From the packed Lansdowne Road nights of Shelbourne to Shamrock Rovers’ millions in the Conference League, European football has reshaped the ambitions of the League of Ireland.
As Gianni Infantino's grip on Fifa weakens, Ireland has an opportunity to push for reforms that could transform the prospects of domestic clubs and finally challenge the structures that have favoured Europe's biggest leagues for decades.
Government ministers have supported the Football Association of Ireland, for once facing a dilemma not of its own making.
Following the failure to qualify for the World Cup, Ireland will again enter a period of self-examination. A club in England’s third tier offers an example of what can be done with intelligent management and a smattering of Irish players.
An extraordinary hysteria accompanied Ireland to their World Cup play-off in Prague. Dion Fanning wonders what this longing tells us about the country and, after another defeat, will it help on the long road back for Irish football?
It turns out Irish football could still make the whole country feel alive — all it needed was Troy Parrott in Budapest to remind us. This is the story of how that feeling slipped away, and why its comeback hits so hard.
Ireland’s shock win over Portugal offered more than a route to World Cup qualification — it delivered a rare, cathartic night when belief returned, however briefly, to a team and its long-suffering supporters.
Ireland have a nondescript manager, with a team that plays non football and yet many still cling to the idea that good times might be just around the corner.
Will Clarke is one of the FAI’s shining lights. He is campaigning to transform how Irish football develops young players. He speaks about why the FAI isn’t looking for a handout but seed capital.
On paper it was a simple idea — let children play in better weather. In practice it collided with the complexities of Irish football’s structures, cultures and contradictions.
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