Republic of Ireland Women’s National Football Team: Road to the World Cup

Posted on January 20, 2023 at 12:48 pm.

Next Summer the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Football Team embark on their historic journey into the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

It’s the first time in history they have managed to qualify and there is huge excitement for this year’s tournament.

In this blog we’re going to look back on the difficult and testing road to Down Under and see just how Vera Pauw and her side wrote their names in history.

To lean more about the players, check out our Ultimate Guide to the team right here.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the road.

Republic of Ireland Women’s National Football Team: The Road to Down Under

FIFA Women’s World Cup UEFA Qualifiers Group Stage

Republic of Ireland 0-1 Sweden

October 21, 2021

The Republic of Ireland opened their campaign with a defeat, but there was huge encouragement got from holding World number 2, Sweden, as close as they did.

A first-half own goal by Louise Quinn was enough for Sweden in Tallaght Stadium was enough for Sweden to give them the win.

Katie McCabe and Lucy Quinn came closest for the home side but couldn’t find the net.

But optimism was high after the opening night.

Finland 1-2 Republic of Ireland

October 26, 2021

Vera Pauw’s side got their campaign back on track at the first time of asking with a 2-1 win away to Finland in Helsinki.

A brilliant free kick from Megan Connolly put the Republic of Ireland ahead after ten minutes and dominated much of the first half but couldn’t find a second.

However, a fighting re-start from Finland saw them draw level in the 52^nd minute through Engman.

But the brilliant Denise O’Sullivan responded instantly , capitalising on poor goalkeeping to fire Ireland ahead.

Goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan put in a player of the match performance to keep their hopes alive.

Republic of Ireland 1-1 Slovakia

November 25, 2021

The Girls in Green were brought crashing back to earth after a strong start to their campaign with this result.

In truth, it very easily could have been a loss too after a second half goal from Martina Surnovska gave the away side a lead.

Thankfully, however, Katie McCabe would pull one back, burying a low shot into the far corner to send the home crowd into raptures.

‘Georgia is a must-win – simple,’ manager Vera Pauw said afterwards.

Republic of Ireland 11-0 Georgia

November 30, 2021

And win they did!

The Republic of Ireland hit a record 11 goals over Georgia in Dublin and got their campaign back on track in style!

The hosts were 4-0 up half time, with goals from Kyra Carusa, Lucy Quinn, Denise O’Sullivan and an own-goal.

O’Sullivan would go on to hit a hat-trick, Katie McCabe got in on the act with a brace, while Saoirse Noonan, Amber Barrett and Megan Connolly completed the rout.

The win moved them into second in the group, behind leaders Sweden and ahead of Finland.

Sweden 1-1 Republic of Ireland

April 12, 2022

Coming into the game a draw would have been a great result for the Republic of Ireland, however by the full time whistle they would have felt disappointed not to have left with three points!

Arsenal star Katie McCabe have the away side a shock lead late in the first half and they looked nailed on to record probably their best win ever, until Real Madrid’s Kosovare Asllani equalised 11 minutes from time.

Despite being under pressure for much of the game, the Irish stuck to their defensive duties diligently, attacking on the break and causing trouble too.

The home side needed a point to qualify, and their siege eventually broke the stern Irish defence down to break the Republic of Ireland’s hearts.

Georgia 0-9 Republic of Ireland

June 27, 2022

A hat-trick from Katie McCabe and double from Louis Quinn thrashed Georgia once more in Gori.

Goals from Niamh Fahey, Megan Connolly, Abbie Larkin and Denise O’Sullivan cruised to a victory that would send them back into second place of the group ahead of Finland.

‘We have two games to go and we have it on our own hands,” Vera Pauw said after. ‘We have the feeling that we can maybe do it.’

Republic of Ireland 1-0 Finland

September 1, 2022

A second half goal from Lily Agg sensational secured the Republic of Ireland a place in the play-offs on a famous night in Dublin.

A record home crowd of 6,952 people packed into Tallaght Stadium to see the Irish recover from a sluggish start to earn them a deserved lead.

They could not begin to dream of a trip to Australia and New Zealand in 2023.

Slovakia 0-1 Republic of Ireland

September 6, 2022

The classy Denise O’Sullivan kept the Girls in Green in winning form against a tough Slovakia side.

Despite already having booked their place in the play-offs, a win for the away side would provide a bit of retribution given Slovakia took points from them earlier in the campaign.

In a cagey game, Cork native O’Sullivan took her goal brilliantly in the 37^th minute and added further trajectory to her rising stock in the world game.

FIFA Women’s World Cup UEFA Qualifiers Play Off

Scotland 0-1 Republic of Ireland

October 11, 2022

A famous, famous night.

Amber Barrett’s goal for the Republic of Ireland in the 72nd minute was enough to defeat Scotland at Hampden Park and secure their spot in the tournament in Australia and New Zealand the following year.

As the Scots failed to express themselves and saw their own dreams of replicating their 2019 finals appearance die, Real Madrid star Caroline Weir had a first-half penalty saved from Courtney Brosnan.

Both teams entered the evening unsure of their futures, but other outcomes clarified the picture and made it plain to Republic of Ireland that a victory would be sufficient to guarantee their spot in Australia and New Zealand the following year.

‘I’m so proud of the girls’ performance,’ captain Katie McCabe said after. ‘It wasn’t pretty tonight at all, but it was an unbelievable save from Courtney for the penalty.

‘We put our bodies on the line, we worked for each other, we ran for each other, and that’s what this team is all about.

‘We’ve got an identity we’ve been working on throughout this campaign. It’s not pretty and it’s not everyone’s favourite style of football, but it works for us and we enjoy it.’

Let the party begin.

Conclusion

If you’re curious what the road ahead looks like for the Republic of Ireland now, check out our blog on their World Cup 2023 Fixtures and Opponents.

We’re proud Retail Partners of the FAI and we have some of the best jerseys and training ranges below.

Check them out.

Ireland Womens Football Fixtures: World Cup 2023

Posted on January 19, 2023 at 2:34 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

Next July the 2023 World Cup gets underway and the Ireland womens football fixtures are sealed.

After qualifying for the tournament for the first time ever after beating Scotland in a Play Off last October, Irish football fans have been waiting patiently to see our opponents.

With the first outing on July 20^th, 2023 the Ireland womens football fixtures get off to a tough start against hosts Australia, before a very testing second game against Canada and a final outing against African heavyweights Nigeria.

Despite the big time differences between Ireland and Australia, each game is on at a very respectable time, meaning we will all get to tune in.

In this blog we’ll give you the time, dates and venues for the Irish womens football team World Cup, as well as a breakdown of their group stage opponents.

Ireland Womens Football Fixtures Group B

Game 1

Australia v Republic of Ireland

11am (Irish time) in the Allianz Stadium

Game 2

Canada v Republic of Ireland

1pm (Irish time) in nib Stadium.

Game 3

Republic of Ireland v Nigeria

11am (Irish time) in Suncorp Stadium

Ireland Womens Football Fixtures: World Cup Opponents

Australia

World Ranking: 12

Star player: Sam Kerr

Manager: Tony Gustavsson

As co-hosts of the tournament with New Zealand, Australia were automatically placed in Group B and didn’t have to go through a qualification route.

Nicknamed ‘The Matildas’, they have also never made it past the quarter-final stage.

The nature of the draw means they will play all their three group games on home soil, giving them a significant advantage against what is expected to be a huge crowd going by ticket sales to date.

Their biggest threat is their captain, the talismatic Sam Kerr who is also their all-time leading goal scorer.

The Chelsea star is the only female footballer to have won the Golden Boot in three different leagues and three different continents – The W-League (Australia/New Zealand), the NWSL (North America) and the FAWSL (Europe).

They also boast other WSL stars such as Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord and Man City’s Hayley Raso.

Canada

World Ranking: 6

Star Player: Christine Sinclair

Coach: Bev Priestman

The Canadians are most likely to top the group and are a serious World Cup contender after winning the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

They managed to go through 2022 unbeaten, with the exception of a 1-0 loss to reigning world champions and neighbours the USA.

Their captain, Christine Sinclair, is the world’s all-time leader in international goals scored across the mens and womens game with 190 after 300 caps!

Sinclair has also scored at five World Cups and is a 14-time winner of the Canada Soccer Player of the Year.

They are stacked with WSL players, such as Man United winger Adriana Leon, Chelsea duo Jessie Fleming and Shelina Zadorsky, along with Spurs defender Kadeisha Buchanan.

Nigeria

World Ranking: 45

Star Player: Asisat Oshoala

Coach: Randy Waldrum

A former powerhouse of African women’s football, Nigeria come into the tournament in poor form.

A fourth place finish at the last Africa Cup of Nations was deemed a very result – considering they won 11 of the previous 13 tournaments it’s easy to see why.

But there is no doubting that they have some really quality, none more than Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala.

Regarded as one of the greatest African female footballers of all time, she has won a record 5 African Footballer of the Year awards.

Last year, she was nominated for the Ballon d’Or after a season where she won the Primera Division’s Golden Boot, and a year after winning the Champions League.

Conclusion

To find out more about the Republic of Ireland womens team, check out our Ultimate Guide to the Players right HERE.

Or else, why not check out our FAI range below?

Thanks for reading.

Ireland Women’s Soccer: The Ultimate Guide

Posted on January 18, 2023 at 2:53 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

Ireland women’s soccer team created history last year after qualifying for their first ever World Cup with a historic win over Scotland in Hampden Park.

A second half goal from Amber Barrett proved enough for Vera Pauw’s side to book their tickets to Australia and New Zealand this year.

The 2023 Women’s World Cup is going to be a memorable moment in Irish sporting history, but just who are the team who created it?

As proud Official Retail Partners of the FAI, we’re going to delve a bit deeper into the team in this blog.

We can’t wait for the World Cup, especially since Republic of Ireland will be facing the hosts, Australia, in the World Cup opener!

Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? 😊

Before you meet the players, if you want to know more about the fixtures and opponents, you’ll find it out in this blog.

Ireland Women’s Soccer Team – The Players

Vera Pauw hasn’t named her final squad for the World Cup just yet but you can expect most if not all the team who played against Scotland to be included on the plane.

So who are they?

Courtney Brosnan

Position: Goalkeeper

Age: 27

Club: Everton

American-born Brosnan was one of the heroines of Ireland’s win over Scotland, saving a second half penalty from Real Madrid star Caroline Weir.

She has amassed 11 caps for Ireland and kept clean sheets in 9 of those, the former West Ham star will be a hugely important cog in the wheel for Ireland’s World Cup chances.

Jamie Finn

Position: Defender/Midfielder

Age: 24

Club: Birmingham City

Finn’s versatility is a huge asset and will see her play in a wing back or defensive midfielder role.

The Dublin born star received what she felt was a surprise call up to the squad for Ireland’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 qualifier against Greece back in 2019 and impressed during a 1-1 draw.

Her performance that day propelled her confidence and she went from strength to strength, eventually earning a professional contract with Birmingham City where she still plays.

Niamh Fahey

Position: Defender

Age: 35

Club: Liverpool

The Galway native is one of the most experienced players in the squad, having earned 106 caps and being named Senior International Player on three occasions.

Fahey has a wealth of experience, winning every honour in the English game with Arsenal before moving to Chelsea and winning the league and cup double.

Also a prominent Gaelic footballer in her past, Vera Pauw will be looking to Fahey to bring all her experience to the fore this year for the Ireland women’s soccer team.

Louise Quinn

Position: Defender

Age: 32

Club: Birmingham City

One of the star’s of the team, the Birmingham City captain earned her 99^th cap against Scotland.

A native of Wicklow, the former Peamount, Arsenal and Fiorentina player has scored an impressive 15 goals for her country.

She was also named the 2021-22 Signing of the Season in the FA WSL by The Guardian, finishing as Birmingham’s top goalscorer, as a defender, but could do nothing more as they got relegated to the second tier.

Diane Caldwell

Position: Defender

Age: 34

Club: Reading

Caldwell has experienced top level football all over the world, with the likes of FC Koln in Germany, North Carolina Courage in the USA, Avaldsnes IL in Norway and Manchester United and Reading in England.

The Balbriggan defender is comfortable in midfield or defence and lined out against Scotland replacing the injured Savannah McCarthy.

However, she still remains an important player.

Megan Campbell

Position: Defender

Age: 29

Liverpool

Campbell possesses a secret weapon that is a crucial part of the Irish game plan – an incredible arrow-like long throw-in.

She caused all sorts of havoc to Scotland with her speciality and no doubt Vera Pauw is hoping to do the same with it Down Under at the World Cup.

The Liverpool defender and Drogheda native is a teak-tough left back who was pivotal in Liverpool getting promoted to the top flight of the Women’s Super League last season.

Aine O’Gorman

Position: Midfielder/defender

Age: 33

Club: Shamrock Rovers

Aine joined the Republic of Ireland women’s soccer squad when she was just 16 years old in 2006, and she remained on the team until she retired from international competition in 2018.

Under the direction of manager Vera Pauw, the versatile player, who spent the majority of her career as a striker, did make a comeback to the senior squad line up in 2020 as a full-back.

Aine led Ireland for the first time in 2015, and in 2016 she contributed a hat-trick to their historic victory over Montenegro.

Lily Agg

Position: Midfielder

Age: 29

Club: London City Lionesses

The English born midfielder qualifies for Ireland through her Cork-born Grandmother and made her debut in the squad in April 2021.

Agg scored the winner against Finland on her home debut to help Ireland secure that all-important Play-Off spot against Scotland.

Arriving off the bench after an injury to Ruesha Littlejohn, Agg headed home the winning goal.

Denise O’Sullivan

Position: Midfielder:

Age: 28

Club: North Carolina Courage

A midfield maestro who is only of the Republic of Ireland’s most important players and one of the top players in the National Women’s Soccer League where she plys her trade with North Carolina Courage.

The Cork native joined Glasgow City in June 2013, and in both the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons, she helped the team reach the Women’s Champions League’s round of 16 and final eight.

Denise immigrated to the US and began her career with the Houston Dash before switching to the North Carolina Courage, where she received Team MVP honors twice in consecutive championship seasons.

Katie McCabe

Position: Midfielder

Age: 27

Club: Arsenal

Captain fantastic and a genuine world-class star at Arsenal who has propelled her name onto the game’s biggest stages.

After signing with Arsenal in 2015, she has won the FA Cup, league title and was named on the PFA Team of the Year in 2021.

The Dublin star was named the youngest ever captain of the Ireland women’s soccer team in 2017 and hasn’t looked back since, scoring 18 goals in 70 appearances.

Heather Payne

Position: Striker

Age: 22

Club: Florida State Seminoles

Payne, a native of Roscommon, originally attracted people’s attention when she was playing minor soccer with Salthill Devon. She then advanced fast through the underage ranks at the international level.

She competed for Ireland at the UEFA Women’s Under-17 European Championships in Iceland in 2015, and in a friendly match against Scotland in July 2017, she made her senior debut.

In the April 2021 friendly loss to Belgium by a score of 1-0, Heather was recognized as the Player of the Match.

Amber Barrett

Position: Striker

Age: 27

Club: FFC Turbine Potsdam

The scorer of that now famous goal that sent her country to the World Cup for the first time ever.

The Donegal star arrived off the bench in the 65^th minute delivered when it was needed the most and etched her name in the Ireland women’s soccer team’s history.

Pauw and her team will be hoping for more of her magic come World Cup time.

Ruesha Littlejohn

Position: Striker/midfielder

Age: 32

Club: Aston Villa

Ruesha, a swift and lethal finisher, had represented Scotland the youth level but choose to represent Ireland at senior.

Had a brief stint at Liverpool and scored her first goal for the senior team in the 5-1 Cyprus Cup victory over Northern Ireland.

She’s also played with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, London Bees, Leicester City and Birmingham City.

Niamh Farrelly

Position: Midfielder/defender

Age: 23

Club: Parma

Farrelly joined Serie A Femminile side, Parma with the view of being recalled into the Irish set up and she did just that.
Vera Pauw recalled her after a string of impressive performances with the Italian side she got the call.

However, a bad ankle injury hampered her progress in terms of on-field activity but she’s still going to be a serious option for the tournament.

Megan Connolly

Position: Midfielder

Age: 25

Club: Brighton and Hove Albion

A Cork native, Megan comes from a family steeped in sport, particularly GAA with her being the brother of Cork star Luke Connolly.

Connolly, an attacking-minded midfielder with excellent skill, excelled during her time at Florida State University and was selected to the NSCAA First-Team All American in 2015.

In 2019, she signed up with Brighton & Hove Albion. Her first senior goal came against Montenegro in 2016; her second, against Finland in 2021, was directly off a free kick.

Leanne Kiernan

Position: Striker

Age: 23

Club: Liverpool

Cavan native Kiernan has an incredible knack for scoring goals.

In 2021 she scored 12 in 15 games for Liverpool before an ankle injury ruled her out for several months last season.

Despite this, the former West Ham and Shelbourne star should still earn her seat on the plane.

Stephanie Roche

Position: Striker

Age: 33

Club: Shamrock Rovers

Roche became world famous where her sensational goal for Peamount against Wexford Youths in 2013 went viral on YouTube before being nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award alongside James Rodriguez and Robin Persie.

Outside of that she has made 58 appearances for her country, scoring 14 goals.

She has played for the likes of Houston Dash, Sunderland and Florentia and will bring a wealth of experience if she gets the call up.

Chloe Mustaki

Position: Defender

Age: 27

Club: Bristol City

Mustaki was the captain of the Women’s Under-19 squad that advanced to the semi-finals of the 2014 UEFA European Championships in Norway.

After receiving a Lymphoma diagnosis, Mustaki heroically overcame it to return to football, playing for Peamount United, UCD Waves, and Shelbourne in the Women’s National League and competing at the World University Games.

She was called up to the Ireland senior squad in March 2020 thanks to her time with Charlton Athletic, but she injured her ACL during training.

Mustaki would need two years to heal before making her senior debut in the Pinatar Cup match against Russia in February 2022, which Russia won 1-0.

Conclusion

We hope this blog has given you more insight into the : Ireland women’s soccer team ahead of the much-anticipated World Cup.

Intersport Elverys, as proud Retail Partners of the FAI, will be there every step of the way.

Stay tuned for more content or check out the FAI Women’s Range below.

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?

Jersey Print | Personalisation at Intersport Elverys

Posted on November 24, 2021 at 1:00 pm.

Written by Intersport Elverys

Are you interested in getting your favourite football player’s and number printed on your personalised jersey?

Intersport Elverys can do just that, available in select stores and online. We’ve got all the best Premier League jersey print for you – so what are you waiting for?

Check out our huge range of Football Jerseys HERE.

Check out the stores below.

We also provide a custom embroidery service, check it out HERE.

Jersey Print: Where can I get it?

Jersey print and personalisation is available in Intersport Elverys in select stores only and online.

For teamwear, our graphic design and printing department can help you create the football team jerseys and uniforms you have in mind. Choose from dozens of stock designs for team names, numbers, player names and mascots (10 characters maximum and 2 digits maximum).

For personal wear, decorate your own jersey with your favourite player’s number and name or even put your own name on it!

We can also accommodate all novelty tee printing should you require.

Ask in store for details or ring our Printwear department on +353 (0)94 9020317 We can also do this online when you purchase a new jersey on our website.

Stores with Irish Rugby Jersey Print

Galway Retail Park, Dublin Suffolk St, Henry St and Dundrum

Stores with Printers

Dublin, Blanchardstown Dublin, Fonthill Street Dublin, Swords Dublin, Dundrum

Dublin, Suffolk Street Dublin, Henry Street Athlone, Golden Island

Mullingar, Lakepoint Arklow, Bridgewater Galway Retail Park

Thurles, Shopping Centre Sligo, Johnston Court Castlebar, Bridge Street

Limerick, Crescent Shopping Center Kilkenny – Parliament Street Cork, Oliver Plunkett Street

Online Jersey Print & Personalisation

To get your jersey personalised online, just follow the steps below:

– Go to the Intersport Elverys website HERE.

– Head to the football section and select the jersey you want personalised.

– First, select your jersey size.

– Then select the button that says “PERSONALISE THIS PRODUCT”.

– A pop up will appear. This is where you enter the name you want on the jersey (max 10 characters) and the number (max 6 digits).

– When finished, select “Confirm and add cost to total”.

– You will then need to checkout and pay for your purchase.

– Finally, enjoy!

**Important – You must be purchasing a new jersey, to avail of online personalisation.

Conclusion

Shop football at Intersport Elverys HERE.

5 of the Best Weight Training Exercises for Women

Posted on November 22, 2021 at 5:14 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

Is this the year you want to really get in shape? Well, we’re here with the best weight training exercises for women to help you do just that.

Don’t worry if you’re slightly intimidated by starting weight training for the first time either, it’s easier than it looks.

Also, forget about that myth that weight training makes women ‘big and bulky’ – that’s completely outdated.

It’s proven to benefit heart health, bone health, body composition, sporting performance, metabolism, injury prevention and mental health.

So if you’re heading for the gym, or working out from home, and are wondering what basic weight training exercise you can do, look no further.

We’ve got you covered below.

Our brand ambassador and Republic of Ireland soccer star, Rianna Jarret explains what her best weight training exercises for women are.

Oh, and by the way, you also might be interested in our Ultimate Guide to Doing Yoga at Home Blog?

Best Weight Training Exercises for Women

Dumbbell Chest Press

“Playing any kind of field sport, the dumbbell chest press is really important. Especially for me as a strike, it’s important to be strong in my upper body – my arms and my chest – in order to keep the defenders away from the ball.
“When you’re doing the exercise, it’s important to make sure you’re in control of the movement throughout the exercise and not letting the dumbbell swing or sway while pressing.

“Keep your feet plant on the ground, engage the core and try and aim for 90-degree angles in your arms when you are at the bottom of the lift.

“I like to do three sets of eight repetitions.”

One arm row

“You will need a bench or sturdy platform to do this exercise. You need to keep two feet on the ground and one arm on the bench.

“It’s important to bring the dumbbell to your chest while concentrating the feeling with your back and shoulder muscles. So squeeze these at the top of the move.

“This is good for building a strong core a well and as a field sport athlete, helps me in keeping the defender at arms width.”

Seated Shoulder Press

“You will need a bench or something similar for this exercise.

“Start off with a light weight to get the feel for the movement, making sure you get a full range of motion while staying controlled throughout.

“This exercise is very important for a footballer because I need to be strong in my shoulders to compete in the aerial battles.”

Tricep Extension

“The start position for this exercise is very similar to the one arm row and all the same principles apply only you keep one knee on the bench too.

“The only difference is you’re starting at close to a 90-degree angle before sweeping the dumbbell back towards your feet and aiming to keep get your arm at 180 degrees.

“This is key for me as a footballer because upper body strength is such an important part of the game.”

Kettlebell/Dumbbell Squat

“Squats with a kettlebell train the legs dynamically while also engaging the upper back and shoulders. As you hold the kettlebell in front of you, they also put a strain on your core.

“Stand with your feet hip width apart to perform a kettlebell squat. Pick up your kettlebell with both hands and hold it close to your chest with the handle facing downwards and your hands around the primary section of the kettlebell.

“Squat with your chest high and back straight while holding the kettlebell close to your chest.

“Squats are really good because how they challenge your whole body throughout the exercise and are definitely one of the best weight training exercises for women.”

Check out the video of Rianna Jarrett below.

We hope this guide has given you some inspiration and guidance in kickstarting your weight training schedule.

If you’re not yet feeling comfortable to hit the weight rack, cardio and running exercise has a lot of health benefits too.

You can check out our home-gym and weight training accessories HERE or below.

Christmas Gifts For Her | Gift Guides 2021

Posted on November 10, 2021 at 4:30 pm.

Written by Intersport Elverys

It’s not always easy to buy for the special woman in your life but this Gifts For Her Guide should make it easier for you!

Everyone has a wish list for Christmas 2021 so to give you some inspiration, we’re looking at the latest and top products across our top range of brands.

We’re Inspired by Sport this year, so take a look below at some of our gifts ideas for her.

We’ve also got some Christmas Gift guides for him and Christmas gift guides for those special kids in your life.

Gifts Ideas For The Sport Fanatic

GAA

The new GAA season is nearly upon us, have you got your colours sorted yet?

Don’t worry if you don’t, because there is still plenty of time left and Intersport Elverys is here to help you.

We have GAA gear from all 32 counties, from jerseys to hats, including the Mayo GAA 2021 Women’s Fit Home Jersey and the Dublin 2021 Home Women’s Jersey and the Portland training ranges.
There’s also the Galway Home Women’s Jersey and we’ve got a host of GAA Christmas Jumpers too!

Check out our full GAA range HERE.

Rugby

The rugby season is back on track and we have some great gift ideas for the special women in your life.

As official sport retail partner of Connacht Rugby, we have the full range of jerseys, jackets, training gear and more.

Also, we’ve got the new Canterbury Irish Rugby gear and the latest British & Irish Lions.

Take a look at our full range HERE.

Football

We’ve got a fantastic range of football jerseys and gear to have under the tree this Christmas.

The new orange FAI Away Jersey has been really popular since it’s launch. And as official retail partners of the FAI, we love it too.

Not only do we have the national team covered, we also have Premier League teams and our Airtricity League range.

Take a look at our full range HERE.

Gift Ideas For The Runner

Footwear

This year one thing is for sure, running and walking has been picked up by the masses, so a new comfortable pair of runners for under the tree would be a welcomed sight for many.

Getting footwear which is comfortable and durable are key when choosing runners and we have all this and more across the top running brands.

Some we have in mind for you are the very reliable ASICS Gel-Kayano 28 Women’s Running Shoe, the Brooks Ghost 14 Reflective Women’s Running shoe or the Under Armour Charged Rogue 2.5 Storm. And lets not forget the super cool Hoka Speedgoat 4 Women’s Runner.

All options are perfect for Winter running and would be a great gift to get started in the new year.

Or, why not check out the ASICS Running Range or the Brooks Running Range.

Take a look through out full footwear range HERE.

Clothing

Being warm, dry, safe and seen on the road when running is a thought every runner thinks of before facing the elements.

Right?

Clothing that ticks these boxes while also having an element of style to it would be a great gift for the runner in your life – like below.

The adidas Marathon Jacket in White, the dazzling Energetics Womens Coral IV Tights or the Nike Women’s Dri-Fit Race T-Shirt tick all those boxes.

Find all that and much more HERE.

Running Accessories

Looking to add extra bits to your gift, we’ve a number of essential running accessories to help them brave the Winter weather.

How about the cool Nike Alpha Ultrabreathe Sports Bra, the Brooks Fusion Midweight Gloves or the warm and cosy New Era New England Patriots NFL Bobble Beanie.

Check out our full range HERE.

Gift Ideas for The Trainer

Footwear & Clothing

Training will always be essential for so many of us and looking good when training is important for a lot too.

Inspire their workout wherever it may be with some of the latest training product across top brands.

The Skechers Arch Fit Women’s shoe has been very popular this year, as has the Puma Favourite Heather Tee Shirt and has this The North Face Half Zip.

But we have so much more than that too, so check out our full Training Range HERE.

Training Essentials

Every training addict will appreciate the tools that make it happen and we have a wide range of training essentials that are sure to tailor to whatever way a person trains.

Take a look at the Body Sculpture Massage Gun for those who really value their recovery; or how about a new Body Sculpture Yoga Mat to get your yoga groove on.

Or if you like to do some weights at home, these Body Sculpture 10kg Dumbbell set are perfect to get started.

Our full training range can be found HERE.

Wearable Tech

A piece of equipment that is slowly becoming essential for every gym goer, runner or an active worker is a smart watch or fitness tracker.

The latest Fitbit Ace 3 Fitness Tracker is jam-packed with technology and very affordable too. While the Garmin Venu is top of its league, just like the stylish Fitbit Luxe Smartwatch.

Check out all our wearable tech right HERE.

Gifts for the Style Minded

Footwear

If you’re buying for someone who prefers the style over functionality then we have a number of great products for you.

The North Face tent Mule Bootie will turn heads everywhere, while the adidas VL Court 2.0 are a timeless classic. And we all know you can’t go wrong with a pair of Nike Air Max SC .

You can find plenty more style minded trainers HERE.

Clothing

Some of these trainers need some comfortable and stylish tops to match, so check these out.

Stand out from the crowd in The North Face Women’s Diablo Down Jacket, or the Nike Therma-Fit Repel Jacket. Or what about the Nike Dri-Fit FC Pullover Hoodie?

You can find our full range HERE

Finishing Looks

Why not top off these looks with some of our most fashionable finishers, like the Under Armour Storm Insulated CGI Beanie or the adidas 3S Cap in white. Or the super cool New Era Green Bay Packers Beanie.

Check out all our hats and caps HERE or below.

Discover the Heart of Sport at Intersport Elverys this Christmas 2021.

Check out our full ranges to gift this Christmas 2021 HERE and Shop Local.

Everyone at Intersport Elverys wishes you and your family a very happy, safe and magic Christmas.

Christmas Gift Ideas For Kids | Gift Guides 2022

Posted on November 9, 2021 at 3:30 pm.

Written by Intersport Elverys

Christmas is a big deal for all kids (young and old) and here at Intersports Elverys we have you sorted for all gift ideas for Christmas 2022.

Comfort is key for kids as they are always on the go, so look no further, we have everything you need this festive season to kit out the young ones.

That includes a wide variety of product ranges to suit everyone from top brands such as Nike, adidas, Puma and many more.

We’ve also got our gift guides for those special kids right HERE and gift guides for her right HERE.

Take a look below for our Christmas gift ideas for kids.

EVERYDAY WEAR FOR BOYS

Boys will be boys – we know that – but that’s fine because we have a great range of everyday casual wear, perfect for those busy lads on the go.

There’s lots to choose from.

Take a browse at some of our top picks including the Nike Swoosh Synthetic Filled Jacket, or the Under Armour FLC Full Zip Hoody. We also have the really popular O’Neills Skinny Tracksuit pants or the super cool The North Face React Half Zip.

For those big football fans, don’t miss our adidas Messi range.

Check out the full Boys range HERE or below.

EVERYDAY WEAR FOR GIRLS

At Intersport Elverys we know that style and comfort are equally important for girls and we have a wide variety of Pants, Tops, T-Shirts and much more to suit those requirements.

Some of our featured products include the Nike Dri-Fit Long Sleeve Half Zip, the Nike Girls Pro Tights or the Energetics Funda 6 Full Zip Hoodie. We also love the Under Armour Girls Rival Fleece Joggers.

We have a lot more everyday wear for girls, so check them out HERE or below.

FOOTWEAR FOR BOYS

Good footwear is so important for boys covering a lot of ground!

It’s also essential to help support growing kids, with comfort being a crucial aspect.

We’ve picked out some of our most popular, comfortable and stylish footwear like the adidas Boys Race TR21– perfect for schoolwear; or the ASICS Junior Boys Running shoe. Also proving popular is the classic Nike Air Max Bolt or if you want something for lounging around the house in, these North Face Camo Slippers are real quality.

Head over to our website to find our full range footwear for boys or click on HERE.

FOOTWEAR FOR GIRLS

For girls, the Skechers Heart Lights Junior shoe has been really popular this year, while the Puma Carina Black shoe is perfect for school.

In terms of style and comfort, you also can’t go wrong with the pretty Nike Air Max Bolt while the adidas Adilette Aqua Girls sandal is a must-have stocking filler.

Head over to our website to find our full range footwear for girls. Find them HERE.

JERSEYS

Do you have a Football or Rugby mad kid?

Why not treat them to their favourite team jersey this Christmas?

Whatever team they support Republic of Ireland, IRFU, Connacht or Liverpool, or what about Man United, Dublin GAA or Mayo GAA to name just a few?

To shop all of our jerseys, head over to our website HERE or shop in-store.

FOOTBALLS

For any football mad kid, you can’t go wrong with getting them a football to kick around the grass for hours on end.

We’ve got a massive selection and some great deals to choose from.

There’s the adidas Champions League Final , or the cool adidas TIRO Club Football or the Nike Premier League Strike 2021 Football . And if their a GAA kid, why not an O’Neills Size 5.

Check out our full range HERE.

ALTERNATIVE PRESENTS

And if you’re looking for something a bit different for your child – we’ve got that too.

How about the Precision Multi Sport Steel Goal for the backyard?

Or we’ve also got the Speedo Bio Fuse Training Fin for any watersport enthusiasts? Or the Wilson Federer Junior 26 Tennis Racket for any aspiring tennis players.

Don’t forget to check out our full Christmas range below or in-store!

Everyone at Intersport Elverys wishes you and your family a very happy and safe Christmas.

Love Football? Here’s how to get into coaching!

Posted on August 25, 2021 at 3:28 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

Do you dream of becoming the next Stephen Kenny or Sir Alex Ferguson? Or do you just want to help coach and nurture the future of football?

Or are you a former player whose career is now over and you’re looking to stay involved, spread some wisdom and have a desire to help others reach their full potential?

Sounds like you?

If yes, then maybe football coaching is for you.

In this blog, we’ll tell you all you need to know about coaching and how you can embark on a new passion.

What does a football coach do?

Being a football coach involves devotion to your team, assisting them in reaching their maximum potential, and developing the players in all areas.

Whether you’re coaching children, amateurs, or professional football players, you’ll need to give it your best to ensure the team’s success.

You’re the motivator.

You could work in a variety of settings, including schools, universities, leisure clubs, and football clubs, and with people of various ages and skill levels.

How far you can advance in your coaching profession is determined by your level of experience and qualifications.

You might begin your coaching career as an assistant before learning the ropes and eventually assuming the reins.

While studying and working towards your qualifications, consider volunteering as a coach in a sports club. This will help you gain experience so that when you’re ready to apply for jobs, you’ll have a wonderful reference.

Doing an apprenticeship is another option you could consider. This will allow you to learn on the job while earning all of the necessary credentials.

Still fancy it?

What does it take?

The number of hours you work will be determined by the level of football you are coaching.

Evening and weekend work are required at lower levels of football, but the greater the quality of the football club, the more hours you will be required to put in.

Your commitment to your career is likely to consume some of your free time, particularly if you need to travel for football matches across the UK and abroad, which may involve overnight stays.

How do I become a football coach?

If you are starting out in grassroots football, the first thing required to become a football coach is to make sure you are Garda Vetted and have completed the FAI Safeguarding One Workshop.

Then, you can look to enter the FAI Coach Education Pathway – check it out here.

Before interacting with an organization or service, all individuals working with children and vulnerable people, whether volunteers or paid, must obtain Garda Vetting clearance.

Garda Vetting is an FAI requirement for anyone who works with children or vulnerable people (in a paid or voluntary capacity). Relevant training is also an important element of the Safe recruitment process; all coaches must attend the Safeguarding 1 course.

Steps to becoming a football coach

The FAI PDP 1 course is the first step in the Coach Education Pathway and is designed for coaches who work with children in the U-6 to U-9 age groups.

It is designed for coaches of all levels and It is an 8-hour one-day training with a combination of academic and practical content.

The only condition for this course is that all participants have been vetted by the Garda and have completed the Safeguarding 1 course.

The courses are accessible all year and are geographically dispersed around the country. If you have a minimum of 10 coaches interested in attending, the training can even be held and given at your club.

Already coaching at senior level but new to coaching courses?

No worries.

The FAI has recently revamped and updated their senior game-specific course. The Adult Amateur Licence is the name of the new course, which covers all aspects of adult amateur football.

The only condition for this course is that all participants have been vetted by the Garda and have completed the Safeguarding 1 course.

The 16-hour course will include both theoretical and practical content. The training will cover the framework of the game, football actions, and coaching practice demonstrations pertaining to the adult game, to name a few topics.

Responsibilities of a football coach

So, what will your primary responsibilities be?

They include:

Organizing coaching sessions
Providing input and evaluating performance
Inventing new strategies and ways
Assisting the team’s physical and emotional development
Working with additional health care providers such as physiotherapists and nutritionists
Keeping track of things
Sponsorship applications
Organizing your team’s transportation

Vital Football Coach Skills

The following are the skills you’ll need for the job:

Communication skills
Leadership
Teaching
Positivity and patience
Ability to motivate
Organisational skills
Physical fitness
Ability to build relationships
Determination and trustworthiness

Conclusion

We hope this blog helps in you deciding whether or not you want to take the plunge into the world of coaching.
We know you won’t regret it if you do.

Make sure to check out our football ranges below to make that start easier.

Intersport Elverys: Supporting Irish Athletes & Team Sports

Posted on July 13, 2021 at 3:28 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

AT Intersport Elverys, we absolutely love our sport and pride ourselves on supporting Irish athletes at all levels to fully maximise their potential.

From grassroots sport all the way to the very elite, supporting Irish athletes and sporting organisations dates back to our very origins and is part of our ethos.

We’re one of the biggest supporters of Irish sport in the country – and we’re at the heart of sport!

Below are some of the athletes and sporting organisations who we are proudly working with and supporting.

IRFU

Intersport Elverys is supporting Irish rugby for many years, including sponsors of the men’s and women’s 7s teams and now the Official Sports Retail Partner.

We stock a huge range of Official Ireland Rugby gear for the player and the fan (supporter) in all stores and online as well as bringing unique and exciting experiences to the Ireland Rugby supporter across our social channels.

FAI Football Camps

We love Irish football and we’re extremely proud to be the proud sponsors of the hugely popular FAI Summer Soccer Schools, which proved a massive hit with young boys and girls across the country again this year.

Mayo GAA/Mayo LGFA

As a Mayo brand, we’re massively honoured to be sponsoring Mayo GAA since the 1990s and continue to be the title sponsor of the various teams across all codes.

As Official Retail Partner, we stock a huge range of Mayo GAA gear for the player and supporter in stores around the country and online, as well as bringing unique and exciting experiences to the many proud Mayo GAA fans.

Dublin GAA

As Official Retail Partner of Dublin GAA, we stock a great range of Dublin GAA gear for the player and the supporter in stores around the country and online.

Love the Dubs’, love Intersport Elverys.

Tipperary GAA

As Official Retail Partner of the Premier County, as well as operating the official Tipperary GAA store in Thurles and online, we love bringing exciting experiences to the Tipperary GAA supporters.

We’ve been there through the good days and the bad and have enjoyed every minute.

Lovely hurlin’.

Connacht Rugby

Our relationship with Connacht Rugby dates back nearly 20 years and we were delighted to be named as Official Sports Retail Partner back in 2015/16 after being a previous sponsor.

Rianna Jarrett

Republic of Ireland star Rianna Jarrett and Intersport Elverys share common goals and vision – we’re deeply rooted in sports performance and we’re always striving to be number one.

The Wexford born star has just finished up a spell with WSL outfit Brighton and Hove Albion and no matter where she chooses to ply here trade next, we’ll be there right beside here.

Rianna has recovered from a number of major knee injuries throughout her career and she is an inspiration for anyone in what hard work, resilience and dedication can bring.

Bundee Aki

The Connacht, Ireland and Lions star has been a revelation since moving to the West Coast of Ireland back in 2014.

New Zealand born, Aki has transformed himself into one of the World’s best players and Intersport Elverys is delighted to be supporting him on that journey.

We look forward to what the future has in store.

VHI Women’s Mini Marathon

We have been involved as associate sponsor to this unique event since 2005, offering expert product advice and benefits for participants.

Irish Runner

Since partnering with Athletics Ireland in 2019 on a campaign called “Get Ireland Running”, we have been sponsors of the Gear & Gadget section in Irish Runner magazine, seeing the latest innovations in running products tested by a panel of runners of various ages and abilities.