The 12-year absence of the Republic of Ireland national football team from major tournaments

A brief history of the Republic of Ireland national football team

The Republic of Ireland national football team represents the Republic of Ireland in international football and is governed by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and competes in the UEFA Nations League, as well as in friendlies.

The team participated in its first match in 1921 against Northern Ireland and since then, they have participated in three UEFA European Championships in 1988, 2012, and 2016, and one FIFA World Cup in 2002. The Republic of Ireland has never won a major international trophy, but they have finished third in the 1988 European Championship and reached the last 16 of the 1990 FIFA World Cup.

Head coach controversy

Stephen Kenny, the coach who sparked the controversy

Stephen Kenny is a former Irish footballer who played as a midfielder. He was appointed manager of the Republic of Ireland national team in 2020. Since taking over, he has faced criticism from some fans and pundits for his team's performances.

Kenny's critics argue that his team plays a negative style of football and that he has not selected the best players available. They also point to the team's poor results, including a 1-0 defeat to Luxembourg in 2021.

Kenny's supporters argue that he is building a team for the future and that he needs time to implement his ideas. They also point to the team's progress under his leadership, including a 3-0 win over England in 2020.

Gaelic football, a different kettle of fish

Gaelic football is an Irish team sport played between two teams of 15 players on a rectangular grass pitch. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) governs the sport, which is played in Ireland, and it is similar to Australian rules football.

The objective of the game is to score by kicking or punching the ball between the opponents' goalposts. The team with the highest score at the end of the match wins.

Gaelic football is a popular sport in Ireland, and it is often played at a high level. The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship is the most prestigious Gaelic football competition in Ireland, and it is contested by the top teams from each of the 32 counties in Ireland.

The Republic of Ireland national football team and the future

England national football team - the upcoming rivals

The England national football team represents England in international football and is governed by The Football Association (FA). It competes in the UEFA Nations League, as well as in friendlies.

The team participated in its first match in 1872 against Scotland and since then, they have participated in 15 FIFA World Cups, reaching the semi-finals on two occasions, in 1966 and 1990, and the quarter-finals on three occasions, in 1954, 1962, and 2018.

England has also participated in 10 UEFA European Championships, reaching the semi-finals on two occasions, in 1968 and 1996, and the quarter-finals on three occasions, in 1980, 2004, and 2012.

James McClean, the controversial player

James McClean is an Irish footballer who plays as a winger for Wigan Athletic and the Republic of Ireland national team.

McClean has been a controversial figure throughout his career. He has been criticized for his political views, which include support for Irish republicanism. He has also been criticized for his on-field behavior, which has included confrontations with opponents and referees.

Despite the controversy, McClean remains a popular figure among Republic of Ireland fans. He is seen as a symbol of the team's fighting spirit and determination.

Statistics, the cold, hard facts

• The Republic of Ireland has participated in three UEFA European Championships and one FIFA World Cup.
• The Republic of Ireland has never won a major international trophy.
• Stephen Kenny is the current manager of the Republic of Ireland national football team.
• Gaelic football is a popular sport in Ireland, and it is often played at a high level.
• England and Republic of Ireland is a rivalry with a long and storied history.
• James McClean is a controversial figure in Irish football.