TheCity

Tag: fai

  • FAI provides cover as League of Ireland enters corridor of uncertainty

    FAI provides cover as League of Ireland enters corridor of uncertainty

    A football taking in the sunset. Photo by David Doyle

    The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) will provide a €3.6 million funding support package for League of Ireland clubs that will be distributed to Premier and First division clubs.

    The Minister of State for Sport, the Gaeltacht & Defence, Jack Chambers, confirmed that the government will provide additional support to kickstart the SSE Airtricity Premier and First Division in the upcoming League of Ireland season. 

    The FAI have revealed a package of €3.6 million to clubs in the Premier and First Division, providing support for the clubs preparing for a season that will begin behind closed doors. The support package will be of benefit to clubs at the beginning of the season, particularly during the period of the absence of fans.

    “Work is continuing on the safe return of grassroots football when the public health situation allows”

    Jack Chambers

    Chambers took to social media on confirming the funding would be allocated to the League of Ireland. ‘’Positive engagement with the FAI today, I made clear the Government’s support for the return of the League of Ireland’’, tweeted Deputy Chambers.

    “I also provided assurances that we will provide additional supports in the period ahead. Work is continuing on the safe return of grassroots football when the public health situation allows,’’ Chambers added.

    Each Premier Division club will receive a minimum support fund of €215,000, with an additional €135,000 to be added depending on their revenue streams generated from the 2019 season. However, it is thought that more funding may be required as crowds are not expected to return to the games until at least June 2021. First Division clubs will receive a minimum amount of €50,000 for the upcoming season.

    Sponsorship

    The FAI announced a new three-year sponsorship deal with Bank of Ireland, who will be associate sponsors of the League of Ireland and the FAI Cup. Bank of Ireland will launch a range of campaigns for the FAI, as they are reintroducing the community engagement programme, More Than A Club, after it was withdrawn in 2019 due to a loss of EU funding.

    FAI Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Hill spoke at the official announcement of the deal saying: “This is another important day for the League of Ireland football and another significant boost for our domestic game”.

    ‘’The League of Ireland has captured the hearts and minds of Irish football for over 100 years and Bank of Ireland will now help us strengthen and improve the league and cup structures moving forward into the modern era,’’ Hill said.

    When speaking on the reintroduction of the community engagement programmes, Hill was ‘particularly delighted’ that Bank of Ireland will be a supporter of the More Than A Club programme, which is specifically designed to improve the relationship between clubs and local communities around the country.

    This positive sponsorship deal for Irish football follows weeks after the announcement of SSE Airtricity’s extension of its patronage to the Women’s National League. 

    Having sponsored the men’s Premier Division for over ten years, the Irish energy company will now subsidise both the men and women’s leading divisions for the first time. 

    “It is a ‘significant boost’ for the direction of the League of Ireland structure”

    Jonathan Hill

    Hill expressed his delight with the double sponsorship announcement, by saying that it is a ‘significant boost’ for the direction of the League of Ireland structure.

    Clubs have made their return to training this week, as they prepare for the season, due to kick-off on 19 March. Fixtures for the Premier Division have been released, with the First Division and Women’s National League fixtures to be announced this week. Broadcasting deals for the League of Ireland’s upcoming season are yet to be confirmed.

  • FAI National Football museum offers a walk down memory lane

    FAI National Football museum offers a walk down memory lane

    The National Football Exhibition was held in the Printworks, Dublin Castle last week in celebration of Irish football for the lead up to Euro 2020.  

    The exhibition will tour the country over the coming months and will provide free access to anyone interested in learning about 60 years of the European Championships. It offers the chance to relive some iconic Irish footballing memories while you can discover rare memorabilia, programmes, jerseys and artefacts.

  • Irish soccer fans give a unanimous verdict on Martin O’Neill

    Irish soccer fans give a unanimous verdict on Martin O’Neill

    TheCity.ie spoke to Irish soccer fans before the game with Northern Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on November 15th.

    The verdict over whether Martin O’Neill was still the man to lead Ireland was unanimous among supporters. Many have since got their wish as the Football Association of Ireland parted ways with both Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane.

    The pair endured a turbulent end to their stints in the Irish setup with a lack of quality on the pitch and an abundance of controversy off it.

    The duo had enjoyed some of Irish soccer’s fondest memories including a victory against Italy in reaching the last 16 of Euro 2016 and win over the World Cup holders Germany at the Aviva stadium.

    A crucial victory away to Wales ensured a World Cup qualification playoff in 2017 before succumbing to Denmark in an embarrassing 5-1 home defeat.

    The Euro 2020 draw takes place in Dublin on December 2nd and Mick McCarthy looks to be the man tasked with taking Ireland to the tournament.

     

  • Was Martin O’Neill to blame for the poor attendances?

    Was Martin O’Neill to blame for the poor attendances?

    Apathy appears to be the main word to describe the attitude of Irish football fans towards the national team these days.

    This may have played a role in the decision taken by the FAI last Wednesday to part company with Martin O’Neill as Ireland manager.

    It had been a dreadful year for Martin O’Neill’s men, who ended 2018 without scoring a single goal in their last four games. The final goal scored by the Boys in Green in 2018 was a consolation effort by Shaun Williams in a 4-1 drubbing by Wales in Cardiff back in September (less than a year after Ireland had beaten the Welsh on the same ground to clinch a World Cup play-off).

    Ireland played out two goalless draws this international break, most recently away to Denmark last Monday night. However, it was the goalless draw against Northern Ireland last Thursday night – played out in front of a sparsely packed Aviva Stadium – which displayed the apparent apathy of the Irish fans for the national team for all to see.

    There was much talk about the empty seats on social media, with many blaming Martin O’Neill’s style of play for people not wanting to go to the game. Interestingly though, the last time Ireland played Northern Ireland in a friendly match at the Aviva Stadium back in 2011, there were only 15,092 people in attendance, compared to 31,221 fans at the Aviva last Thursday night. So were the empty seats at friendly internationals a product of Irish fans tiring of Martin O’Neill, or was this an ongoing issue spanning many years?


    Ireland did not play a single friendly international in front of a sell-out crowd at the Aviva during Martin O’Neill’s five year reign. The closest friendly to being a sell-out was the 0-0 draw against England back in June 2015 which was attended by 43,486 people, followed by 2016’s 1-1 draw with the Netherlands ahead of Euro 2016 which was watched by 42,438 spectators.

    The fact that no friendly game has sold out at the Aviva Stadium since Ireland’s very first game at the ground back in 2010 against Argentina shows that problems with empty seats at friendly games have deeper roots. Although, it is fair to say that distaste for O’Neil’s regime could still be seen in attendance figures. Those friendly games mentioned earlier against England and the Netherlands had higher attendances than Ireland’s two home UEFA Nations’ League games against Denmark and Wales last month. The 0-0 draw against Denmark on 13th October was seen by 41,220, while the 0-1 defeat to Wales was attended by 38,321 fans. Ireland played both Denmark and Wales at the Aviva Stadium in 2017 also, with attendance falling by 10,000 in the respective games a year later.



    Friendly games have mostly been treated with disregard by Irish fans ever since the Aviva Stadium opened back in 2010, even when Giovanni Trappatoni was in charge of Ireland. They are arguably not the best indication of the fans’ displeasure with the manager. The sharp drop in attendances for both the Danish and Welsh games in the space of a year would be more of an indication given they were competitive games.

    The next time Ireland will be in action will be in March when UEFA 2020 qualification begins. The draw for the qualification groups will take place in Dublin on December 2nd, where Ireland will find out who they will have to get past in order to qualify for their third consecutive European Championships.

    By the time Ireland line out again in March, there will be a new man in charge with former Irish boss Mick McCarthy taking the reigns. A big crowd will of course be expected for the new manager’s first game in charge, especially given it will be a competitive match. However, once Ireland take the field for their next friendly game at the Aviva, do not expect there to be a sell-out crowd.

  • Randolph resistant in stalemate at Aviva Stadium

    Randolph resistant in stalemate at Aviva Stadium

    A man-of-the-match display from Middlesborough’s Darren Randolph rescued Ireland from defeat against neighbours Northern Ireland in front of 31,241 people at the Aviva Stadium.

    Ireland welcomed the return of Robbie Brady ahead of next week’s match against Denmark after a year on the international side-line, along with returning Séamus Coleman who missed the game against Denmark.  

    Despite this boost, Martin O’Neill’s men failed to find any sustained periods of possession in the final third in a game that was crying out for a creative midfielder to link with the attack.

    Randolph pulled off heroics in either half to deny Gavin Whyte and Jordan Jones from close range.

     

     

    A laboured performance from Ireland marked what was likely to be Glenn Whelan’s final international appearance of an 85-cap career that has spanned over a decade. He was replaced by Aston Villa teammate Conor Hourihane before halftime.

    Ireland featured six changes to their starting 11 and played with a 3-5-2 formation, with James McClean and Séamus Coleman flanking Jeff Hendrick, Robbie Brady and Whelan in the middle of the park.

    Blackburn’s Darragh Lenihan marked his second international appearance with an assured performance alongside Shane Duffy and John Egan.

    Michael Obafemi remained on the bench after declaring for Ireland amid speculation about his international future, while Seanie Maguire suffered yet more hamstring bother after he limped off just 13 minutes after being introduced as a substitute.

    Ireland travel to the Parken Stadium on Monday to face Denmark in what is now a crunch clash after the goalless draw between the two in Dublin.

    ROI: Randolph, Lenihan, (Christie, 84) Duffy, Egan, Coleman, Hendrick, Whelan ©, (Hourihane, 36), Brady, McClean (Stevens, 66), O’Dowda (Curtis, HT), Robinson, (Maguire, 66) (Hogan, 79)

    NOI: Peacock-Farrell, Lewis, J Evans ©, Saville, Davis. Boyce, C Evans, (McNair, 65), Dallas, Whyte (Jones, 61), Cathcart, Smith, (Ward, 74)

  • Overcoming adversity: FAI Paralympic soccer captain Gary Messett

    Overcoming adversity: FAI Paralympic soccer captain Gary Messett

    It has been a year of ecstatic sporting highs, and heart-breaking personal lows for Gary Messett.

    2018 got off to a flyer for the Irish Cerebral Palsy football captain, when he claimed the FAI Football for All Award in March.

    In June, summer was in full swing and the football mad Bray man was looking ahead to August with the 2018 Cerebral Palsy European Championships down for decision in Holland.

    But the 31-year-old’s life was turned upside down when his 50-year-old father Bobby unexpectedly died in tragic circumstances.

    The passing of a loved one in such sudden circumstances would break many men, but Gary’s life hasn’t always been plain sailing and he has often been forced to make the best of difficult situations.

    After suffering a stroke, aged two, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

    Growing up, playing football on the streets of Bray was something he found great enjoyment in and it helped him to carry on with his life.

    He started out his career as a five-year-old with St Fergal’s FC, eager not to let his disability hinder his dreams of one day representing Ireland.

    He said: “My mam and dad were very worried [when I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy]. I tried to stop it affecting me and I was football mad, from day one I was always thinking about football, football, football.

    “From a sporting perspective, I had a great group of friends around me and they didn’t treat me any differently.

    “I was really focused on being the best that I could be. I was proving to myself that I was good enough to play against ‘mainstream’ players.

    “Playing mainstream with other kids at a young age brought me on another level, especially in terms of cerebral palsy football.

    “A lot of people with this disability struggle to play regular football because of the ability of the other players. I just kept focusing on myself to get to the level that I wanted to be at.”

    Gary’s persistence eventually paid off, when a chance meeting with the chairman of the Irish cerebral palsy football team led to him being asked to represent Ireland at the 2004 Paralympics.

    Gary Messett in action for Ireland // Twitter @FAIreland

    He recalls: “I was fifteen at the time and kicking a ball outside my estate. I literally got spotted kicking a football on the side of the road.

    “The chairman of the Irish cerebral palsy team back then was Leo Greene – who lived in the estate across from mine. He spotted me playing with my hand raised and was intrigued by me.

    “Leo approached me, explained who he was and politely asked if I had cerebral palsy. I told him that I did, and he asked would I be willing to represent Ireland in the upcoming Paralympics.

    “He had a chat with my mam and dad and the following weekend I was brought out to the Ireland training camp, from there it just kicked on.”

    Fourteen years and 85 caps later, Gary is the current captain of the Irish team, having led his side to a European bronze medal in the summer, just months after his dad’s passing.

    He said: “I was made captain in 2017 and from there it’s just been a tremendous honour.

    “With the squad of players we had this year we were expecting to win a medal, but it’s one of those things where you take it game by game.

    “We were very disciplined and approached every match with respect. I’ve won a few individual awards but for me, being the person that I am, it’s more about me pushing myself on.”

    Gary admits that his father was an influential figure on his footballing career and says that focusing on the sport has helped him come to terms with his loss.

    He said: “Football is like an outlet for me. It’s something I enjoy – playing for my country especially.

    “You’re representing your country, your family and your friends.

    “At the same time, I obviously have thoughts of the horrible thing that happened to my dad, in that regard it is shit.

    “He was my role model and a huge influence on me as an athlete and a person.

    “But I know if he was here he would have hit me a slap on the head and just told me to keep focusing on what I’m doing.

    “It’s one of those things where I just want to carry on his name and do him proud.

    “In the past five years he got mad into his cycling and he also did a kayak from Belfast to Scotland.

    “Just two months before he passed, he told me that he wanted to do a father and son run next year, which he obviously can’t do now.

    “He was just one of those people who strived to better himself.

    “It’s about just trying to keep busy, rather than sitting around doing nothing where it will just hit you like a tonne of bricks, I’m doing OK right now.

    “I have a few people who rely on me now, being a dad and stuff, so I’m focusing on that.”

    Gary was joined by a large group of his family while at the Euros in Holland, including his two-year-old daughter Poppie and his fiancé Hollie, which he said helped with the healing process.

    Messett captaining Ireland to a bronze medal at the 2018 European Championships // Twitter @FAIreland

    The Ireland midfielder shared a heart-warming moment with his family after scoring a decisive goal against the Netherlands in the third place play-off, a memory that Messett says he will never forget.

    However, his young daughter wasn’t always able to travel to watch her dad’s games after a complicated birth.

    Gary said: “In 2016, Poppie was born, but she came into the world a little bit startled. Eventually we got the all clear that everything was OK – to an extent.

    “She needed to be monitored for a few years, but I went to Rio [for the 2016 Paralympics] a few weeks after, which was a decision me and my fiancé made at the time.

    “Hollie said that I had to go because I put so much time and commitment into it.

    “But when I was over there I wasn’t in the right frame of mind.

    “If I had to make that decision again, I wouldn’t go. My head wasn’t in it and I didn’t give someone else a chance who might have done better than me.

    “You win some and you lose some and it was the decision I made. At the same time, this is all the making of me.

    “It will be nice to look back in a few years and say to Poppie, ‘Your Dad was here and there playing football’.

     “She came over to Holland with my fiancé, and I had twelve members of my family over to support me.

    “Getting the winning goal in the third place play-off and running over to my family was a surreal moment that I’ll remember for the rest of my life … I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities that I’ve had.”

    Gary has also hailed the support he received from his Ireland team mates in the aftermath of his father’s death and can’t wait to put on the green jersey again.

    He said: “The management team is fairly new, and we’ve been together just two years under Paul Breen and Rob Sweeney.

    “Above the management team is Oisin Jordan who is the Football for All National Coordinator, who has also been very good to me.

    “The FAI have been very supportive and the support structure behind it all has made things easier.”

     

  • Dalymount development still in consultancy phase

    Dalymount development still in consultancy phase

    Dublin City Council’s proposed redevelopment of Dalymount Park is currently in the process of procuring a consultant to appraise the redevelopment project.

    Following a Freedom of Information request, Dublin City Council Administrative Officer Jackie O’Reilly has said that the appraisal will “examine all aspects of the project and will guide Dublin City Council on the exact nature of the redevelopment”.

    In terms of Dublin City Council’s application to the government to aid the funding of the redevelopment, Ms O’Reilly says that only general discussions have taken place between the Council and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport so far.

    Ms O’Reilly has said that “the appraisal document (from the consultant) will form the basis of a formal submission to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport for capital funding for Dalymount Park’s Redevelopment”.

    Dublin City Council purchased the home of Irish football from Bohemian Football Club for €3.8 million in 2015, in turn clearing the debt of the Phibsboro club. The Council’s decision to seek funding from the government originally emerged in January 2017.

    The redevelopment of Dalymount Park was originally seen as part of the FAI’s legacy Project from hosting some EURO 2020 matches in the AVIVA Stadium, however Irish football’s governing body are not involved in funding the project.

    By Sean Meehan

  • What would an All-Ireland Football XI look like?

     

    Photo my Michael Kranebitter
    Photo my Michael Kranebitter

    What would an All-Ireland Football XI look like?

    By James Cox

    With the continued success of the Irish rugby team one cannot help but wonder how a united Ireland football team would fare. The nation has been divided in football since 1921 when the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) was formed following a split from the IFA over claims of bias towards Belfast. Since then both sides have had varying success, the Republic of Ireland more so in recent times having qualified for Euro 2012 and the 2002 World cup while the North’s last major tournament was the 1986 world cup in Spain. The thought of a united Irish side is something most Irish football fans have thought about, and possibly discussed over a beer or two, in this article we look at what a united Irish side of current internationals might look like.

     

    Goalkeeper:

    David Forde (Millwall and Republic of Ireland)

    David Forde has captured the hearts of the Republic’s fans after making his debut at 33, coincidentally against Northern Ireland in 2011. He has gone on to capture the number one role. Forde starred in the recent one all draw against World Champions Germany, making a number of key saves most notably from Mario Gotze.

     

    Defenders:

    Right back- Paddy McNair (Manchester United and Northern Ireland)

    Some may consider the 19 year old a surprise selection, especially seeing as he is yet to be capped by the North at senior level. However, McNair has impressed for United since being thrown into the first team in the 2-1 win over West Ham in September following an injury crisis. McNair has made twelve appearances this season and fitted in seamlessly at centre back and right back despite his age. United coaches feel McNair’s natural position is as an offensive midfielder and this is not surprising given his comfort on the ball.

     

    Centre back- Johnny Evans (Manchester United and Northern Ireland)

    Evans practically picks himself in this team. McNair’s team mate has been a first team regular at Old Trafford since 2009 having also come through the youth academy. He has racked up an impressive 129 appearances and counting for United and 31 international caps.

     

    Centre back- John O’Shea (Sunderland and Republic of Ireland)

    Similar to Evans, O’Shea is the Republic’s first choice centre back. He burst onto the scene with Manchester United in 2002 and made 256 appearances at the Old Trafford outfit. He joined Sunderland in 2011 and was immediately given the captaincy. O’Shea’s versatility has seen him play all over the park throughout his career, but he’s found his best position at centre back.

     

    Left Back- Marc Wilson (Stoke City and Republic of Ireland)

    Wilson represented Northern Ireland up until under 15 level when he switched his allegiance to the Republic. Wilson is a regular at Premier League side Stoke city and like O’Shea his versatility has seen him play all over the pitch, however left-back is where he has played his best football.

     

    Midfielders:

    Right midfield- Seamus Coleman (Everton and Republic of Ireland)

    You were wondering why Coleman was left out of the defence right? Well the simple reason is his attacking ability is vital to both Everton and the Republic. David Moyes signed Coleman for a bargain £60,000 from Sligo Rovers in 2009 and since then he has become one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers. With someone like McNair playing behind him, Coleman’s speed and attacking ability could be used to devastating effect.

     

    Centre midfield- James McCarthy (Everton and Republic of Ireland)

    The Glaswegian elected to represent the Republic in 2011 and has since become the fulcrum of the midfield. McCarthy’s passing game keeps the tempo up for any side he plays for, and at 24 he has yet to reach his prime. McCarthy was central to Wigan’s 2013 FA Cup win and his career looks like it has a lot more to offer.

     

    Centre midfield- Chris Brunt (West Bromwich Albion and Northern Ireland)

    Albion’s captain has recently moved from left mid into a more central attacking position and he has flourished here. While he’s only scored once in 46 Northern Ireland caps, Brunt offers a constant attacking threat often involved in the build up to Albion’s goals. His offensive abilities would balance well with the more defensive McCarthy.

     

    Left Midfield- Aidan McGeady (Everton and Republic of Ireland)

    Another Glaswegian who declared for the Republic, McGeady is a vital member of the Republic’s team. The flying winger is our third Everton representative, having joined the Toffees via Celtic and Spartak Moscow. He scored a crucial last minute winner in Ireland’s European qualifier against Georgia in September

     

    Forwards:

     

    Shane Long (Southampton and Republic of Ireland)

    Long’s talent has been underappreciated by some managers, most notably Ireland’s previous manager Trapatonni. Long has been a solid performer for Reading, Hull City, West Brom and Southampton and his work rate is an asset to any side he plays for.

     

    Kyle Lafferty (Çaykur Rizespor and Northern Ireland)

    On loan at Rizespor from Norwich, Lafferty has scored goals at every club in his nomadic career which has seen him play for FC Sion and Palermo among others. He was at his most prolific at Rangers scoring 104 goals between 2008 and 2012.

     

    Manager- Martin O’Neill

    With all due respect to the North’s gaffer Michael O’Neill, we had to go with Martin. The current Republic manager made 64 appearances for Northern Ireland in a distinguished playing career. His positive attitude and enthusiasm is infectious as we saw during his time managing Celtic and Aston Villa and his start to international management has been good so far.

     

    While Ireland may never unite in footballing terms it’s nice to dream. In the mean time both sides resume their Euro 2016 qualification campaigns this Sunday, Northern Ireland host Finland and the Republic of Ireland will take on Poland in Dublin.

     

  • A dream start for the Dream Team?

    A dream start for the Dream Team?

    The Irish dream-team of Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane have now presided over two friendly matches, and the country is once again tentatively optimistic about Irish soccer. We asked the people of Dublin what they thought:

    How do you think Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane will do? Let us know in the comments.

  • O’Neill and Keane appointed as Irish dynamic duo

    O’Neill and Keane appointed as Irish dynamic duo

    FAI chief executive John Delaney has confirmed that Martin O’Neill will be the new Republic of Ireland manager, with Roy Keane as his number two in what the Irish support hope will signal “a new era for Irish football.”

    O’Neill is expected to appoint his own backroom staff with the combined package estimated to cost the FAI more than €2 million per annum.

    Delaney has stated that an official press conference and unveiling will take place on Saturday 9th November.

    Interestingly, it was Martin O’Neill’s decision to bring Roy Keane into the frame, with Delaney claiming that the FAI had no participation in the decision.

    The new number one and two have a lot in common despite their almost 20 year age difference. Both have played for Nottingham Forest under the great Brian Clough, and both men have held the reins at Sunderland football club.

    With Keane and O’Neill  both having taken a brief hiatus from the game since their last jobs, the Ireland vacancy seems like a fantastic opportunity for the two Irishmen to get back into the game, albeit at an international level which neither have experience in managing.

    Keane will take his first step back into the game after his spell at Ipswich Town in 2011.
    Keane will take his first step back into the game after his spell at Ipswich Town in 2011. Credit: Figo29 on WordPress

    O’Neill and Keane are a perfect balancing act – O’Neill, the affable Belfast man with his modest personality and calm temperament. Keane, with his determined and infallible attitude, renowned for his hot-headed nature and no-nonsense take on the game.

    Neil Lennon stamped his approval on the appointment stating “they’re two great characters with a vast knowledge of the game, two very proud men as well. God help the players!”

    On paper, this looks like a potentially successful appointment, although the danger is also there for all to see. It would have been a huge mistake to hire another foreign manager after Trapattoni’s spell, but Keane and O’Neill are widely respected and influential figures in the game. And more importantly, they’re Irish!

    However, can two big characters and personalities work so closely together and generate a successful partnership to take Irish football forward, or will it be a case of one step forward and two steps back for John Delaney and the FAI?

    The Irish support has already taken to social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, in particular, to voice their opinions on the matter. The decision seems to be met with a widely mixed reaction.

    Paddy Power have tweeted: “Ireland to qualify for Euro 2016 now 5/6! 3/1 to qualify for World Cup 2018. First to leave their job, 4/6 Keane v 11/10 O’Neill.”

    Featured image credit: Wiki