What a win and what a team! This week marks the anniversary of Ireland’s famous 1-0 victory over Holland in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers. The result guaranteed Ireland a place in a play-off, where they duly beat Iran to make the finals in Japan and South Korea. It was a famous day at the […]

6 months ago

“You can stick the World Cup.’” Roy Keane has had the last word on the World Cup Saipan debacle that caused a media frenzy back in 2002, and he explains exactly what he thinks of Mick McCarthy. In some ways the story has been told to death, but you will go far to find a […]

2 years ago

“I definitely would have gone for Ireland.” Former England international Trevor Sinclair has admitted that he wished he had played for the Republic of Ireland instead. Sinclair had played 12 times for England, but could have qualified for Ireland as his mother was born in county Sligo, and has stated that if the Boys in […]

3 years ago

“That’s why Roy was so annoyed.” Mick McCarthy rejected Roy Keane’s request to bring Mick Clegg, a fitness trainer, to the 2002 World Cup, according to Clegg. The ‘power development trainer’ worked with the Manchester United squad during an incredibly successful period for the club from 2000 to 2011. Clegg is credited with helping Cristiano […]

4 years ago

Former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has said that no assistant manager in international football gets anywhere near the amount of publicity as Roy Keane does for Ireland. McCarthy and Keane share a decorated history that stretches back to their days as Ireland teammates with their infamous split at the 2002 FIFA World Cup […]

8 years ago

“Irishmen just don’t go home early,” Peter Drury exclaimed on ITV as Robbie Keane slotted a last-minute penalty past Iker Casillas. The commentator continued to clumsily reference stereotypes as Keane tumbled at the corner-flag, and Irish substitutes, coaching staff and fans in Suwon celebrated. “If there’s a party, they want to be there. Try getting them […]

8 years ago