Mick Meagan: First Manager of the Republic of Ireland
Cian Manning charts the career of the first man charged with taking the reigns of the Irish national team, Mick Meagan.
The Anatomy of Cork City FC
Cian Manning charts the journey from Cork City’s inception and introduction to the League of Ireland to their historic double winning campaign traced in six matches that include fixtures in the league, FAI Cup, UEFA Cup and even the Champions League.
Playing soldiers, Olympia versus Jacobs
The 1919/20 Irish League season took place during the country’s violent War of Independence and a Leinster League game between Olympia and Jacobs exemplified the tensions that existed in Irish society at the time. Cian Manning takes a look back.
O’Mahony to Maguire – Kilkenny’s Soccer Pioneers
With Sean Maguire named in the provisional Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, if the young Kilkenny man sees game time, he’ll represent a major milestone for the game in his native county. Here, Cian Manning tells the tale of Matt O’Mahoney, Kilkenny’s original footballing flag-bearer.
Samba in the South-East: A Brazilian in the League of Ireland
In January 1986, Waterford United signed 26-year-old Sebastiao Elias de Freitas Filho, believed to be the first Brazilian to grace the League of Ireland. His time was brief but eventful if not always for what he did on the pitch.
Frank Obiakpani, the Nigerian College Colossus
In 1950s Ireland, a Nigerian medical student made a stir in Irish soccer circles but his later life remained a mystery until a perhaps tragic ending, writes Cian Manning.
Revolution in Blue: Waterford 2.0
New name, new crest, but a rich history to build on, Cian Manning tells the story of a proud League of Ireland tradition in Waterford.
Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
Football clubs which were formed from the employees of factories are commonplace around the world with teams like PSV Eindhoven, and Bayer Leverkusen. Ireland, too can, claim its share of such teams including St. James’s Gate from the home of the world-famous Guinness. Cian Manning tells the story of the first ever winners of the League of Ireland.
Escape to Victory: Irish Winger to Hollywood Goalkeeper
It’s bound to be shown on TV screens over the festive period but do you know the story of Escape to Victory’s only Irishman? Cian Manning profiles Kevin O’Callaghan and explains how his Euro 88 dream was destroyed by an international teammate.
Roy Keane at Cobh Ramblers: ‘Kamikaze Man to footballer’
In November 1989, a young Roy Keane was handed his League of Ireland competitive debut sparking the career of one of Ireland’s greatest, and divisive, football figures. With two home-based players recently included in the international squad, Cian Manning looks back to where it all began for the Republic assistant boss.