This article deals with the Irish Football Association team up to 1950, when it last picked players from outside Northern Ireland. The current IFA team, which sometimes played as Ireland, is described in Northern Ireland national football team

Ireland
to 1950
Association	Irish Football Association
Most caps	Elisha Scott (31)
Top scorer	Billy Gillespie (12) Joe Bambrick (12)
FIFA code
Highest Elo ranking	4[1] (1882–5)
Lowest Elo ranking	37 or 41 (1923 or 1946}[2])
First kit
First international
Ireland 0 – 13  England (Belfast, February 18, 1882)
Biggest win
Ireland 7 – 0  Wales (Belfast, February 1, 1930)
Biggest defeat
Ireland 0 – 13  England (Belfast, February 18, 1882)

The Ireland national football team represented Ireland at association football, it was organised by the Irish FA, and is the fourth oldest international team in the world. The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international football. The Irish Football Association ( IFA) is the organising body for football in Northern Ireland, and had historically been the governing body for the whole A cap is an appearance for a select team such as a school county or international team in sports Elisha Scott ( 24 August 1894 &ndash 16 May 1959) was a Northern Irish football goalkeeper who most notably played Billy Gillespie ( August 6 1891 - July 2 1981) was a football player for Sheffield United over a twenty year period from Joe Bambrick, (born 3 November 1905 in Belfast, Ireland; died 13 October 1983 in Belfast Northern Ireland) FIFA assigns a three-letter code (dubbed FIFA Trigramme) to each of its member and non-member countries The English national football team represents England in international football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football Belfast ( is the capital city of Northern Ireland and the seat of government in Northern Ireland. Events 3102 BC - Epoch (origin of the Kali Yuga. 1229 - The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II Holy Year 1882 ( MDCCCLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common The Wales national football team represents Wales in international men's football. Belfast ( is the capital city of Northern Ireland and the seat of government in Northern Ireland. Events 1327 - Teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen Year 1930 ( MCMXXX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display 1930 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The English national football team represents England in international football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football Belfast ( is the capital city of Northern Ireland and the seat of government in Northern Ireland. Events 3102 BC - Epoch (origin of the Kali Yuga. 1229 - The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II Holy Year 1882 ( MDCCCLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Ireland (pronounced /ˈaɾlənd/ Éire) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a Team sport played between two teams of eleven players and is widely considered The Irish Football Association ( IFA) is the organising body for football in Northern Ireland, and had historically been the governing body for the whole It mainly played in the British Home Championship against England, Scotland and Wales. The British Home Championship (also known as the Home International Championship) was an annual football competition contested between the United Kingdom The English national football team represents England in international football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. The Wales national football team represents Wales in international men's football. Though often vying with Wales to avoid the wooden spoon, Ireland did win the Championship in 1914, and shared it with England and Scotland in 1903. 1914 British Home Championship was the last British Home Championship played before the First World War. The 1903 British Home Championship was an international football tournament between the British Home Nations.

After the partition of Ireland in the 1920s, although the IFA's administration of club football was restricted to Northern Ireland, the IFA national team continued to select players from the whole of Ireland until 1950, and did not adopt the name "Northern Ireland" until 1954 in FIFA competition, and later still in the British Home Championship. The Partition of Ireland took place on 3 May 1921 under the Government of Ireland Act 1920. Northern Ireland (Tuaisceart Éireann Ulster Scots: Norlin Airlann) is a Country within the United Kingdom, lying in the northeast of The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (French for International Federation of Association Football) The IFA's modern Northern Ireland national football team is recognised as the successor to the original Ireland national team. The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international football. During this era a separate international team, organised by the separate Football Association of Ireland, had briefly fielded a team called Ireland, and this team now represents the Republic of Ireland. The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in international football. The Football Association of Ireland ( FAI; Irish: Cumann Peile na h-Éireann) is the governing body for the sport of association football (soccer Ireland ( Irish: Éire, ˈeːrʲə is a country in north-western Europe.

History

1800s

On February 18, 1882, two years after the founding of the Irish FA, Ireland made their international debut against England, losing 13–0 in a friendly played at Bloomfield Park in Belfast, becoming the fourth international side ever to take the field. Events 3102 BC - Epoch (origin of the Kali Yuga. 1229 - The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II Holy Year 1882 ( MDCCCLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common The English national football team represents England in international football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football Belfast ( is the capital city of Northern Ireland and the seat of government in Northern Ireland. ^[3] This result remains the record win for England and the record defeat for an Ireland team. The Irish line-up that day included Samuel Johnston, who at the age of 15 years and 153 days became the youngest international debutant, a record still held today. ^[4] On February 25, 1882 Ireland played their second international against Wales at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham and an equaliser from Johnston became Ireland’s first ever goal, although Ireland went on to lose 7–1, the goal also saw Johnston became the youngest ever international goalscorer. Events 138 - The Emperor Hadrian adopts Antoninus Pius, effectively making him his successor Year 1882 ( MDCCCLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common The Wales national football team represents Wales in international men's football. Sainsbury Standjpg|thumb|The Sainsbury's Stand]]Wrexham FCjpg|thumb|The Mold Road Stand looking towards the Kop]] The Racecourse Ground (Y Cae Ras is a Stadium located Wrexham (Wrecsam is a town and principal area in Wales. It is the largest town in North Wales and lies to the east of the region

In 1884 Ireland competed in the inaugural British Home Championship and lost all three games. The 1884 British Home Championship was the inaugural international football tournament played between the Home Nations of the British Isles ^[5] Ireland did not win their first game until March 13, 1887, a 4–1 win over Wales in Belfast. Events 1138 - Cardinal Gregorio Conti is elected Antipope as Victor IV, succeeding Anacletus II. Year 1887 ( MDCCCLXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common ^[6] Between their debut and this game, they had a run of 14 defeats and 1 draw, the longest run without a win in the 1800s. ^[7] Despite the end of this run, heavy defeats continued to blight Ireland’s record. Including March 3, 1888 when they lost 11–0 to Wales, and on February 23, 1901 when they lost 11–0 to Scotland. Events 1284 - Statute of Rhuddlan incorporated the Principality of Wales into England 1575 - Indian Year 1888 ( MDCCCLXXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (click on link for calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Events 1455 - Traditional date for the publication of the Gutenberg Bible, the first Western Book printed from Movable Year 1901 ( MCMI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting These losses, together with the initial loss to England still constitute the record wins held by each of the other home nation teams. "Home nation" (common noun redirects here home nation is also used to refer to the host country of Multi-sport events (eg

However there where some brighter moments: on February 7, 1891 an Ireland team featuring Jack Reynolds and four-goal hero Olphert Stanfield defeated Wales 7–2, providing Ireland with their second win. Events 457 - Leo I becomes emperor of the Byzantine Empire. 1074 - Battle of Montesarchio in which the Prince Year 1891 ( MDCCCXCI) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Jack Reynolds (born February 21 1869, Blackburn, England; died March 12 1917, Sheffield) also known as Olphert Martin Stanfield ( born February 26 1869, Belfast; died March 13 1952) also referred to as Olphie Stanfield Reynolds international performances attracted the interest of West Bromwich Albion who signed him in March 1891, however it was later discovered that Reynolds was actually English. West Bromwich Albion Football Club (also known as West Brom, The Baggies, Albion, The Albion, The Throstles or WBA) are On March 3, 1894 at the Solitude Ground in Belfast, after thirteen attempts Ireland finally avoided defeat to England, the team that included Fred Spiksley and Reynolds, who had since switched allegiances, Ireland gained a 2–2 draw. Events 1284 - Statute of Rhuddlan incorporated the Principality of Wales into England 1575 - Indian Year 1894 ( MDCCCXCIV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Solitude is a football Stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is the home ground of Cliftonville F Fred Spiksley (January 25 1870 Gainsborough – July 28 1948 Goodwood) is a former English footballer and coach who played as a forward for Goals from Stanfield and W. K. Gibson inspired Ireland to come back from 2–0 down to gain a 2–2 draw.

Lacking the strength in depth enjoyed by England and Scotland, Irish internationals of this era started younger and their careers lasted longer then their English or Scottish contemporaries. The English national football team represents England in international football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. As a result Ireland fielded both the youngest and oldest national teams during the 1800s^[7][8]. Both Olphert Stanfield and W. K. Gibson were only 17 when they made their debuts. Another 17 year-old debutant was future Worcestershire cricketer, George Gaukrodger. Worcestershire County Cricket Club is one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English domestic Cricket structure representing the historic county George Warrington Gaukrodger (September 11 1877 Kirkburton, Yorkshire – January 4 1938 Low Moor Bradford, Yorkshire) was a Cricketer In Johnston, Gibson and Gaukrodger, Ireland also had three of the four youngest goalscorers in the 1800s^[7]

British champions

Ireland v Wales during 1914 British Home Championship
Back(l-r):Val Harris, Fred McKee, Davy Rollo, Patrick O'Connoll
Front(l-r): EH Seymour, Sam Young, Billy Gillespie, Alex Craig, Bill Lacey, Louis Bookman, Bill McConnell

Ireland’s greatest success on the football field came when they won the 1914 British Home Championship. 1914 British Home Championship was the last British Home Championship played before the First World War. Valentine Harris (born June 23 1884, Ringsend, Dublin, Ireland) commonly referred to as Val Harris, was an Irish Patrick Joseph O'Connell (born March 8 1887; died February 27 1959) also known as Paddy O’Connell or Patricio O'Connell Billy Gillespie ( August 6 1891 - July 2 1981) was a football player for Sheffield United over a twenty year period from Bill Lacey ( September 24, 1889, Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland – May 30 1969) also referred to Louis Bookman ( November 6 1890 &ndash June 10 1943) also known as Louis Buckhalter or Louis Buchalter, was a Lithuanian 1914 British Home Championship was the last British Home Championship played before the First World War. However the foundations for that success had been laid over a decade earlier when Ireland had pioneered the use of national team coaches. The first time in the history of modern football that a national team had a coach was on February 20, 1897 when Billy Crone was in charge of the Ireland team that lost 6–0 to England,^[7] The change in policy produced dividends as Ireland won 1–0. Events 1472 - Orkney and Shetland are left by Norway to Scotland, due to a Dowry payment Year 1897 ( MDCCCXCVII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common Billy Crone ( born Belfast, 1864) also referred to as William Crone was an Irish footballer who played for Distillery The English national football team represents England in international football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football Three weeks later, on March 25 one of these four players, Archie Goodall, aged 34 years and 279 days, became the oldest player to score at international level during the 1800s when he scored in a 9–1 defeat to Scotland. Events 1199 - Richard I is wounded by a crossbow bolt while fighting France which leads to his death on April 6. Archibald Lee Goodall (born Belfast, Ireland, June 19 1864; died East Finchley, London, England, November The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association.

Goodall remained a regular at centre-half for Ireland until he was almost 40. On March 28, 1903, aged of 38 years and 283 days, he scored the opening goal in a 2–0 win against Wales and became the oldest goalscorer in Ireland’s history. Events 37 - Roman Emperor Caligula accepts the titles of the Principate, entitled to him by the Senate. Year 1903 ( MCMIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar or a Common year starting The Wales national football team represents Wales in international men's football. The goal also helped an Ireland team, that also included Jack Kirwan, Billy Scott, Billy McCracken and Robert Milne, clinch a share in the 1903 British Home Championship. John Henry Kirwan (born February 9 1878, County Wicklow, Ireland; died January 9 1959, London, England Billy Scott (born 1 January 1884) also known as William Scott, was an Irish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for among others Everton Billy (Bill McCracken ( January 29 1883, Belfast – 1979) was a Northern Irish Association football player Robert ("Bob" George Milne is a former footballer who played for the Gordon Highlanders, Linfield and Ireland during the 1890s The 1903 British Home Championship was an international football tournament between the British Home Nations. Until then the competition had been monopolised by England and Scotland. The English national football team represents England in international football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. However in 1903, before goal difference was applied, Ireland forced a three way share. In Sports such as Ice hockey and football (soccer, goal difference (that is goals scored minus goals conceded is often the first Tiebreaker Despite losing their opening game 4–0 to England, the Irish then beat Scotland for the first time with a 2–0 win at Celtic Park. Celtic Park is a football Stadium in the Parkhead area of Glasgow in Scotland.

On February 15, 1913, with a team captained by Val Harris and including Billy Scott and two-goal hero Billy Gillespie, Ireland beat England for the first time with a 2–1 win at Windsor Park. Events 590 - Khosrau II is crowned as king of Persia 1637 - Ferdinand III becomes Holy Roman Emperor Year 1913 ( MCMXIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Valentine Harris (born June 23 1884, Ringsend, Dublin, Ireland) commonly referred to as Val Harris, was an Irish Billy Gillespie ( August 6 1891 - July 2 1981) was a football player for Sheffield United over a twenty year period from Windsor Park, in Belfast, is the home ground of the Northern Irish football club Linfield. ^[9] In 1914 Ireland went a stage further and won the championship outright. 1914 British Home Championship was the last British Home Championship played before the First World War. Harris and Gillespie were joined in the squad by among others, Patrick O’Connell and Bill Lacey. Patrick Joseph O'Connell (born March 8 1887; died February 27 1959) also known as Paddy O’Connell or Patricio O'Connell Bill Lacey ( September 24, 1889, Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland – May 30 1969) also referred to Gillespie scored twice as Ireland beat Wales 2–1 away, Ireland then beat England 3–0 at Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough with Lacey grabbing two of the goals. The Wales national football team represents Wales in international men's football. The English national football team represents England in international football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football Ayresome Park was a football stadium in the town of Middlesbrough, North East England, and was the home of Middlesbrough F Middlesbrough ( IPA ( Received pronunciation) is a Town in the Tees Valley sub-region of the North East of England They clinched the title following a 1–1 home draw with Scotland in what would be their last match until the end of the First World War. The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association.

Irish FA v FA of Ireland

In 1920 Ireland was partitioned into Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. Ireland (pronounced /ˈaɾlənd/ Éire) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world The Partition of Ireland took place on 3 May 1921 under the Government of Ireland Act 1920. Northern Ireland (Tuaisceart Éireann Ulster Scots: Norlin Airlann) is a Country within the United Kingdom, lying in the northeast of Southern Ireland (Deisceart Éireann was the short lived autonomous region (or Constituent country) of the United Kingdom established on 3 May In 1922, Southern Ireland gained independence as the Irish Free State, later to become Republic of Ireland. The Irish Free State (Saorstát Éireann (1922&ndash1937 was the state established as a Dominion on 6 December 1922 under the Anglo-Irish Treaty, signed by Ireland ( Irish: Éire, ˈeːrʲə is a country in north-western Europe. Amid these political upheavals, a rival football association, the Football Association of Ireland, emerged in Dublin in 1921 and organised a separate league and later a national team. The Football Association of Ireland ( FAI; Irish: Cumann Peile na h-Éireann) is the governing body for the sport of association football (soccer Dublin (ˈdʌblɨn/ /ˈdʊblɨn or /ˈdʊbəlɪn/, bˠalʲə aːha klʲiəh or cliə(ɸ is both the largest city and capital of Ireland. The Football League of Ireland, usually known simply as the League of Ireland or later the eircom League (from the league's sponsorship by Irish telecommunications The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in international football. In 1923, during a period when the home nations had dis-affiliated from the governing body,^[10] the FAI was recognised by FIFA as the governing body of the Irish Free State on the condition that it changed its name to the Football Association of the Irish Free State. ^[11] At the same time, the IFA continued to organise its national team on an all-Ireland basis, regularly calling up Free State players. ^[12][13]During this era at least one Northerner, Harry Chatton, also played for Irish Free State and from 1936, the FAI began to organise their own all - Ireland team. The people of Northern Ireland are "all persons born in Northern Ireland and having at the time of their birth at least one parent who is a British citizen, James Harold A Chatton (born April 23 1899, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Ireland) commonly referred to as Harry Chatton The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in international football. The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in international football. ^[14][15] Both teams now competed as Ireland and during this era at least 39 dual internationals were selected to represent both teams. Dual Irish international footballers are a group of Irish international footballers who between 1908 and March 1950 played for the international teams selected by both the ^[16] In an era when national teams played only a few games a year, it was rare for professional players to turn down an opportunity to play at international level. Between 1928 and 1946 the IFA were not affiliated to FIFA and the two Ireland teams co-existed, never competing in the same competition. ^[17]

Billy Gillespie held the international scoring record for sixty years

Inter-war years

Following the end of hostilities, the British home championship resumed in October 1919, opening with Ireland taking on England at Windsor park. World War I (abbreviated WWI; also known as the First World War, the Great War, and the War to End All The championship winning team had since broken up, and in their first game, Ireland fielded eight debutants, and despite only losing one game in the first post war competition, they finished the tournament with in last place.

Ireland never refound the form of their 1914 winning season, and only managed two second places in the following twenty years. However they did have a number of excellent match performance including beating England 2–1 at Windsor Park on October 10, 1923 with a team featuring Tom Farquharson, Sam Irving, Bobby Irvine and Billy Gillespie. Events 680 - Battle of Karbala: Shia Imam Husayn bin Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, is decapitated Year 1923 ( MCMXXIII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Tom Farquharson (born Dublin, December 4 1900; died 1970 is a former Irish footballer who played as a Goalkeeper Samuel Johnstone Irving ( 2 August 1893 - 12 December 1968) was an Irish footballer and manager. Robert William Irvine (or Bobby Irvine) ( 29 April, 1900 in Lisburn, Ireland – 1979 in Leicester, England) Billy Gillespie ( August 6 1891 - July 2 1981) was a football player for Sheffield United over a twenty year period from During the 1920s, Billy Gillespie set the Irish FAs record of twelve goals in an international career, of which seven of these came at the expense of England, a record that stood until 1992, when Colin Clarke managed to better it by one. Colin Clarke (born October 30, 1962 in Newry, Northern Ireland) is a former Northern Irish Football (soccer player ^[18]

Throughout Ireland's formative years they exclusively played against England, Scotland and Wales, both in friendlies and in the British Home Championship. The English national football team represents England in international football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. The Wales national football team represents Wales in international men's football. The British Home Championship (also known as the Home International Championship) was an annual football competition contested between the United Kingdom However in the 1920s there were occasions when Ireland played other teams, including France, Norway and South Africa, for various reasons, such as the amount of amateur players involved, the status of these internationals has been disputed. The French national football team represents the nation of France in international football. The Norwegian national football team, controlled by the Norwegian Football Association, is the national football team of Norway. The South Africa national football team or Bafana Bafana' (The Boys is the national team of South Africa and is controlled by the South African Football ^[19]

Blue plaque noting six goal hero Bambrick's home in Belfast

On October 10, 1927 Gillespie and Irving were joined by Elisha Scott as they defeated England 2–0 at Windsor Park, in the following match a defeat by Wales in Belfast put the championship beyond reach, however in February 25, 1928 an inspired goalkeeping performance from Scott helped Ireland defeat Scotland 1–0, their first win against the Scots in eighteen years, gaining the side their best season finish since 1914. In the United Kingdom, a blue plaque is a permanent sign installed in a public place to commemorate a link between that location and a famous person or event Events 680 - Battle of Karbala: Shia Imam Husayn bin Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, is decapitated Year 1927 ( MCMXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Elisha Scott ( 24 August 1894 &ndash 16 May 1959) was a Northern Irish football goalkeeper who most notably played Events 138 - The Emperor Hadrian adopts Antoninus Pius, effectively making him his successor Year 1928 ( MCMXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.

On February 2, 1930 Ireland beat Wales 7–0 with Joe Bambrick, playing at his home club ground scoring six of the seven goals. Events 962 - Translatio imperii: Pope John XII crowns Otto I Holy Roman Emperor, the first Holy Roman Emperor Year 1930 ( MCMXXX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display 1930 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Joe Bambrick, (born 3 November 1905 in Belfast, Ireland; died 13 October 1983 in Belfast Northern Ireland) This remains the teams record win to this day, and Bambrick's six goals was the highest tally by any player in a single match in the history of the competition, and remains unequaled to this very day. ^[20]

However Ireland spent the remainder of the decade in the bottom half of the table, only managing to avoid last place on three occasions. Following war breaking out in Europe, the British home championship was again suspended with Ireland finishing the 1939 competition where they had spent most of the last two decades, at the bottom of the table, having lost all their games. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including The 1939 British Home Championship was a football tournament played between the British Home Nations during the 1938/39 seasons and was the last edition

End of an era

During the Second World War all home internationals were suspended, however, during this period Ireland played an unofficial match against a combined services eleven, which was effectively a Great Britain side containing Matt Busby, Stanley Matthews, Tommy Lawton and Stan Mortensen. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including The Armed forces of the United Kingdom, commonly known as the British Armed Forces or Her Majesty's Armed Forces, and sometimes legally the Armed Forces Sir Alexander Matthew "Matt" Busby CBE KCSG (26 May 1909 – 20 January 1994 was a Scottish football player and manager most noted Sir Stanley Matthews, CBE ( 1 February 1915 — February 23 2000) was an English football player Tommy Lawton ( 6 October, 1919 - 6 November, 1996) was an English association footballer who rose to fame a short time before Stanley Harding Mortensen ( 26 May 1921 — 22 May 1991) commonly referred to as Stan Mortensen, was an English professional ^[21][22] The game was a high scoring affair with Ireland losing 8–4, with all four Ireland goals coming from the future manager Peter Doherty. Peter Dermot Doherty ( June 5 1913 — April 6 1990) was a Northern Irish professional football player and manager The performance of Doherty was such that the match commentator,Maurice Edelston, stated "He was almost a one-man team - and if Ireland had two Dohertys that day, I shudder to think what might have happened". Maurice Edelston (27 April 1918 – 1976 was a British footballer, who later became a Sports commentator. ^[23]

In 1946, when the Home Nations resumed official internationals, the IFA-FAI split was highlighted as England played both teams in the same week. The English FA requested each association to select only players from its jurisdiction, "quoting the International Federation rule to that effect". The Football Association, also known as simply The FA, is the governing body of football in England and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey ^[24] The FAI complied, but not the IFA, and two players from the 7–2 defeat in Belfast on September 28 played again in the 1–0 defeat in Dublin on September 30. Events 48 BC - Pompey the Great is assassinated on orders of King Ptolemy of Egypt after landing in Egypt. Events 1399 - Henry IV is proclaimed King of England. 1744 - France and Spain defeat the On November 27, seven players born in the 26 counties, including Johnny Carey, Peter Farrell and Con Martin, played in the IFA side's 0–0 draw with Scotland. Events 1095 - Pope Urban II declares the First Crusade at the Council of Clermont John Joseph "Johnny" Carey (born 23 February 1919 in Dublin, Ireland; died 22 August 1995 in Macclesfield Peter Desmond Farrell ( August 16, 1922 – March 16, 1999) was an Irish footballer who played as an a right-half for among others Cornelius Joseph Martin (born Rush Dublin, March 20 1923) commonly referred to as Con Martin, is a former Irish footballer The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. The draw helped the team finish as runners-up in the 1947 British Home Championship. The 1947 British Home Championship was a football tournament played between the British Home Nations during the 1946/47 seasons the first professional From then until the 1949–50 season the IFA regularly selected five to seven players born in the Free State and were rewarded with some respectable results, including a 2–0 win against Scotland on October 4, 1947 and a 2–2 draw with England at Goodison Park on November 5. The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Events 610 - Heraclius arrives by ship from Africa at Constantinople, overthrows Byzantine Emperor Phocas Year 1947 ( MCMXLVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1947 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The English national football team represents England in international football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football Goodison Park is the home ground of Everton FC in Liverpool. It was built in 1892 and now has a total capacity of 40157 all-seated Events 1499 - Publication of the Catholicon in Treguier ( Brittany)

Ireland, along with the other Home Nations, rejoined FIFA in order to compete in the World Cup; the 1950 British Home Championship was used as the qualifying group. The FIFA World Cup, occasionally called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international Association football 1950 British Home Championship. The 1950 competition was one of the most significant competitions of the British Home Championship football tournament Ireland hosted the first ever world cup qualifier in which a home nation side competed, losing 8–2 to Scotland in Belfast, and eventually finishing bottom of the group only managing to take a point away to Wales. During the match against Wales at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, the IFA fielded an all-Ireland team for the last time. The Wales national football team represents Wales in international men's football. Sainsbury Standjpg|thumb|The Sainsbury's Stand]]Wrexham FCjpg|thumb|The Mold Road Stand looking towards the Kop]] The Racecourse Ground (Y Cae Ras is a Stadium located Wrexham (Wrecsam is a town and principal area in Wales. It is the largest town in North Wales and lies to the east of the region The team included four players - Tom Aherne, Reg Ryan, Davy Walsh and the captain Con Martin - who were born in the Irish Free State, and all four of whom had previously played for the FAI international team in their qualifiers and as a result had played for two different associations in the same FIFA World Cup tournament. Thomas Aherne (born 26 January 1919, Limerick, Ireland; died 30 December 1999, Luton, England Reginald Alphonso Ryan ( 30 October 1925 – 13 February 1997) also referred to as Paddy Ryan, is a former Irish footballer David John Walsh (born April 28, 1923, Waterford, Ireland) commonly referred to as Davy Walsh or Dave Walsh, is Cornelius Joseph Martin (born Rush Dublin, March 20 1923) commonly referred to as Con Martin, is a former Irish footballer The Irish Free State (Saorstát Éireann (1922&ndash1937 was the state established as a Dominion on 6 December 1922 under the Anglo-Irish Treaty, signed by The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in international football. The FIFA World Cup, occasionally called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international Association football

The FAI took steps to prevent players from what was now the Republic of Ireland turning out for the IFA's Ireland team. Ireland ( Irish: Éire, ˈeːrʲə is a country in north-western Europe. All UK-based players from the Republic were pressured to sign an undertaking not to play for the IFA. Jackie Carey was the last to comply, in April 1950. John Joseph "Johnny" Carey (born 23 February 1919 in Dublin, Ireland; died 22 August 1995 in Macclesfield ^[25] Rule 35(b) of the FAI articles provided that players based in the Republic would be denied clearance certificates for transfers abroad unless they gave a similar undertaking. In association football, a transfer is the action taken whenever a player moves between clubs ^[26] The IFA complained to FIFA; in April 1951, FIFA replied that the FAI rule 35(b) was contrary to its regulations, but also that the IFA team could not select "citizens of Eire". Éire (ˈeːrʲə) is the Irish name for the island of Ireland and of the state of the same name. ^[27] An exception was for British Home Championship games,^[26] as a 1923 IFAB agreement at Liverpool prevented FIFA intervention in relations between the four Home Nations. The International Football Association Board ( IFAB) is the body that determines the Laws of the Game of association football. Liverpool ( is a City and Metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary ^[28] However, the exception would only apply "if the F. A. of Ireland do not object",^[27] and was never availed of.

IFA and FAI teams both continued to compete as Ireland. At FIFA's 1953 congress, its Rule 3 was amended so that an international team must use "that title . . . recognised politically and geographically of the countries or territories". ^[28] The FAI initially claimed Rule 3 gave them the right to the name Ireland^[29] (see names of the Irish state), but FIFA subsequently ruled neither team could be referred to as Ireland, decreeing that the FAI team be officially designated as the Republic of Ireland, while the IFA team was to become Northern Ireland. The state whose official name is Ireland (Éire and whose description is the Republic of Ireland (Poblacht na hÉireann is and has been known by a number of The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in international football. The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international football. ^[30][31] The IFA objected and in 1954 was permitted to continue using the name Ireland in Home Internationals,^[32] based on the 1923 agreement. This practice was discontinued in the late 1970s. ^[33]

Home grounds

Up until 1899 Ireland played all their home internationals in Belfast, with their first international being played at Bloomfield Park. Belfast ( is the capital city of Northern Ireland and the seat of government in Northern Ireland. Subsequent home games during the 1880s were played at Ballynafeigh Park, also known as the Ulster Cricket Ground. During the 1890s the Solitude Ground, the home stadium of Cliftonville, hosted 11 home internationals. Solitude is a football Stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is the home ground of Cliftonville F Cliftonville Football & Athletic Club ( the Reds) is an Irish League football team playing in the IFA Premiership. In the early 1900s occasional internationals were also played at Grosvenor Park, the then home of Distillery, and the Balmoral Showgrounds. Lisburn Distillery is a Northern Ireland football club playing in the IFA Premiership.

On March 17, 1900, Saint Patrick's Day, Ireland played their first game in Dublin, losing 2–0 at Lansdowne Road to England. Events 45 BC - In his last victory Julius Caesar defeats the Pompeian forces of Titus Labienus and Pompey the Younger Year 1900 ( MCM) was an exceptional Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar Saint Patrick's Day (Lá ’le Pádraig or Lá Fhéile Pádraig) colloquially St Dublin (ˈdʌblɨn/ /ˈdʊblɨn or /ˈdʊbəlɪn/, bˠalʲə aːha klʲiəh or cliə(ɸ is both the largest city and capital of Ireland. Location The stadium is situated in the neighbourhood of Ballsbridge in the city's Dublin 4 area The English national football team represents England in international football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football ^[34] On March 26, 1904 Ireland played their first game at Dalymount Park, a 1–1 draw with Scotland. Events 1026 - Pope John XIX crowns Conrad II as Holy Roman Emperor. Year 1904 ( MCMIV) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year starting on Dalymount Park is a football Stadium situated in north Dublin. The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Between 1904 and 1913 Dalymount hosted at least one Irish international in the years when Ireland had more than one home match. The other games were played at Windsor Park, completed in 1905. Windsor Park, in Belfast, is the home ground of the Northern Irish football club Linfield. After the partition of Ireland, all subsequent home internationals were played in Belfast, mainly at Windsor Park but occasionally at Celtic Park, the home of Belfast Celtic. The Partition of Ireland took place on 3 May 1921 under the Government of Ireland Act 1920. Belfast ( is the capital city of Northern Ireland and the seat of government in Northern Ireland. Belfast Celtic Football Club was a former Irish football club that was founded in 1891, and was one of the most successful teams in Ireland until Belfast Celtic Football Club was a former Irish football club that was founded in 1891, and was one of the most successful teams in Ireland until

Team colours and emblems

Usual	Away to Scotland
Early Ireland colours

From the beginning Ireland wore a variety of colours, including green, white, and blue. However blue emerged as the established colour from before the First World War until September 1931. St Patrick's Blue refers to a Blue, often but not always dark blue associated with St World War I (abbreviated WWI; also known as the First World War, the Great War, and the War to End All The choice of blue has been credited to an early example of Linfield influence within the IFA. The Irish Football Association ( IFA) is the organising body for football in Northern Ireland, and had historically been the governing body for the whole However blue has been a national colour of Ireland since the Norman era and has been used by several other Irish sports teams, including Dublin GAA, Leinster Rugby and Dublin City. Ireland (pronounced /ˈaɾlənd/ Éire) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world The later medieval period in Ireland (" Norman Ireland " was dominated by the Cambro-Norman invasion of the country in 1171. The Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA (Cummann Luthchleas Gael Coiste Contae Ath Cliath or Dublin GAA is one of the 32 county boards of The Irish Rugby Football Union Leinster Branch (also known as Leinster Rugby) is one of four branches of the IRFU, and is responsible for Rugby union in Dublin City Football Club were an Irish Association football club that played in the Football League of Ireland. ^[35][36] In 1931 the shirts were changed to green, the colour still worn by the modern Northern Ireland team. The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international football. The official reason given for the change was to avoid a clash with Scotland, who also wore blue. The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. ^[37]

Ireland's initial logo was a stylised Celtic cross with a harp in the centre, which in a modern form is used by the current team, however this had been replaced in the 1930s until the 1950s with a Shamrock badge. A Celtic cross is a symbol that combines a Cross with a ring surrounding the intersection The shamrock, a symbol of Ireland and a registered trademark of the Republic of Ireland, is a three-leafed old white Clover, sometimes of This change occurred at a time when the IFA was competing with the FAI to have the true Ireland team, and at this time the shamrock was also being worn by the FA of Ireland's international side.

Notable Players

A public mural in Belfast depicting Linfield's contribution to the Ireland football team, featuring Tommy Dickson, Joe Bambrick and Elisha Scott

see also Cat:Pre-1950 IFA international footballers

Former coaches

Ireland were managed by a committee, and did not appoint a manager until October 1951,^[38]. Northern Irish murals have become symbols of Northern Ireland, depicting the region's past and present divisions Tommy Dickson ( 16 July 1929 &ndash 31 December 2007) was a former Northern Irish international footballer who played with Thomas Aherne (born 26 January 1919, Limerick, Ireland; died 30 December 1999, Luton, England Joe Bambrick, (born 3 November 1905 in Belfast, Ireland; died 13 October 1983 in Belfast Northern Ireland) Louis Bookman ( November 6 1890 &ndash June 10 1943) also known as Louis Buckhalter or Louis Buchalter, was a Lithuanian Tommy Breen (born April 27 1912, Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland; died 1988 is a former Irish footballer who played as John Joseph "Johnny" Carey (born 23 February 1919 in Dublin, Ireland; died 22 August 1995 in Macclesfield James Harold A Chatton (born April 23 1899, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Ireland) commonly referred to as Harry Chatton Billy Crone ( born Belfast, 1864) also referred to as William Crone was an Irish footballer who played for Distillery Peter Dermot Doherty ( June 5 1913 — April 6 1990) was a Northern Irish professional football player and manager For other people with the same name see Jimmy Dunne (disambiguation. Thomas Joseph Eglington ( January 15 1923 – February 18 2004) was an Irish footballer who played as an outside-left for among Tom Farquharson (born Dublin, December 4 1900; died 1970 is a former Irish footballer who played as a Goalkeeper Peter Desmond Farrell ( August 16, 1922 – March 16, 1999) was an Irish footballer who played as an a right-half for among others Patsy Gallacher ( March 16, 1891 - June 17, 1952) was an Irish footballer, playing in the inside right position and most George Warrington Gaukrodger (September 11 1877 Kirkburton, Yorkshire – January 4 1938 Low Moor Bradford, Yorkshire) was a Cricketer Billy Gillespie ( August 6 1891 - July 2 1981) was a football player for Sheffield United over a twenty year period from Archibald Lee Goodall (born Belfast, Ireland, June 19 1864; died East Finchley, London, England, November William Charles Gorman ( July 13 1911 - December 1978 commonly referred to as Bill Gorman, is a former Irish footballer who played for Valentine Harris (born June 23 1884, Ringsend, Dublin, Ireland) commonly referred to as Val Harris, was an Irish Robert William Irvine (or Bobby Irvine) ( 29 April, 1900 in Lisburn, Ireland – 1979 in Leicester, England) Samuel Johnstone Irving ( 2 August 1893 - 12 December 1968) was an Irish footballer and manager. Jimmy Kelly (born 1912 Ballybofey, County Donegal, Ireland; died November 1970 was an Irish footballer who played for among others John Henry Kirwan (born February 9 1878, County Wicklow, Ireland; died January 9 1959, London, England Bill Lacey ( September 24, 1889, Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland – May 30 1969) also referred to Cornelius Joseph Martin (born Rush Dublin, March 20 1923) commonly referred to as Con Martin, is a former Irish footballer Billy (Bill McCracken ( January 29 1883, Belfast – 1979) was a Northern Irish Association football player Robert ("Bob" George Milne is a former footballer who played for the Gordon Highlanders, Linfield and Ireland during the 1890s Patrick Joseph O'Connell (born March 8 1887; died February 27 1959) also known as Paddy O’Connell or Patricio O'Connell Kevin Patrick O'Flanagan (born June 10 1919, Dublin, Ireland; died Dublin, Republic of Ireland, May 26 Jack Reynolds (born February 21 1869, Blackburn, England; died March 12 1917, Sheffield) also known as Reginald Alphonso Ryan ( 30 October 1925 – 13 February 1997) also referred to as Paddy Ryan, is a former Irish footballer Billy Scott (born 1 January 1884) also known as William Scott, was an Irish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for among others Everton Elisha Scott ( 24 August 1894 &ndash 16 May 1959) was a Northern Irish football goalkeeper who most notably played Joshua Walter Sloan (born April 30, 1920, Lurgan, County Armagh, Ireland; died January 1993 commonly referred to as Paddy Olphert Martin Stanfield ( born February 26 1869, Belfast; died March 13 1952) also referred to as Olphie Stanfield Alexander Ernest Stevenson ( August 9 1912 Dublin, Ireland – 1985 was an Irish footballer who played for both Rangers John Joseph Vernon ( September 26 1918 - August 24 1981) also referred to as Jackie Vernon, is a former Irish footballer Billy Walsh (born Dublin, Ireland, May 31, 1921; died Noosa Queensland, Australia July 28, 2006 David John Walsh (born April 28, 1923, Waterford, Ireland) commonly referred to as Davy Walsh or Dave Walsh, is At least three coaches were appointed, on a match by match basis, they were Billy Crone(1897), Hugh McAteer (1898, 1899, 1914) and Robert Torrans (1900). Billy Crone ( born Belfast, 1864) also referred to as William Crone was an Irish footballer who played for Distillery

Honours

Up to 1950

• British Home Championship
  • Winners 1914: 1
  • Shared title 1903: 1
  • Runners up 1904,1926, 1928, 1938, 1947: 5

World Cup record

During the preparations for the 1928 Olympic Football Tournament, FIFA ruled that all its member associations must provide "broken-time" payments to cover the expenses of players from their country who participated. 1950 British Home Championship. The 1950 competition was one of the most significant competitions of the British Home Championship football tournament The British Home Championship (also known as the Home International Championship) was an annual football competition contested between the United Kingdom 1914 British Home Championship was the last British Home Championship played before the First World War. The 1903 British Home Championship was an international football tournament between the British Home Nations. The 1904 British Home Championship football tournament was a low scoring affair won by a powerful England side who were followed by the unfancied The 1926 British Home Championship was an international football tournament played during the 1925/26 season between the British Home Nations. The 1928 British Home Championship was an international football tournament played during the 1927/28 season between the British Home Nations. The 1938 British Home Championship was a football tournament played between the British Home Nations during the 1937/38 season The 1947 British Home Championship was a football tournament played between the British Home Nations during the 1946/47 seasons the first professional Football at the 1928 Summer Olympics tournament won with difficulty by Uruguay from their bitter rivals Argentina would be the precursor to the first FIFA World The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (French for International Federation of Association Football) In response to what they considered to be unacceptable interference, the football associations of Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales held a meeting at which they agreed to resign from FIFA. ^[39] As a result, Ireland did not compete in the first three World Cup competitions.

• 1930 - Did not enter
• 1934 - Did not enter
• 1938 - Did not enter
• 1950 - Did not qualify

See also

• Dual Irish international footballers
• Shamrock Rovers XI vs Brazil: an exhibition match in 1973 between Brazil and a cross-border team of Irish internationals. The 1930 FIFA World Cup was the first FIFA World Cup, the world championship for international football teams The 1934 FIFA World Cup was the second World Cup staged and was hosted in Italy from 27 May to 10 June The 1938 FIFA World Cup was the third staging of the World Cup and was held in France from June 4 to June 19. The 1950 FIFA World Cup, held in Brazil from June 24 to July 16, was the fourth staging of the World Cup and the first staged in 12 years due to World Dual Irish international footballers are a group of Irish international footballers who between 1908 and March 1950 played for the international teams selected by both the An Association football Friendly match was played in Lansdowne Road in Dublin in July 1973 between Brazil and a team billed as The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF that represents Brazil in international

References

External links

• The Irish FA
• N.Ireland footballing greats
  • 1914 British Champions
• IFFHS
  • 1800s History and Statistics
• RSSSF
  • (Northern) Ireland - International Results
  • British Home Championship 1903
  • British Home Championship 1914