Association football in the Republic of Ireland

Kilkenny locals playing a football match.

Football in the Republic of Ireland also known as association football or soccer is the most popular participation sport in the Republic of Ireland. The national governing body for the sport is the Football Association of Ireland; they run the Republic of Ireland national football team and the FAI League of Ireland, which is the top level of the sport in the country. The sport is not to be confused with the country's national sport, Gaelic football which is the most popular spectator sport, followed by hurling.

In its earliest days, association football was largely confined to the city of Dublin and its surrounding county. Gradually it became more widespread throughout the country, to the point where in the modern day there are clubs in all of the counties of Ireland. Currently, average league attendances at matches for the national league is around 2,000, as such many of the countries top players move to league's outside of the country, particularly the FA Premier League leading to a significant amount of Irish locals following clubs in that league.

The sport is played at all levels in the country, with children playing it on the streets, teenagers playing in local clubs, and even middle-aged men playing it with co-workers on a regular basis. A strong boost for the sport in the country was the national side's performance in the 1990 FIFA World Cup where they reached the quarter-finals, their best achievement to date.

History

Although the sport was being played in Ireland since the 1860s, it was mainly based in Ulster and it was not until the 1880s that the game spread to other areas of the country. The Leinster Football Association was formed in 1892 as the game became more popular in the area. Clubs from outside the Belfast area thought that the IFA favoured Ulster based clubs and when the IFA reneged on a promise to play the IFA Cup final replay in Dublin and instead scheduled the match for Belfast a meeting of southern associations and clubs was arranged and on June 1 1921, the Football Association of the Irish Free State (FAIFS) was formed in Molesworth Hall in Dublin. A Free State League was quickly organised, with eight teams taking part. St. James's Gate won the first title, and they were also winners of the first FAI Cup, then called the Free State Cup, in 1922. The following year, FIFA accepted Ireland's application for membership, however, it was another three years, before Ireland fulfilled its first international fixture. The first fixture organised by the FAIFS was in March 1926 against Italy in Turin. The game ended in a 3-0 defeat. The following year, Ireland won their first ever match - 4-2 against Belgium in Liège.

Ireland's first World Cup campaign in 1934 was a short-lived event, as a 4-4 draw with Belgium at Dalymount Park was followed by a 5-2 defeat by Holland. The qualifying campaign for the 1938 World Cup also lasted just two matches. The 1930s saw the erosion of Dublin's dominance in the league. During the 20s, Bohemians, St James's Gate, Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers had a monopoly over the domestic game, but Dundalk and Sligo Rovers both won championships while Cork and Waterford collected FAI Cups as football spread to the provinces. The Second World War curtailed international matches between 1939 and 1946, but league football went ahead with Cork United continuing the provincial clubs' dominance by winning four titles between 1940 and 1945. On the international front, England won a match at Dalymount Park 1-0, but Ireland got their revenge three years later when they became the first side to defeat England on English soil. Ireland won the Goodison Park encounter 2-0.

Ireland again missed out on World Cup participation in 1950 after losing to Sweden in the qualifiers, but were later asked to compete by FIFA but declined the invitation because of a lack of time to prepare. In 1950, also, FIFA directed both the FAI and IFA to only pick players from within their own boundaries rather than picking players from all over the island. FIFA also ruled that the FAI's team would be known as the Republic of Ireland with the IFA's side being called Northern Ireland. Up to that point, both Associations referred to their teams as 'Ireland'. A last minute goal by England at Dalymount Park was enough for the Republic of Ireland miss out on qualification for the 1958 World Cup. The Republic of Ireland also entered the newly created European Championships. However, it was a short-lived experience as they went out in the first qualifying round to Czechoslovakia. On the domestic front, the Dublin based clubs reasserted their dominance with only Cork capable of challenging their dominance. 1958 saw a League of Ireland side enter European competition for the first time with Shamrock Rovers going out 9-2 on aggregate to Manchester United in the first round of the European Cup.

The 1960s started disastrously for the international side as they lost all four of their qualifiers for the 1962 World Cup, including a record 7-1 defeat by Czechoslovakia. Things improved in the European Championship qualifiers, as the Republic beat Iceland and Austria before losing to eventual tournament winners Spain. Spain also eliminated them in the 1966 World Cup qualifiers. In the 1968 European Championship qualifiers, Spain again knocked Ireland out. In 1969 the FAI decided to appoint a team manager instead of a team of selectors and so Mick Meagan became the first manager of the Republic of Ireland international side. They still failed to win any of their qualifiers for the 1970 World Cup. Domestically, Waterford United became one of the league's most successful clubs as they won three titles during the decade, though Shamrock Rovers were the team of the 60s. The Hoops won six FAI Cups in a row during the 60s, a feat that has never been repeated. Republic of Ireland finished bottom of their qualification group for the 1972 European Championship, ending Meagan's tenure as manager. Liam Tuohy replaced him, and having gone five years without recording a victory, optimism was low. However, the Republic again failed to qualify for the 1974 World Cup.

John Giles became the Republic of Ireland's first ever player-manager before the 1976 European Championship qualifiers, but the side again failed to qualify. In 1978 World Cup qualifiers the curse was to strike again, as the Republic failed to qualify after losing in Sofia against Bulgaria. John Giles' reign as manager ended after the 1980 European Championship qualifiers. During the qualifiers, the Republic of Ireland took on Northern Ireland in an historic first ever meeting between the two sides. A 0-0 draw at Dalymount Park was marred by rioting in Dublin on the day of the match. In the return leg the Republic were beaten 1-0 which ensured Ireland would not be going to the finals. Domestically, no team really dominated as the popularity of the game began to diminish. The major achievement was Dundalk's progress to the last 16 of the European Cup in 1979 when they eventually went out to Glasgow Celtic.

Eoin Hand took over as manager of the international side before the qualifiers for the 1982 World Cup but, once again, the Irish failed to qualify. They lost two of their eight matches and missed out on qualification on goal difference. The 1984 European Championship qualifiers didn't go much better, as Ireland lost to both Spain and Holland and so missed out once more. The 1986 World Cup qualifying campaign was to be Eoin Hand's last in charge after Ireland again failed to qualify. The domestic game went from bad to worse during the 1980s with clubs all over the country struggling for finance. Shamrock Rovers were forced to sell their home, Glenmalure Park, while St Patrick's Athletic were forced to move out of Richmond Park towards the end of the decade. On the field, Shamrock Rovers were again the team to beat as they won a record four titles in a row, though provincial clubs Athlone, Dundalk and Derry City also claimed titles.

Jack Charlton was appointed manager of the Republic of Ireland in February 1986. He guided Ireland to victory in the Icelandic tournament against Czechoslovakia and the host nation. It was the first tournament they had ever won. Things got even better as they also qualified for the 1988 European Championship - their first ever major finals. The Republic won their first game 1-0 against England and this was followed by a 1-1 draw with the Soviet Union. In the final group match against Holland, only needed a draw was needed to progress to the semi-finals but a late goal meant the Irish returned home. The Republic of Ireland then qualified for 1990 World Cup in Italy, where they progressed to the quarter-finals. After drawing all three of their opening group matches they faced Romania in the second round and emerged victorious 5-4 in a penalty shoot out. In the quarter-finals, they faced the hosts, Italy, in Rome where they were beaten 1-0. The Republic only finished second in their group in the qualifiers for the 1992 European Championships and so failed to qualify. They qualified for their second World Cup finals in succession in 1994, however, as they edged out European champions Denmark, by virtue of having scored more goals. Ireland got revenge on Italy in their opening match in the finals with Ray Houghton grabbing an early goal, though that turned out to be their only win of the tournament. A defeat by Mexico was followed by a goal less draw with Norway. It was enough for Ireland to progress to the second phase, where they were beaten 2-0 by Holland.

The Euro 96 qualification series was to be Jack Charlton's last campaign in charge as Ireland missed out on qualification after a play-off match with Holland in Liverpool. Charlton resigned just after Christmas to be replaced by his captain Mick McCarthy. Under McCarthy they progressed to a 1998 World Cup play-off match with Belgium. After drawing 1-1 at Lansdowne Road, their hopes of qualifying for a third successive World Cup were ended by a 2-1 defeat in Brussels. The side again missed out on qualification for a major finals, this time Euro 2000, after an away goals play-off defeat by Turkey. Ireland were on course for automatic qualification in their group until the Republic of Macedonia equalised in the final minute of their last group match which consigned them to the playoffs. The 90s saw an improvement for the game domestically also. Facilities at grounds throughout the country improved, and, the standard of football was also excellent. Shelbourne and St Patrick's Athletic dominated the decade, winning four league titles between them, with Shelbourne also winning three FAI Cups. The turn of the century saw a number of clubs go professional and the introduction of a summer season.

In the 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign Ireland finished unbeaten throughout the group but finished second in the group behind Portugal to set up a play-off date with Iran. After beating the Asians 2-0 at Lansdowne Road, Ireland progressed 2-1 on aggregate to qualify for their first World Cup finals in eight years. The World Cup started controversially with captain Roy Keane being sent home after an argument with McCarthy, but Ireland then went on to reach the second round but drew 1-1 with Spain before going out on penalties. The start of the Euro 2004 qualifiers was disappointing with Ireland losing the opening two games which soon resulted in McCarthy's resignation. His successor as senior manager was Brian Kerr. He had a perfect start as Ireland won 2-0 against Scotland. He then set about turning around Ireland's fortunes in the Euro 2004 qualifiers and after a promising start as Ireland took ten points from four matches against Georgia and Albania, but a draw at home to Russia meant Ireland went into the final game in Switzerland needing a victory but they lost 2-0. Ireland then missed out on qualification for the 2006 World Cup. Going into their last match a win would guarantee a playoff berth but a goalless draw at home to Switzerland eliminated them. Brian Kerr was removed from his post as a result.

Steve Staunton became the manager in 2006. After a difficult start to his reign where he lost four of his opening six games, he had the side playing well for a time, with an eight-game unbeaten streak including a four-game winning streak in Euro 2008 qualifying. This left Ireland in contention in their group at just one point behind then second-placed Czech Republic, which went on to win the qualifying group. However, Ireland closed their campaign with four draws and a loss in their last five qualifiers, eventually finishing in third place in the group 10 points adrift of second-placed Germany. Staunton was sacked shortly after the end of the failed Euro 2008 campaign.

During Staunton's reign, Ireland played their first matches at Croke Park after Lansdowne Road was closed for redevelopment. Shelbourne had dominated the game domestically since 2000 by winning four league titles and for their European exploits where they reached the second qualifying round consistently and once the third qualifying round where they were half an hour away from holding Deportivo to a goalless draw over two legs before losing 3-0. After winning the league in 2006, though, they were demoted to the First Division for financial irregularities. The League of Ireland merged with the FAI in 2007, resulting in major changes to the structure of the league.

League System

The Football League of Ireland was established in 1921. The Premier Division was the only division up to 1985 when the First Division was also introduced. The Irish telecommunications company, Eircom, became the leagues official sponsor in 1999. The league has changed from a winter to summer season, also. The season now begins in March and ends in November. Another change undergone by the league is the introduction of professionalism into some clubs. Before this all clubs were semi-professional. These changes were mainly made in order for better performances in Europe by the clubs. In 2006 the FAI completed a merge with the League of Ireland and so the league was renamed the FAI League of Ireland. This merge involved changes to league format which were to be gradually introduced over the next three years. The changes includes an introduction of an 'A' League Championship which will provide non-league and amateur clubs a chance to win promotion to the First Division which, up to this stage, had no clubs actually relegated. Clubs who finished in last place had to re-apply for league membership, however. The league has received more media coverage in recent years. At the moment four channels (RTÉ, TV3, TG4 and Setanta) show live matches and/or highlights of Premier Division games. Attendances have also rose in the last few years. Attendances did reach their peak in the 1970s. They did rapidly drop, however, but have shown increases since the turn of the century. All of this has provided clubs with more finances as prize money is increasing. There is a total prize fund in the league of €450,000 starting from this season.

FAI Premier Division

In 2007 the FAI Premier Division replaced the Football League of Ireland Premier Division. The latter was founded in 1921. The Premier Division currently contains 12 clubs. The 12 clubs play each other three times which gives a total of 33 matches each. The bottom placed club will be relegated to the First Division and the team who finishes in 11^th position will enter a promotion/relegation playoff with a First Division qualifier. This format is likely to change, though, as the FAI want to reduce the number of clubs in the Premier Division to 10 teams by the year 2009.

FAI First Division

The Football League of Ireland First Division was introduced in 1986. Like the Premier Division, it was replaced in 2007 by the FAI First Division due to the merge between the League of Ireland and the FAI. At the moment there are 10 clubs in the First Division with teams playing each other four times. The champions win automatic promotion with the second and third placed clubs competing in a playoff against each other. The winner of this qualifies for the promotion/relegation playoff against the 11^th placed club in the Premier Division. There is no official relegation from the First Division although this will change in future years with the introduction of the 'A' League Championship.

Provincial Leagues

Each province in the country (Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connacht) run a league. These leagues are amateur leagues, though, and clubs cannot be promoted to the FAI National League. Some of the top clubs in these leagues do compete in the FAI Cup, however. These leagues do not gain much media coverage certainly on a national level.

Local Amateur Soccer

Many counties in the country run a local league. These leagues do not provide promotion to provincial leagues but are still run. An example of one such league is the North Tipperary District Soccer League which is run in North Tipperary. This particular league contains four divisions and also a youth division.

Cup Competitions

The FAI Cup is the national cup competition of the country. It was first run in 1922. The tournament has a straight knockout format with non-league and junior sides competing in the first round before the league clubs join in the second round.

The Football League of Ireland Cup is the other main cup in the country. It was first held in 1974. This tournament's format has changed over the years. Previously it had group stages in the opening round but it now is straight knockout but clubs are divided into regional groups in the opening rounds. All 22 league clubs take part with the addition of 2 non-league clubs in order to bring the number up to 24.

League of Ireland clubs also compete in the Setanta Cup. This competition is played between clubs from both the FAI League of Ireland and the Irish League in Northern Ireland. Four clubs from both sides of the border take part. League of Ireland clubs can qualify by finishing in the top two places in the Premier Division, winning the FAI Cup or winning a playoff held between the League Cup winners and First Division champions. The competition, itself, is has two groups of four with the top two progressing through to the semi-final stage. This tournament was first played in 2005.

Munster also run a cup for all clubs located in Munster including league clubs.

Each of the provincial and local amateur leagues also run cup competitions for their league clubs.

Defunct cup competitions include:

• Texaco Cup
• Blaxnit Cup
• Dublin City Cup
• Dublin and Belfast Intercity Cup
• FAI Super Cup
• League of Ireland Shield
• Leinster Senior Cup
• Top Four Cup

Qualification for European competitions

Competition	Who Qualifies	Notes
UEFA Champions League First Qualifying Round	Club finishing 1st in the FAI Premier Division
UEFA Cup First Qualifying Round	Club finishing 2nd in the FAI Premier Division
	FAI Cup winners	If the FAI Cup winners have already qualified for the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Cup through the FAI Premier Division then the FAI Cup runners-up receive this place; if the runners-up have also already qualified, then the third placed FAI Premier Division club gets the place
	FAI Premier Division club with the best UEFA Fair Play ranking that has not already qualified for Europe, but only if the Republic of Ireland has the best fair play ranking or has a fair play score of above 8 and is one of the two countries drawn out of the hat
UEFA Intertoto Cup First Round	Club finishing third in the FAI Premier Division	If the club that finishes in third place qualifies for the UEFA Cup as both FAI Cup finalists have finished in the top two places in the league than the place goes to the fourth placed team

Republic of Ireland national team

Main article: Republic of Ireland national football team

The Republic of Ireland's first competitive international finished in a 1-0 victory against Bulgaria on 28 May 1924 in the Olympics. They have never won any major international competitions and had never qualified for a major tournament until 1988. Since then they have enjoyed relative success qualifying for three of the last five World Cups. The furthest they reached was the quarter-final in 1990.

Women's Game

Main articles: Republic of Ireland women's national football team and Women's Football Association of Ireland

Women's soccer is not very widespread in the Republic of Ireland. There is currently no national league in place, although, there are regional leagues including the Dublin Women's League. There is a national team also which compete on an international basis. They are currently attempting to qualify for the European Championships in Finland in 2009.

Stadiums used for football in the Republic of Ireland

Stadium	Capacity	Club/Team
Croke Park	84,500	National Team
Lansdowne Road	49,250	National Team
Tolka Park	9,700	Shelbourne/Shamrock Rovers
Dalymount Park	8,500	Bohemians
Turners Cross	8,000	Cork City
Jackman Park	8,000	Limerick 37
Waterford Regional Sports Centre	8,000	Waterford United
Finn Park	7,900	Finn Harps
Carlisle Grounds	7,000	Bray Wanderers
Buckley Park	6,500	Kilkenny City
Oriel Park	6,000	Dundalk
Richmond Park	5,500	St Patrick's Athletic
The Showgrounds	5,500	Sligo Rovers
United Park	5,400	Drogheda United
Terryland Park	5,000	Galway United
St Colman's Park	5,000	Cobh Ramblers
Newcastle Park	5,000	Wexford Youths
Flancare Park	4,500	Longford Town
Kingspan Century Park	3,000	Monaghan United
Station Road	2,500	Kildare County
Belfield Park	2,500	U.C.D.
Athlone Town Stadium	2,000	Athlone Town

See also: Stadiums of Ireland

External links

• FAI History
• Eircom league History