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Irish pride on show at FAI centenary festivities

When Stephen Kenny’s eager Republic of Ireland team and Roberto Martinez’s renowned Belgian side took to the pitch for their friendly at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Saturday, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) marked 100 unforgettable years of football.

A magical moment in Irish football history - Republic of Ireland players celebrate Ronnie  Whelan's goal against the USSR  at the UEFA EURO in 1988
A magical moment in Irish football history - Republic of Ireland players celebrate Ronnie Whelan's goal against the USSR at the UEFA EURO in 1988 Getty Images

It was a special moment for a country that holds football in a special place in its heart. The sport in Ireland connects communities, evokes cherished memories and allows people to have hopes and dreams for the future.

All that was great about the game was in evidence at the centenary celebrations, as fans old and young flocked to support their national team and commemorate a memorable century of footballing history and achievement.

Rich footballing legacy

FAI president Gerry McAnaney (right) pictured with Republic of Ireland legend Paul McGrath, who was honoured for his services to Irish football at the centenary match
FAI president Gerry McAnaney (right) pictured with Republic of Ireland legend Paul McGrath, who was honoured for his services to Irish football at the centenary matchSPORTSFILE

Ireland’s rich footballing legacy was on show at a special pre-match event held in the stadium. Heroes such as former players Paul McGrath and Olivia O’Toole were honoured for their services to Irish football, Irish football legends John Giles and Paula Gorham were inducted into the FAI's Hall of Fame, and the country’s major footballing achievements – notably at the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, when a fine side coached by Jack Charlton reached the quarter-finals – were remembered with joy and pride.

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Packie Bonner - who made a crucial save in the penalty shootout - is congratulated by teammates Andy Townsend and Tony Cascarino (10) as they celebrate victory over Romania in the 1990 FIFA World Cup
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Packie Bonner - who made a crucial save in the penalty shootout - is congratulated by teammates Andy Townsend and Tony Cascarino (10) as they celebrate victory over Romania in the 1990 FIFA World CupBob Thomas Sports Photography via Getty Images

The room, filled with players past and present, FAI staff members and many individuals with a deep-rooted connection to the game, were captivated and entertained as stories of the past were told, and plans for the future outlined.

Also in attendance were representatives of the women’s game, the grassroots ‘football for all’ sector, the homeless World Cup team, referees and media. A passion for Irish football united everyone present with full appreciation for what football has given the country down through the years.

‘A proud and distinguished moment’ – UEFA President

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin paid tribute in a message to the Irish football community. “A centenary is always a proud and distinguished moment for a national football association,” he said. “It is an opportunity to reflect on the country’s football achievements, assess the current situation, and contemplate the future.”

"The Football Association of Ireland can look back with considerable pride and satisfaction on successes that have taken place in its 100 years of history," he added.

Chiedozie Ogbene celebrates after scoring against Belgium in Saturday's friendly in Dublin
Chiedozie Ogbene celebrates after scoring against Belgium in Saturday's friendly in DublinSPORTSFILE

On the pitch, the Irish team rose to the challenge of playing the top-ranked side in the world, with fans revelling in the excitement of seeing a young team show their potential. Goals from Chiedozie Ogbene and Alan Browne earned a stirring 2-2 draw for the 'Boys in Green'. It was an evening when families and friends shared in the drama and entertainment that football brings.

‘Influencing the future’

FAI president Gerry McAnaney sent out a strong message, especially to young fans. “As your Centenary President, I can state quite categorially that we will, as the saying goes, learn from the past and influence the future,“ he said.

“We owe that to all the boys and girls who will (...) dream of becoming the next Chiedozie Ogbene or Denise O’Sullivan. Those kids deserve nothing other than the very best from our association going into the next 100 years.”

Bold new strategy

The Football Association of Ireland was formed at a meeting in Molesworth Hall on Molesworth Street in Dublin on 1 June 1921. A century later, a new strategy has been formulated for tomorrow.

Over the next few years, the FAI plans to transform football facilities and infrastructures, drive grassroots football as the heart of the game, nurture football pathways for all, develop the full potential of football for women and girls, frame a new future of the domestic League of Ireland, and build for international success.

 FAI president Gerry McAnaney makes a centenary presentation to Irish national women's team player Jessie Stapleton - a promising teenager who represents the future of Irish women’s football.
FAI president Gerry McAnaney makes a centenary presentation to Irish national women's team player Jessie Stapleton - a promising teenager who represents the future of Irish women’s football.SPORTSFILE

“When we launched the FAI strategy 2022-2025 earlier this year, we promised to use football to inspire the nation and connect communities,” said FAI CEO Jonathan Hill. "We also confirmed that our purpose is to enrich the lives of all through positive football experiences.”

“To realise both of these ambitions, we have embarked on a new journey where good governance and doing the right thing must fashion our actions and our behaviours, and where every player, no matter what their background or age, can prosper to the best of their ability in a safe and suitable football environment.”

“It will take us time to get there,” Hill added. “But I can promise you that we will all work hard to ensure that it doesn’t take another 100 years to grow our game even more.”

Centenary events

The FAI have planned several more events for the coming months to celebrate 100 years of football around the Republic of Ireland. A special jersey has been released to mark the occasion, and a podcast and microsite will follow.

The association is determined to seize the moment and relish the opportunity to remember the goals, the heroes and the successes as the country’s football family looks forward with anticipation to what the next 100 years might bring.