Two major tournaments attended. It might not have always felt like it but it was a relatively successful decade.
Giovanni Trapattoni, Martin O’Neill and Mick McCarthy have guided Ireland through 2010 to 2019 with extended trips to Poland (more brief than extended) and France helping to light up the football fraternity on the island.
Despite winning hearts and minds for a spell, both of Tap’s and O’Neill’s tenures ended with some critics bemoaning the more negative tactical approaches.
But there was still plenty to be proud of and plenty to celebrate and a combined team you could cobble together of the best performers this decade.
Darren Randolph
Ever since he deputised during the Euro 2016 qualifiers, Randolph has been brilliant for Ireland. Calm, safe, and as steady a number one they could’ve hoped for.
Seamus Coleman
Came in after the 2012 Euros and has been the best player since – and is still one of them. Even now with Matt Doherty flying, it’s easy to overlook that Coleman has been back to his reliable and excellent self when he’s playing.
Shane Duffy
Best defender, best attacker.
Richard Dunne
There was a period when Richard Dunne won consecutive man of the match awards for about 17 years straight. Shane Duffy took over that mantle. Dunne might’ve retired in 2013 but his influence at Ireland was so huge and important that he earns his place.
Stephen Ward
Estonia, Euro 2012, Germany, Bosnia, Italy, Austria, Wales. Ward might not have been anyone’s favourite ever player but by God he was there for the big nights for Ireland and he grew into a dependable option in that position.
Glenn Whelan
Ireland’s midfield options aren’t great. Glenn Whelan has had ups and downs but he’s been there at the heart of the team for the entire decade – anyone who’s come and impressed, like Meyler or McCarthy, haven’t stayed in for any real sustained periods and Whelan has had his good moments in green too.
Wes Hoolahan
The easiest pick of the lot. Always made a real difference whenever he got the ball, whenever he got a chance to play – which wasn’t nearly enough, given everything he did.
Robbie Brady
Taking a slot in midfield where he played against Germany and Italy. Played around there out in Bosnia too where he was so influential. Rarely played on the left wing but usually a big player.
Jon Walters
Obviously.
Robbie Keane
More obviously.
Damien Duff
Retired after Euro 2012 but still played 20 times in those first three years of the decade. James McClean very unlucky to miss out but Duffer is too hard to overlook.
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