a nation can do that. A weight soon to be lifted come next week. I would say it was a gentle back-and-forth, polite even. We heard talk of...
Andrew Moran – Ireland’s Latest Young Prospect Destined for Big Things
Andrew Moran in Ireland training this week 20-year-old Blackburn Rovers midfielder Andrew Moran has been promoted from the Ireland under-21s after some of the senior squad were rated as doubtful for this international window. This is despite Jim Crawford’s men facing...
Crawford “delighted” for Moran as Brighton starlet prepares for his first Senior Cap.
Ireland under 21 manager Jim Crawford is confident that Andrew Moran will pick up his first senior cap in the next week after he was called up to the first team on Tuesday. Speaking on this morning’s press conference ahead of tomorrow’s crucial Euro 2025 qualifier...
Greece Profile
Greece visit Dublin on Friday as Ireland attempt to avenge a 2-1 defeat in Athens in June.The Greek national team are controlled by the Hellenic Football Federation, the governing body for football in Greece. Traditionally the team is referred to as Ethniki, which...
Profiling The Netherlands
Three-time World Cup Finalists and one-time European Championship winners the Netherlands come to Dublin on Sunday 10th September in what is a key game for both sides.“The Oranje” as they are nicknamed wear orange as it is the colour of the Dutch Royal family – the...
Long Read: Where are all the Irish managers in England gone?
Every few months we seem to return to the same conversation and media talking points, “Should Kenny Go?,” “Who should replace Kenny,” “Where do we go from here?” etc etc etc. For me, the constant repetition of the same old talking points has gotten boring very...
Weekend in Review: A new star is born as Evan Ferguson continues to show that he’s the real deal!
If you thought the first week was a hugely positive weekend for the Irish lads playing in the UK, the second weekend blew it out of the water! We had Sinclair Armstrong put his name on the map, Evan Ferguson with a top class cameo and much more. It's only fair that I...
Top Five Ireland Shirts
Ireland shirts evoke special memories. They are synonymous with success and failure, with memorable home victories and adventurous away days, with majestic performances and legendary goals. We have had some iconic shirts over the years. Here are five of the best:5....
Weekend in Review: Idah shows up in the clutch as Aidomo Emakhu puts the Championship on notice in your weekly Irish player review!
I'm absolutely delighted now that we can start reporting on our Irish lads playing in the Uk and further afield again. When we are waiting on something for so long it often feels very anticlimactic but this weekend certainly did not disappoint with an Adam Idah winner...
Media’s focus on tension rather than context is completely wrong
The Irish Women's Team returned to an inspired crowd last Thursday. They sang and danced, just like they did in Brisbane after bowing out, unusual in heartbreaking circumstances. However, it was a visual representation of the magnitude and context of what they had...
Scouting Series – 5 Irishmen to watch out for next season
With the vast bulk of our Irish internationals set to kick off their season, Bill Gaine of Irish Football Blog gives his 5 players to watch out for this season. (1)Tyler Goodrham – Oxford United A new name to most Irish Football Fans, but somebody you will be hearing...
Irish International Football at Lansdowne Road
The famous Lansdowne roar was in full evidence recently against France as we were treated to a raucous and stirring fan reaction to the arrival in Dublin of the World Cup Finalists. As ever, we were the 12th man for our Boys in Green. Lansdowne Road (or the Aviva if...
3 Positives and 3 negatives as France down Ireland
Kevin Christie gives his 3 positives and 3 negatives following Ireland's 1-0 loss to France. As always, be sure to let us know what you think in the comments! Positives 1.Holding our own France's effortless dissection of the Dutch on Friday evening had some of us...
Mikey Johnston: Ireland’s ace up the sleeve?
By James Agnew Against Latvia, on 64 minutes, the Lansdowne Road crowd were becoming restless with the game locked at 2-2. Manager Stephen Kenny took some action and introduced a trio of substitutes (John Egan, Chiedozie Ogbene and Mikey Johnston). There then followed...
Ireland 3-2 Latvia: Fan reaction by Ken
If there is one thing that Stephen Kenny has brought to this national team its talking points and plenty of them. Yet again tonight after 20 minutes 2-0 up you would think a comfortable night was in store but not with this team and by halftime it was 2-2 and we are...
Latvia Profile
Latvia is a Baltic state bordered by Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, and Belarus. Its capital city is Riga. Football is the third most popular sport in Latvia after ice hockey and basketball. The Latvian national team (nicknamed the 11 Wolves) are currently ranked 133rd...
The dark horses we may see in this weeks ireland squad
As we begin our build-up to Stephen Kenny’s squad announcement to the games against Latvia and France, we look at 5 dark horses who could find their way into the Irish setup. With the likes of Will Smallbone, Ryan Manning and Mark Sykes hitting form, there will be...
Fan view: Stephen Kenny’s squad dilema’s
With it just three weeks until to the much-anticipated Ireland v France game, Stephen Kenny will have a few dilemmas when it comes to picking his squad. The first real decision will be the size of the squad seen as we have a friendly against Latvia five days before...
5 irish eligible we could see in green in 2023
(Charles McQuillan) With the big news in Irish football this week being the addition of Mikey Johnston to the ranks after his switch from Scotland! It’s time we look at who could be next to follow suit in pulling on the beautiful green jersey. I’ve put together a list...
Ireland’s top 5 Right-Back’s
Here are some suggestions for Ireland’s finest ever right back (in no particular order). *Please note in order to avoid a riot, Denis Irwin will be featured with the left backs!*1. Seamus Coleman (2011–present) 67 caps 1 goalHailing from Killybegs, Coleman started his...
Martin’s Jim Crawford presser Debrief: Looking ahead to a fresh campaign
Jim Crawford is looking forward to the challenge; to see if his new crop of Irish U21s can finally qualify for a European Championships. The June 2023 U21s Euros will take place again without Ireland, having missed out in heartbreaking fashion in September losing a...
Ireland’s top 5 goalkeepers
As part of our search for the fans All Time Ireland XI, James has given 5 of his options (in no particular order). Note: Our current talented goalkeepers are not included! Keep an eye out on the Green Machine Twitter for the first vote of our All Time XI as we ask,...
Rice speculation raises questions as yet another kenny staff member departs
Rumours have circulated that Ireland's chief scout and head analyst for Ireland Stephen Rice is in the race for the Swindon Town hot seat. Given the recent history of top staff members departing the Irish setup, this is worrying. As Ireland face into a fresh...
6 Irishmen who could do with a January move
With the January transfer window now into its second week, a number of Irishmen have already experienced a change of scenery. In the last few days we have seen Tyreik Wright make the move to Plymouth from Aston Villa, Tom Cannon and Aaron Connolly secure loans to...
An exciting prospect but patience is required!
Evan Ferguson nets his first senior goal (Image: Irish Mirror) 68 goals in 146 games. Robbie Keane was a phenomenon for Ireland. A goalscoring machine. To put it into context. Ireland’s previous highest scorer was Niall Quinn with 21 goals. When you turned up at the...
6 Obscure Irishmen in FA Cup action this weekend
With an FA Cup weekend upon us, a large number of Irishmen will be taking the stage of one of the worlds most charming competitions. A number of youngsters at Premier league youngsters such as Connor Ronan, Joe Hodge, Connor Coventry and the Brighton duo Evan Ferguson...
Kevins 2022 review: Kenny faces huge pressure after inconsistent year
Michael Obafemi (Image: The Guardian) Heading into 2022 on the back of a steady run of results and some encouraging performances, our hopes for a successful year quickly unravelled with the shock defeat to Armenia in June. While we did manage a couple of impressive...
Is Crawford nurturing conveyor belt of Irish talent?
The hot topic at the moment is young Irish players making their first team bows in The Premier League. The likes of Evan Ferguson starting, scoring and assisting last night against Everton and looking so at home and Andrew Moran making his Premier League debut off the...
World Cup should be an extreme eye opener for Stephen Kenny who can learn a lot from two teams in…
World Cup should be an extreme eye opener for Stephen Kenny who can learn a lot from two teams in particular The usual football withdrawals that occur after a World Cup have been quickly quashed with the swift return of the club game but the itch for Ireland lingered...
7 eligible players to expand Stephen Kenny’s poster pool
If something has become evidential in Irish football in recent years, it’s that the depth in the player pool has become thread bare. Various ‘Granny Rule’ players are often linked with Ireland to mixed reaction following the antics of two certain England...
Irish attention turns to French visit as curtain draws on Qatar 2023
As the dust settles on the 2022 World Cup and one of the most memorable international games of all-time, attention in Europe shifts to the upcoming qualifiers for Euro 2024 in Germany.Qualification begins in just over 3 months’ time, as Slovenia travels to Kazakhstan...
Green Machíne Exclusive: Aoife Mannion and others ‘in pipeline’ for Ireland in 2023 World Cup
Vera Pauw has revealed in an interview with the Green Machíne Podcast that Manchester United defender Aoife Mannion is could potentially be involved in Ireland’s 2023 World Cup adventure. Both of the 27 year olds parents were born in Ireland and the former England...
The England Football Team, Depression and Me
A few days ago I woke up in a cold sweat at about 4am. I had had a nightmare but this one was different from my usual stream of sleep traumas. In this terrifying episode, England had won the World Cup.I have covered every single game at this year’s World Cup in Qatar...
Wasted opportunity worse than the result as nothing learned from Norwegian encounter
As Ireland slumped to a limp and late defeat at the hands of a Norwegian second string, there was a glaring issue that was additional to the laboured performance. Stephen Kenny’s side set up with what has become a predictable 5–3–2 formation and safe lineup. Ireland...
6 players strangely omitted from Stephen Kenny’s Ireland Squad
Judging by the fan reaction, Stephen Kenny’s latest squad announcement is a bit of a flop. Dave and Martin discussed it on our latest episode (available here https://linktr.ee/TheGreenMachinePodcast) and emphasised that friendlies are the perfect time to experiment...
It’s fair to say that Stephen Kenny’s transformation of the Irish team has so far been as smooth as…
It’s fair to say that Stephen Kenny’s transformation of the Irish team has so far been as smooth as a Ryanair landing. The manager can be held accountable for some of that, with strange omissions and unrewarded loyalty to certain players. However, most of it can be...
5 uncapped players who could feature in this months Ireland squad
As another international window approaches, Irish fans will be wondering what new faces will be in Stephen Kenny’s squad in what will be a refresher before the European Championship Qualifiers. Although we are unlikely to see wholesale changes, a number of uncapped...
Manning staking claim for Irish place after September rejection
Last months Ireland squad was perhaps one of Stephen Kenny’s best ever available to him, meaning it was inevitable a couple of old reliables were likely to miss out. Ryan Manning was perhaps the most notable. Robbie Brady’s return to game time and unprecedented form...