The story of Irish football in the twentieth century is in many respects the story of Ireland itself, a rich, compelling narrative of events, political and social, which transformed the lifestyle of people and placed the country at the centre of international focus. Starting with Ireland's first success in the British championship in 1914, it deals with the highs and lows of the country's international performances, north and south, including Northern Ireland's great achievement in reaching the quarter-finals of the 1958 World Cup and the Republic's golden period following the appointment of Jack Charlton as manager in 1986 and their current renaissance under the guidance of Giovanni Trappatoni. The book is enriched by many historical photographs and, coming at the start of a decade in which the centenary of so many significant occasions will be celebrated, offers a unique insight into the making of the new Ireland, as viewed through the prism of sport.

Author Biography

Peter Byrne has been at the forefront of Irish sports journalism for 50 years and has won several national awards for his coverage of football, athletics and boxing. He wrote extensively on all three sports for the Irish Times in a career which took him to all the major events including the Olympic Games, the football and rugby World Cup championships in addition to the world championships in athletics and boxing. His books include My Part of the Day, a personal recollection of national and international sport, A History of The Irish Athletics Dispute as well as collaborating with Jack Charlton on his autobiography and his 1990 and 1994 World Cup Diaries. An occasional broadcaster, he currently serves as President of the Association of Sports Journalists in Ireland.