25 Years/Italia 90: Ireland on Film

Twenty-five years on from Italia 90, we’ve gathered together footage of the television coverage surrounding Ireland’s remarkable maiden World Cup voyage under Jack Charlton, from the heady days of Italia 90 qualification through to the finals themselves when RTE’s pioneering coverage rewrote the manual on football punditry. Continue reading →

Hero Worship for Big Jack

Before the friendly with England, legendary manager Jack Charlton was introduced to the crowd and was moved to tears by the reception by both sets of fans. Watching him sing along to ‘Put Em Under Pressure’ and then the Irish national anthem will live long in the memory, just like his time in charge. Continue reading →

Magic of Milla

Cameroon’s legendary Roger Milla turns 63 today. At the grand old age of 38, Milla emerged as one of the stars of Italia 90. His four goals helped his country to become the first African team to reach the World Cup quarter-finals while his trademark celebration dancing by the corner flag, captured by artist Osvaldo Casanova, has become one of the iconic moment in the tournament’s history. Continue reading →

Teenage Dream’s So Hard to Beat

October, 1974, Dublin. Wavy haired 18-year-old Liam Brady is thrust into the spotlight by player-manager John Giles at a pulsating Dalymount Park and plays his part is one of our finest-ever victories. Brady, Keane, Duff – Martin O’Neill says Jack Grealish is not ready but he wouldn’t be our first teenage star. Continue reading →

“Did Jack Have a Trial With Liverpool?”

“Did Jack have a trial with Liverpool?” “No Dougal, he was on trial, in Liverpool.” It’s 20 years this week since the first episode of Fr. Ted aired on television and whether it was Dougal sleeping in an Irish shirt, a framed photo of Jack Charlton and Maurice Setters above the fireplace, or the genius over 75’s match episode, we’re reminded how the show has influenced Green Army football fans in a uniquely Irish way. Continue reading →

R.I.P. Ray Treacy

RTE’s Soccer Republic and Eamon Dunphy paid a moving tribute to former international Ray Treacy, who played for the Republic of Ireland between 1966 and 1980, managed Shamrock Rovers to the League of Ireland title, and through his business travelled the world with both the Irish team and fans Continue reading →

LA Galaxy First to Five

The final episode of the five-part documentary charting LA Galaxy’s run to a fifth MLS crown, sealed with the boot of captain Robbie Keane. The series was produced by LA Galaxy TV crew Albert Lanzillo and Paolo Ferrari giving a behind-the-scenes look at the team’s run to the title. Continue reading →

On Top of the Poles…10 Talking Points

It was almost all over. Instead Shane Long’s stoppage-time equaliser capped off a second-half Irish display full of fight and spirit that hasn’t been seen in years, especially at the Aviva Stadium. The Euro dream is still alive, just. Here’s ten talking points from a dramatic week in Euro 2016 qualifying. Continue reading →