Ultimate XI: Republic of Ireland National Football Team Players

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.

Republic of Ireland national football team players

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.

Republic of Ireland national football team players

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.

Republic of Ireland national football team players

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.

Republic of Ireland national football team players

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.

Republic of Ireland national football team players

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?


Intersport Elverys announce Sligo Rovers as Official Retail Partner

We are delighted to announce Sligo Rovers as our new Official Sports Retail Partnership ahead of their largest ever new merchandise range.

Intersport Elverys will now be providing the Bit O’Red official merchandise, training and leisure wear items in our Sligo store, in the Johnstone Court Shopping Centre, as well as on elverys.ie, permanently.

The club as unveiled a brand-new range of JOMA Sport training and leisure wear to mark our partnership and all items will be available in-store and online from Friday, October 29 at 9.30am.

Intersports Elverys’ Jimmy Staunton said: “Intersport Elverys are delighted to partner with Sligo Rovers FC.

“It offers a fantastic opportunity that fits into our already diverse portfolio, which includes partnerships with the FAI, IRFU, Connacht Rugby, Mayo GAA, Dublin GAA and Longford Town FC to name just a few.”

Sligo Rovers Chief Executive added: “It has been very pleasing to see the popularity of club merchandise grow and the satisfaction of our supporters.

“While we’ve seen that growth, one aspect missing was a permanent retail outlet for the club in Sligo and in Intersport Elverys we have found the ideal partner. They will provide us with all the elements we seek through their excellent store in Sligo.

“I hope all our fans enjoy the new JOMA Sport range. Every season we are seeing more and more Sligo Rovers merchandise being purchased at home and all over the world. This new partnership with Intersport Elverys will help maximise that potential further.”

Intersport Elverys has a steadfast tradition in backing sport at all levels, from grass roots events and organisations to elite teams and athletes.

We are proud to add Sligo Rovers to our growing list of partners – check out our Sligo Rovers Range HERE or below.

Sligo Rovers

 


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

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.

how do i become a football coach

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.

how do i become a football coach

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?

how do i become a football coach

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.

how do i become a football coach


Intersport Elverys: Supporting Irish Athletes & Team Sports

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.

irish athletes

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

 

Irish athletes

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.

irish athletes

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.

irish athletes

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.

irish athletes

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.

irish athletes

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 athletes

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.

 


Rianna Jarrett on her FAI Summer Camps experiences

Intersport Elverys brand ambassador and Republic of Ireland international Rianna Jarrett’s very early experiences of soccer came from her time in the FAI Summer Camps.

The 27 year-old Wexford native began her career battling with the local boys and girls down at her home club, before going on to play professional soccer in England and representing her country.

We recently caught up with her at the launch of the Intersport Elverys FAI Summer Camps, where she spoke of her love for the camps, breaking the mould of a then male-orientated sport, battling injury and her love of sport.

Here it is.

FAI Summer Camp fun

“Playing in the FAI Summer Camps was always fun and for me it was a case that my friends were doing it, so I wanted to. Me, my twin brother and our younger brother were asking our Mom for a while if we could go and she eventually agreed.

I’m from Wexford Town, so the FAI Summer Camps were mainly at North End United, which was my local team and that’s where all the townies went.

FAI Summer Camps

So all the boys from the street were there, and a few girls but not too many, but it was something I really enjoyed – doing the drills, the fun games and then there were little prizes at the end of the week. It was great fun.

North End United is a family orientated club, and a lot of my family are involved in it, so that’s how I got involved. My twin brother, Jordan, started playing a week before I did and I was jealous, like all twins are when one is doing something are you are not. When I first asked my mom, she said ‘No Honey, football isn’t for girls’. But by the time the next session came around a week later, I had annoyed her so much that she brought me along

She didn’t think for a second that I would stick with it, but I did.

Playing against the boys at the FAI Summer Camps

“I never knew anything different because there were no girls team at the time and my cousin, Saoirse and I played on the boys team in our age groups, so it was all I ever knew. From the days of playing on the streets with the boys, they never took it easy on me. They were flying in with tackles like I was one of them, not holding back if I gave a bad pass, I was scoring goals and we were all having fun.

That thought me a lot about football when I was younger, especially as you got older, because the boys were bigger, stronger and faster, so you have to learn to stand up for yourself.

Everything was a competition at the FAI Summer Camps – who scored the most, who passed the best, who was fastest – I think kids are like that anyway. It’s health competition. We had our fun, our laughs and some tears too, but it was so much fun looking back now.

FAI Summer Camps

 

From the FAI Summer Camps to representing Republic of Ireland

“Going from playing on the streets in Wexford, to the FAI Summer Camps and then to playing for the Republic of Ireland was a dream come through.

I was 14 or 15 years-old when I first got the call up to the U-17s, so it was a surprise to me. Going through the U-17 and U-19 set up and then representing Ireland at senior level, scoring my first international goal is something I will forever be proud of.
My Nanny, my aunties and uncles on my Mom’s side, they’re all Irish, so it’s great to be able to represent them, but also to carry my Dad’s name on the back of my jersey is amazing. As was signing my first professional contract with Brighton and Hove Albion just over a year ago, it was a dream come true.

That’s something I dreamed about when I was younger. Boys will always tell you they want to play professional football, but it was a thing with girls when I was growing up because there wasn’t money in the game.

But now, to see so many Irish playing abroad, it’s fantastic to see.

FAI Summer Camps
Women’s International Friendly, Tallaght Stadium, Dublin 8/4/2021
Republic of Ireland WNT vs Denmark
Ireland’s Rianna Jarrett
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

 

 

Mental resilience and overcoming injury

“I tore my ACL three times and spent long periods on the side line. From around the age of 18 to 21 or 22, I probably spent most of my time there and it was very difficult watching my friends play.

I remember talking to my strength and conditioning coach Dan Horan, and he asked me what I wanted to get from this. I had a little breakdown at first and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to get back playing properly at all, that I just wanted to be able to go for a kick about with my brother and friends again.

But after a few weeks he asked me the question again and this time I said I wanted to get back playing competitively. After that I never missed a training session or a match, and once you start enjoying that again, being pushed on by your teammates, it got easier.

Standing here looking back on the injuries, they made me who I am. The advice I would give to any young boys or girls who are going through the same I did, is to listen to your coaches, work hard and don’t ley anyone tell you you can’t do something.

 

Being an Intersport Elverys ambassador

It’s absolutely brilliant for me to have an Irish brand like Intersport Elverys support me on my journey – they’re fantastic. They’ve been synonymous with Ireland for many years now, their brand is continuously growing and supporting athletes like me, so to be involved with them is something I am really appreciative of.”

Bookings for the 2021 programme will go live from June 3rd. For more information and to be in with a chance to win a place on the INTERSPORT Elverys FAI Summer Soccer Schools, please visit www.summersoccerschools.ie and www.elverys.ie.

FAI Summer Camps