How to put a Grip on a Hurley like a Pro

Posted on July 15, 2022 at 12:06 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

Learning how to put a grip on a hurley correctly is one of the most important parts of your preparation.

It’s a skill in itself because making sure your grip is secure, tight and feeling comfortable in your hand is crucial.

We have enlisted the help of Dublin Camóige star, Ciara Tierney to demonstrate how to do it correctly.

As Official Retail Partners of Dublin GAA, we love our GAA.

If you like GAA content, you might like our Best GAA Players of All Time blog.

How to put a grip on a hurley

Step 1

Before using the new grip, remove the old one.

The hurley may slip in your hands while playing if the grip wears off over time from use. Peel the covering entirely off the grip by pulling one end of it away from the handle.

If the hurley feels sticky or looks to be dirty, clean it before adding the new grip tape.

With a cotton ball coated in alcohol, clean the ash.

Alternately, rub the hurley with a dampened towel that has been lightly soaped; then, using a fresh, damp washcloth or rag, remove the soap off the handle.

Step 2

Start by rolling out the tape or wrap and take ff the backing at the narrow end to reveal the sticky side of the grip.

Pull about half of the backing off first and make sure you start at the narrow/tapered end of the grip.

If you’re right handed, generally people will hold the tape in their right hand and the hurley in the opposite.

Some like to tuck the hurley underneath their left armpit for security or some will hold it vertically.

Step 3

With the tapered end, stick the grip about half way up the butt of the hurley and start to wrap the grip around the back or the top of the hurley towards the back of the butt with a little stretch in the grip.

Keeping a good stretch on the grip, you then want to overlap the point where you stuck it the hurley, before bringing it back around just below the top of the hurley.

Next circle you want to just slightly overlap the part where you started, making sure you keep a good stretch on the grip at all time.

Overlap around ¾ of the first layer as you work your way down the hurley.

The second turn overlap a half and gradually phase it out.

Step 4

Keeping a good stretch all the time on the grip, you want to barely overlap each layer of the grip as you circle it around the handle of the hurley.

The most important part here is to keep a good stretch on the grip and ensure you are barely meeting the grip already wrapped around.

Pull off the backing as you need to.

Step 5

When you have finished unwrapping the full grip on the hurley, get a little bit of insulation tape to the secure the end of the grip onto the hurley.

For a full-length grip, you will get comfort right up at the butt of the hurley thanks to the overlapping method.

Wrap the grip over the hurley handle as smoothly as you can; bumps or separations can interfere with your grip on the paddle and may impair your performance during a game.

Conclusion

Practice makes perfect in gripping your hurley.

So take your time and make sure it’s correct, because there is nothing worse than finding out it’s not when you’re in the middle of a match.

Check out our hurley grip range below.

How to pick the right Kids Rugby Boots

Posted on July 13, 2022 at 1:01 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

Are you looking to find the right pair of kids rugby boots for your child or children?

The new season is just upon us so knowing what to buy is important.

As Official Sports Retailer of the IRFU, we love our rugby, so that’s why we’ve created this guide to picking the right kids rugby boots for you.

We’ll discuss what features to look out for, sizing, some of the brands, tips on measuring feet and also answer ‘can kids wear soccer boots for rugby?’.

Kids Rugby Boots: Features

Making sure your kids rugby boots have some important features can really help your child, as well as saving you money.

Things to look out for:

Studs

Because of a lot of amateur rugby is played during the Autumn/Winter, the ground tends to be mucky and slippy.

So making sure your child has good traction is essential.

For soft ground, your child will need at least six metal studs, which help in transitions, scrums, breakdowns and more.

Rugby boots have a longer stud than soccer or football boots too, which is what sets them apart.

Mesh Lining

A mesh lining makes sure your little one’s feet can breathe while a one piece high scuff resistant PU upper provides essential durability and abrasion resistance to last then through a long rugby season.

Shock attenuating properties help to reduce strain to their lower limbs so they can always play at maximum power with less risk of injury.

Cushioning

There is a lot of potential for strain to ankles in rugby, so plenty of cushioning will provide ample protection.

It will also ensure maximum comfort for your child.

Style

There’s quite the different in requirements for backs and forwards in rugby, so their boots vary too.

For example, backs will prefer a lighter, more nimble boot to focus on speed and footwork.

Forwards will need a tougher, more secure boot with protection and grip in abundance.

Kids Rugby Boots: Sizing

Rugby boots should be as snug without contacting the toes as possible at the foot’s end.

Women’s sizing, on the other hand, differs from conventional shoe sizing and is roughly one and a half sizes smaller. For instance, a woman wearing a size 9 regular shoe should wear a size 7.5 rugby boot.

The size of the person’s feet will determine the boot size that is selected. But when purchasing rugby boots, a 1-inch space between the foot and the boot is excellent.

Rugby boots come in a variety of sizes, from junior to adult. Please compare the size charts provided with the specific items.

The same applies to kids.

Can kids wear football boots in rugby?

In a nutshell: yes.

Football boots are constructed with speed and agility in mind, whereas rugby boots are made with the need for power and stability in mind.

As a result, rugby boots are frequently bigger, have elevated heels, have more and larger studs, and have an ankle cut that is higher.

However, there are also a few more complex points to consider. Football boots are frequently worn by rugby backs players because their positions call for a lot of agility and kicking.

This explains why some rugby players favour football boots.

For rugby forwards, whose needs are extremely different, this is less true.

Consider the force and weight that a front row forward experiences when in a scrum.

It is crucial that they have a solid foundation from which to push, which is why they need bigger boots with more and larger studs than soccer boots.

How to measure kids feet?

If you’re not sure how to measure your kids’ feet at home, we can help.

Check out this blog on how to do it.

Or call in-store where our Sports Advisors will only be delighted to help.

Conclusion

We hope this guide helped your journey in finding the right kids rugby boots.

We’ve got some amazing offers from all the top brands on our site.

Check them out below.

6 Top Tips on How to Run Injury Free

Posted on July 11, 2022 at 8:54 am.

Written by Ger Flanagan

Injuries can be the bane of one’s life, so figuring out how to run injury free is vital to long-term success.

Mind you, it can be very difficult to stay injury free throughout your life. However, doing the right things consistently overtime will seriously increase your chances.

Control the controllables as it is said.

Don’t worry if you do get injured, some studies show that overall injury prevalence is quite high in runners.

These tips will help you to know how to run injury free and stay injury free.

6 Tips on How to Run Injury Free

Stretch, stretch and do more stretching!

Stretching both before and after a run is crucial for injury prevention.

Dynamic stretching techniques include walking, a light jog, butt kicks, side shuffles, walking lunges, and high knees. After performing the dynamic stretches, you can try some of the more conventional static (stretch-and-hold) stretches if you’re still feeling tight.

Static stretches for the quads, glutes, calves, hamstrings, and hip flexors are recommended after your run. You can become incredibly tight if you’ve spent the day driving or sitting at a desk.

Before going for a run, those muscles need to be warmed up.

Check out our blog on a post and pre run warm down here! with Irish Sprint Hurdler Sarah Quinn.

Do More Strength Training

Running is brilliant but it is also taxing on the body. It positively stresses the body in so many different ways and can even help you develop the muscles in your legs.

However, any muscle imbalances you might have from running will start to seriously hamper you over time, so strength training will crease these out and get you performing better.

Your running kinetic chain is made up of your feet, lower legs, knees, hips, lower back, core, arms, and shoulders.

If one link isn’t functioning properly, it will have an impact on the rest of the chain.

You’ll run faster and avoid injuries if you maintain good flexibility throughout the entire chain and strengthen all the weak links.

We’re not talking becoming a body builder, just some basic exercise will help.

Get Correct Running Shoes

This might sound basic, but it’s probably the most important tip.

You want running shoes that fit well, are suited to your foot and natural stride, and are comfortable.

Try to avoid using your running shoes for work etc because this can take the freshness out of them. Generally running shoes last around 550-800km.

Having more than one pair will really help you too.

You can call in-store in Elverys to get your feet balanced and check out our wide range of running shoes.

Recover, Recover, Recover

Whether it’s a stretch, a good sleep or rolling out, recovery between runs is crucial.

Our bodies are not machines. They need time to rest and reoperate before you stress it again and if that is not incorporated in your training, then injuries can follow.

Numerous studies demonstrate the significance of sleep for maintaining good physical and mental health, including immune system function, mood, creativity, memory, focus, and cognition.

Our blog with ASICS Frontrunner Grace Lynch will explain more.

Stay Hydrated

Maintaining proper hydration is essential for preventing muscle cramps.

Depleted electrolytes are more likely to occur if you are already dehydrated before starting your run or if you get dehydrated while running.

Your muscles must have potassium (an electrolyte) in order to relax after they have contracted.

Calves, quads, and/or hamstring cramping are more likely to occur if you start your run with low potassium levels or if you lose potassium through sweating while running and don’t rehydrate.

Find your Pace

Don’t over-do it!

We’re not all Olympic level runners, so don’t expect to be beating your times and improving every single time you go out.

Set realistic goals for yourself and slowly work towards achieving them. Rome wasn’t built in a day!

Learning how to calculate your running speed might help?

Always train or compete at your current skill level and work your way up to a more demanding level.

When you first start out, don’t be scared to join a sports team or an exercise group that is intermediate or novice level.

For instance, if you’re training for a marathon but have never run before, consider signing up for a run/walk club to establish a training base.

Conclusion

Our Ultimate Guide to Running might help you with information on how to get started?

There’s also loads more advanced running tips for you to check out in that blog.

Check out our Running category below for some amazing products and deals.

Ultimate Guide to School Bags for Girls

Posted on July 5, 2022 at 10:55 am.

Written by Ger Flanagan

Back to school is nearly upon us and finding school bags for girls is not always the easiest job.

But don’t worry, we’ve compiled this ultimate guide to make your life that bit easier.

We will show you some of our wide ranging stock of girls school bags with price in mind, durability, and also the most stylish school bags for girls.

We’ve got something for everyone.

Check out our blog on some of the most important things to consider when buying a school bag right HERE.

School Bags for Girls: Buying Tips

Some of the most important aspects to buying the right school bag for your girl are:

Size: we know from experience that bigger is not always better in this instance. Don’t forget that bags are measured in litres too.

We recommend below 24l for primary school and above 24l for secondary.

Compartments: You want space to hold water bottles, pencil cases, a lunchbox, maybe a laptop or tablet.

So look out for these.

Material: It’s a long year and school bags will go through the works with excited girls, so you need good-quality material!

Don’t forget some comfortable straps too!

School Bags for Girls: Most compartments

For all-round versatility, you can’t beat Jansport.

They are large, have many compartments and are arguably the most stylish school bags.

These are 34l capacity, have a laptop holder and multiple pockets, which may be more suitable to girls in secondary school.

School Bags for Girls: Best for Price

For a solid, stylish and budget friendly school bag, the Nike Element can’t be beaten.

A dual zipper main compartment gives loads of storage, padded shoulder straps for support and a haul hoop to carry in hand.

At 19 litres and available in a wide variety of colours at a great price, you can’t look past it.

Most Durable

The Under Armour Hustle school bag is built for durability.

So for those more active girls, this water resistance and stain resistant finished school bag is really popular.

It has strong straps, plenty of pockets for valuables and a laptop and comes in many colours.

Premium Option

With a 31L capacity, The North Face Sunder Backpack is a spacious, streamlined pack you can take pretty much anywhere.

At 31.5 litres it is one of the bigger options, and one of the more expensive, but you are buying serious quality.

The backpack features a padded sleeve to protect your laptop or tablet from bumps and falls and sports a stand-up design to keep items securely inside.

Conclusion

If none of these tickle your fancy, then check out our full range of school bags for girls below.

We’ve got brands like adidas, Puma and some Manchester United, Liverpool and Republic of Ireland schools bag for all those sports obsessed girls

Best GAA Players of All time: Ultimate Football XV 2000-2020

Posted on June 27, 2022 at 3:50 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

Over the past 20 years we’ve been graced with some of the best GAA players of all time lining out for their counties.

We’ve seen Dublin become the greatest team ever, Mayo’s continual All-Ireland heartbreak, the great Tyrone/Armagh rivalry of the Noughties, some Kerry magic and much more.

We love our GAA at Intersport Elverys, so we’ve tasked ourselves with the unenviable task of picking the best GAA players of all time for our ultimate football XV.

It wasn’t easy and we had to make some difficult decisions for who gets the start.

We know we’ve left some lads disappointed at being omitted, but that’s what GAA management is all about right?

Making those hard decisions!

Before we start, you might like to check out our Ultimate Guide to Gaelic Football Positions Blog?

Best GAA Players of all Time

1. Goalkeeper: Stephen Cluxton (Dublin GAA)

Without doubt, one of the easiest decisions we had to make.

Cluxton will go down as the greatest GAA goalkeeper of all time, finishing up last year with eight All-Ireland medias to his name, captain for seven of those.

He was the great revolutionary of the goalkeeping position, transforming the requirements and expectations on modern-day goalkeepers to a more quarter-back role.

His kickouts and quick restarts, as well as his dead-ball accuracy, made his one of the most important cogs in the Dublin juggernaut.

Full Back line

2. Right Corner back: Keith Higgins (Mayo GAA)

The former Young Footballer of the Year retired with four All Stars but without that All-Ireland medal he came so close to achieving.

However, the Ballyhaunis GAA man was consistently excellent across two decades and on the biggest stage of them all.

Versatile enough to play anywhere on the pitch if required, Higgins really made his name as a man-marking corner back who could punish teams on the front foot with his electric pace.

3. Full Back: Seamus Moynihan (Kerry GAA)

The Kerry star was a colossus defender, finishing his career with four Celtic Crosses and three All Stars, being considered as one of the greats.

Comfortable at centre back or full back, Moynihan was a complete package – renowned for his marking, football ability, strength, and pace.

Although he retired from inter-county football in 2006 and played much of his football during the 1990s, Moynihan could not be omitted from the team.

4. Left Corner Back: Marc Ó Sé (Kerry GAA)

The youngest of the Ó Sé brothers had some competition here, with Mick Fitzsimons, Philly McMahon and Johnny Cooper all unlucky not to be picked.

But as a former Footballer of the Year and for his out-and-out defensive qualities, the Kerry man gets the nod.

Often underappreciated compared to his brothers, Tomás and Darragh, Marc was consistency personified during the past two decades.

He won his last All-Ireland with Kerry in 2014 before calling it a day two years later.

There never anything too swashbuckling about him, but he did all the basics at the highest of quality and that is crucial.

Half Back line

5. Left Wing Back: Lee Keegan (Mayo GAA)

Mayo’s greatest player of all time, Lee Keegan is also the highest scoring defender of all time with 6-40 in championship football.

The Westport GAA man made his name as an explosive and attack-minded wing back, before adapting to a man marking corner back later in his career.

In Mayo’s biggest days, Keegan has been able to negate the opposition’s best player while also hurting them at the other end.

Footballer of the Year in 2016, there ill never be another Lee Keegan.

Keegan’s former Mayo teammate Eoghan McLaughlin shares his expertise on How to Play Wing Back in the blog.

6. James McCarthy (Dublin GAA)

A Rolls Royce football, McCarthy was a pivotal figure in Dublin’s six-in-a-row winning team.

Comfortable in midfield and in the half forward line, McCarthy’s best position is in the half back line where his physicality, presence, calmness on the ball and explosiveness make him a huge threat.

A four-time All Star, the Ballymun star is widely and rightly considered as one of the best footballers the game has ever seen.

Karl Lacey of Donegal GAA can feel hard done by, but the competition in the half back line was simply immense.

7. Jack McCaffrey (Dublin GAA)

Watching Jack McCaffrey in full flight is something special and his goal against Kerry in the 2019 All-Ireland Final was him at his best.

Making his championship debut in 2013, McCaffrey won the Footballer of the Year award in 2015 and received a second nomination in 2018.

His electrifying pace destroyed so many teams throughout his years, while his attacking threat and defensive skills improved year-on-year.

One of the greatest wing backs ever.

Midfield

8. Midfield: Brian Fenton (Dublin GAA)

Fenton is midfield and Gaelic football royalty – arguably the greatest midfielder of all time, and we don’t say that lightly.

Genius when in possession and a trojan workrate when in not, Fenton was an inspirational figure for Dublin during their famous campaign playing in every minute of the six-in-a-row.

Amazingly, the Raheny GAA man didn’t lose his first game in a Dublin jersey until 2021 and to date has five All Stars to his name.

A Footballer of the Year award is coming down the road.

9. Midfield: Darragh Ó Sé (Kerry GAA)

No midfield could be complete without this towering Kerryman.

The second of the Ó Sé brothers to make this team, Darragh was the engine room and midfield dynamo of the great Kerry team during the noughties.

Powerful on the ground and dominant in the air, Ó Sé was also an excellent kickpasser and much of his great play involved supplying quality ball to a dangerous attack.

He retired in 2010 with four All Stars and six All-Ireland titles.

Mayo GAA’s and All Star midfielder Mattie Ruane shares his insight and advice on how to play the postion in this blog.

Half Forward Line

10. Right Half Forward: Diarmuid Connolly (Dublin GAA)

Much maligned at times during his career for various incidents not involving a football, there is no doubting the class of Diarmuid Connolly.

On his day there was few, if any, who could match the sheer level of skill and the effortlessness of how he executed those skills than Connolly.

Many say his return of only two All Stars is an indication of how he was perceived by the public and media due to his discipline issues.

However, you can’t deny his ability.

11. Centre Forward: Ciaran Killkenny (Dublin GAA)

A star touted from an early age, Kilkenny went on to surpass even those expectations.

Tempted to a career in the AFL during his late teens, the Castleknock GAA man opted to throw his hand in with his native county and how that worked out for all parties!

He has been a mainstay in the all-dominant Dubs’ team for his industry in the half forward line and his scoring ability.

Named Player of the Year in 2021, Kilkenny is still only 28 years-old and has many more years ahead of him.

12. Left Half Forward: Séan Cavanagh (Tyrone GAA)

Although not in his most natural position here, it was impossible to leave out Séan Cavanagh from this team.
A box-to-box midfielder in his early years, before adapting as a deadly full forward, Cavanagh inspired his native Tyrone to three All-Ireland titles.

He also captained Ireland at the International Rules Series, Cavanagh was a stylish attacker who won Player of the Year in 2008.

Full Forward Line

13. Right Corner Forward: Colm Cooper (Kerry GAA)

How ‘The Gooch’ never won a Footballer of the Year award is almost unfathomable.

Maybe he was a victim of his own consistent brilliance, of which is evident in winning a ridiculous eight All Star awards and kicking Kerry to five All-Irelands.

The Dr Crokes GAA clubman hit a massive 23-283 in his 85 senior appearances for Kerry.

14. Full Forward: Michael Murphy (Donegal GAA)

Although deployed all over the field throughout his career with Donegal, Murphy’s best position is on the edge of the square.

Without him, Donegal would not have won the All-Ireland title in 2012 and been as consistently competitive as they have been.

His goal against Mayo in the 2012 All-Ireland final was sensational and he has captained Donegal to five Ulster titles.

Donegal’s best ever.

15. Left Corner Forward: Conor McManus (Monaghan)

The last place on the team was the most difficult to pick.

Close runners include the championship’s all time leading scorer Cillian O’Connor, Bernard Brogan, Peter Canavan and Con O’Callaghan, however, it’s hard to look McManus.

Although he never competed in an All-Ireland Final, McManus was a mesmerising forward on his day and, at times, looked unmarkable.

A three-time All Star, shone bright on a team that has been fighting far above their weight during this era and we just couldn’t leave him out.

Conclusion

We know we’ve left some superstars out of our team and some can feel really hard done by.

But the standard was incredible and there’s certainly an alternative XV that could be picked!

Why not tell us yours?

You might like our blog on our Retro GAA Jerseys Best Moments?

Ultimate XI: Republic of Ireland National Football Team Players

Posted on June 22, 2022 at 1:49 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

We’re proud that some of the past Republic of Ireland national football team players can be ranked amongst the best in the world.

So it gave us the idea to try and come up with the Best Irish Football XI ever.

And trust us, it wasn’t easy!

We were left in the situation where we just couldn’t fit some of the greatest former Republic of Ireland national football team players.

That’s how tight the competition was for some places.

But as Official Retail Partners of the FAI, we just had to have a go.

Republic of Ireland National Football Team Players (4-1-4-1)

Goalkeeper: Shay Given

Caps: 134

Plenty of competition for the number one jersey, but it’s hard to look past Donegal native Given.

The former Newcastle United, Manchester City and Aston Villa star was one of the Premier League’s stand out goalkeepers for two decades and won a FA Cup with Man City in 2011.

Given also made the 2001/02 and the 2005/06 PFA Team of the Year – again showing why he is considered one of the Premier League greats.

He kept 52 Irish clean sheets and 113 in his 451 Premier League appearances.

His cat-like reflex saves were often an act of genius.

Right Back: Seamus Coleman

Caps: 59

Another Donegal native on the team and the only modern-day footballer to make the cut and has kept out the likes of Steven Finan and Gary Kelly.

Since signing for Everton from Sligo Rovers in 2009, Coleman has established himself as one of the club’s all-time greats and one of the Premier League’s best ever right backs.

Coleman has crossed paths and kept tabs with some of the best players in world football – Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard to name a few – and has never looked out of place.

After suffering a bad broken leg for Ireland in March 2017, Coleman displayed his typical admirable resolve to get back to his best the following years.

Pacey, stylish and the stamina of a racehorse, Coleman showed all his qualities as he helped Everton to avoid the drop in 2022.

Frank Lampard and Carlo Ancelloti are on record giving the Irishman the very height of praise.

Left Back: Denis Irwin

Caps: 56

No more than Coleman, there was some serious competition for this position.

But when all is said and done, Denis Irwin is simply untouchable from an Irish defensive point of view.

Even Steve Staunton and Ian Harte wouldn’t be able to threaten Irwin’s place on this ultimate XI.

The Cork man is best remember for a stellar and trophy laden 12-year career at Manchester United, finishing with seven Premier League titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup and European Cup Winners.

Plus the Holy Grail – the Champions League in 1999.

Some of you may not know that Irwin is actually naturally right-footed too, but preferred the left back position.

He was like a modern-day attacking full back but with a supreme defensive ability. While his free kicks were sensational too.

The best full back in Premier League history?

Quite possibly.

Centre Back: Paul McGrath

Caps: 83

Any Irish football fan knows how much of an enigma the great Paul McGrath is.

Despite battling knee injuries and alcoholism throughout his career, McGrath is considered one of the all-time greats in Irish football history.

A stylish, tough-tackling centre back, McGrath could also easily mix it up in midfield too.

He is one of only six defenders in history to win the PFA Players Player of the Year award during his Premier League career that was spent at Aston Villa and Manchester United.

His titanic performance against Italy at the World Cup 1994 in the USA stamped in his name forever in the upper echelons of Republic of Ireland national football team players.

One of the real greats.

Centre Back: Richard Dunne

Caps: 80

Completing the back four wasn’t easy.

In one breath you could make an argument for John O’Shea whose trophy cabinet speaks for itself, while Steve Staunton is also an obvious choice.

But for us, Richard Dunne gets jersey because on his day, his no-holds-barred defensive style was simply outstanding.

McGrath will have all the poise and Dunne will do the ugly work.

And we don’t mean that as an insult. Dunne was a rock at the back for Manchester City, Everton and Aston Villa.

A former PFA Team of the Year defender, Dunne’s performance against Russa in the Euro 2012 Qualifiers was sensational.

Defensive Midfielder: Roy Keane

Caps: 67

The first name on the team sheet and the captain – without question.

Workrate. Aggression. Skill. Fighter. Leader. Winner.

There are few superlatives that won’t describe the former Manchester United legend.

A player who won it all with the biggest club in the world at their pomp and one who was equally feared and renowned worldwide.

Not without his controversy either, namely being sent home from the 2002 World Cup after a falling out with manager Mick McCarthy.

But Keane was pure class and a born winner.

Left Midfield: Damien Duff

Caps: 100

At the height of his career, Duff was one of the best left midfielders in world football.

A two-time Premier League winner with Chelsea, Duff tormented defenders in the Premier League for years with his silky dribbling, pace and a keen eye for goal.

Often not given the praise he deserves for his talents, Duff was able to stand out on a newly-rich Chelsea side stacked with stars, under José Mourinho.

He’s now adapted his talents on the field to the coaching side of the game too.

A joy to watch in full flight.

Centre Midfield: Liam Brady

Caps: 72

Many people reading this might be more aware of Liam Brady at this stage as an outspoken critic on the RTÉ panel!

However, he is undoubtedly one of the most naturally talented footballers Ireland every produced.

His club career speaks for itself too: Arsenal, Inter Milan, Juventus and West Ham among the clubs he starred for – at a time when Italian football was the envy of the world.

Two Serie A titles and an FA Cup fill his trophy cabinet as well.

As a player he was gifted with amazing footwork and trickery, a world-class passer of the ball and a prolific goal-scorer.

Centre Midfield: Johnny Giles

Caps: 59

We’ve opted to play with only one striker to make room for Johnny Giles, because a combination of him and Brady in midfield could easily supply enough for a prolific goal scorer to make hay with.

A former Manchester United and Leeds United star, Giles is arguably the best out-and-out centre midfield Irish player ever.

A low tally of caps compared to the rest of the team, due to the era in which he played, Giles was still a huge favourite with the ‘Boys in Green’.

He then went on to manage Ireland and was hailed for his role there too.

Right Midfield: Ray Houghton

Caps: 70

The Scottish born midfielder was versatile and had an unbeatable talent of scoring important goals.

Think England in the 1988 Euros and Italy in the 1994 World Cup, those winning goals are still so fondly remembered today.

Not as naturally talented as some of his teammates on this side, Houghton was an experienced big-game player who was hugely reliable.

His club CV include Fulham, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace and he never let his adopted country down.

Striker: Robbie Keane

Caps: 146

A former captain, the top goalscorer in Irish football history and the most capped Irish player of all time, there’s only one Robbie Keane.

‘Keano’ also bagged 126 goals in the Premier League after stints with Coventry, Leeds, Spurs, Liverpool, West Ham and Villa.

An elite goal-scorer, almost an old-school poacher and criminally underrated still to this day.

Scorer of 68 international goals, including that famous, famous strike against Germany in the 2002 World Cup that put Ireland into the last 16.

We have supreme confidence that Keane could lead the line on his own in this team!

And who could forget the famous celebration?

Honourable mentions:

We couldn’t go without giving a mention to the likes of Niall Quinn, Steve Staunton, John O’Shea, Packie Bonner and Frank Stapleton to name a few.

Conclusion

Do you agree or disagree with our selections?

Remember, it is a game of opinions after all and we’d love to hear yours.

So let us know.

Before you go, you might like this blog covering all things Kids Football Training Equipment?