How Important Is Football to the People of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland?

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Here’s Kurtis with his article on  how important is football to the people of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland?

 

How Important Is Football to the People of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland?




Football is far and away the most popular sport in the world, so it may come as a surprise that it
is rated as the third most popular in Ireland. However, those familiar with the Emerald Isle will
know that sport is part of Irish DNA, and there is no shortage of passion amongst players and
supporters. So, while football may come in behind indigenous games like Gaelic Football and
Hurling in terms of spectator sports, it still holds a place in the heart of every Irishman and
woman. The English and Scottish football leagues are also very popular with Irelanders, with
many fans flocking to games, and traditional links with Rangers and Celtic. Many legends of the
game have emerged from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and both national
teams have acquitted themselves well at FIFA World Cup Finals over the years, holding their
own against – or sometimes bettering – elite opposition. Let’s have a look at the importance of
football in Ireland.




History of football in Ireland

Association football has been widely played in Ireland since the 1860s. In 1860 the Irish Football
Association (IFA) was formed as the governing body for the entire country, although most clubs
involved in the competition were in the Belfast area. This state of affairs continued until the
Irish War of Independence, fought between 1919 and 1922 – and during this time the Football
Association of Ireland (FAI) was formed as the governing body for what was then known as the
Irish Free State (later the Republic of Ireland). Teams from the south compete in the League of
Ireland, while Northern Irish teams play in the Irish League. Notable teams in the leagues
include Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians (Republic of Ireland) and Linfield and Glentoran
(Northern Ireland). Ireland and Northern Ireland  has contributed its share of legends to the game over the years,
most notably George Best, an icon of Manchester United, and of the wider popular culture of
the 1960s.

Irish international teams

Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have each been to the FIFA World Cup Finals on
three occasions, with the Republic enjoying more recent success. Northern Ireland’s best result
was as quarter-finalists at the 1958 event, having beaten Czechoslovakia in the group stage
playoff. In subsequent appearances in 1982 and 1986, they were eliminated in the first round.
The Republic of Ireland competed in 1990, 1994, and 2002, knocked out in the second round of
the latter two tournaments – although 1994 saw a memorable group stage victory over
eventual runners up Italy. 1990 was their most successful showing – defeating Romania on
penalties to reach the quarter-finals where hosts Italy defeated them. Both Irish nations in
international tournaments are always admired for the spirit of both players and supporters.

The popularity of football in Ireland

Football is ranked number three in terms of overall popularity, behind Gaelic Football and
Hurling. However, it is number two when it comes to sports betting, a popular pursuit on the
Emerald Isle. For residents or visitors, useful resources for betting online in
Ireland can be found. Despite the popularity of indigenous games, football is the most
played sport, with matches at grassroots level extremely popular, and an active and
competitive school scene. Though ranked third overall, one only has to look to major UEFA and
FIFA tournaments to see how passionate Irish supporters are – the national teams are a source
of immense pride, and for a nation of only 5 million people, the quality of the play is very high.
Ireland has beaten many high profile opponents at the elite level, to the delight of their
devoted fans.



English and Scottish football

The EPL (and the EFL in general) are extremely popular worldwide, and this is no different in
Ireland. Many Irish fans attend live matches and many more tune in on television. The amount
of money and prestige involved, particularly in the EPL, means that the quality of players and
matches is at a higher level than both Irish leagues, and betting on these games is also popular
among the Irish. There are also several notable Irish players who have graced the top divisions
of English football, from such legends as George Best and Pat Jennings to more modern stars
such as Roy Keane, Damien Duff, Robbie Keane and Shay Given. Scottish football has historical
links with Ireland – the original rules and regulations adopted by the IFA in the 19th century
came directly from the Scottish FA. Bitter rivals Celtic and Rangers attract partisan fans from
across the Irish Sea, and the club Hibernian’s name is derived from the ancient name for
Ireland.

While football might not be the most popular sport in Ireland, being in third place in such a
sports-mad region is not to be sniffed at. The beautiful game is a great source of pride and joy
for almost all Irelanders.

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