Senior Men

Republic of Ireland Senior International

The Republic of Ireland were drawn in Group B of the qualifying campaign for the 2012 European Championships alongside Russia, Slovakia, FYR Macedonia, Armenia and Andorra. Ireland lost only once, to Russia, in the course of their ten match campaign and finished second on 21 points after ten matches, two behind Russia. Ireland qualified for the EURO finals in Poland/Ukraine June 2012 by beating Estonia 5-1 over a two-legged play-off. Despite the great achievement of qualification, Ireland lost to Croatia, Spain,the reigning World and Euro champions and Italy. The squad is now setting out on the road to the World Cup 2014, drawn in a group with Germany, Sweden, Austria, Kazakhstan and the Faroe Islands.

Latest Senior Men News

LA Galaxy release Keane for Wembley date

Created on Wednesday, 22 May 2013 16:16

Proving that 24 hours is a long time in football, the Football Association of Ireland this evening announced that Robbie Keane has had further discussions with his club regarding the international matches in May and June which fall outside the FIFA international window. Following those additional discussions, Robbie and LA Galaxy have now agreed that he can be released for the friendly fixtures against England in Wembley and Georgia in Dublin. Speaking today, Ireland Captain Keane said: "I would like to thank LA Galaxy for reconsidering their decision after further conversations between us which really means a lot to me. We have reached an agreement that will enable me to make it to the games and I look forward to playing my part".

Robbie Keane to miss England and Georgia matches

Created on Tuesday, 21 May 2013 19:42

Robbie Keane will be unable to join up with the Republic of Ireland senior squad for the matches against England at Wembley on May 29 and Georgia at Aviva Stadium on June 2 because of club commitments with LA Galaxy. Both matches fall outside the FIFA international window and although the player very much wanted to travel for the fixtures, he will be unable to do so because of club matches in the US. Robbie will now join up with the squad ahead of the World Cup qualification match in Dublin against the Faroe Islands and the friendly against Spain in New York.

Polish Olympic Committee awards Irish fans

Created on Friday, 26 April 2013 15:24

The Football Association of Ireland today welcomed the announcement that the Polish Olympic Committee has written to Irish fans to bestow a fair play award. The nomination, which has been in existence since 1963 is generally given to "athletes who are undisputed champions in their sports and models of honesty and fair play", according to the Polish Olympic Committee. In deciding to present the award to Irish fans, the Polish Olympic Committee stated, "During the EURO 2012 tournament held in Poland the Irish fans demonstrated excellent support, joyful spontaneity and real devotion to their team. This fantastic behaviour presented not only at the stadiums, captivated our Polish hearts and still remains as a model to follow."

FAI pays tribute to Tony Grealish RIP

Created on Tuesday, 23 April 2013 11:35

THE Football Association of Ireland today was saddened to learn of the passing of former international captain Tony Grealish.

Ireland to play Spain on June 11 in New York

Created on Monday, 08 April 2013 13:16

The Football Association of Ireland today (April 8) confirmed that it will play World and European champions, Spain in the Yankee Stadium, New York on June 11 at 8pm, Eastern Time. The match will be the last of four consecutive fixtures in May / June for the men's senior team, starting with England v Republic of Ireland in Wembley on May 29, the 3 international friendly against Georgia in Aviva Stadium on June 2 and the home World Cup qualification match against the Faroe Islands on June 7. Speaking today, Republic of Ireland manager, Giovanni Trapattoni said, "I am looking forward to playing this match in New York. Our team is in evolving and showing a lot of promise. The recent games demonstrated that our players have serious potential. Matches against opposition like England, Georgia and Spain are very helpful to that development and great preparation for our important competitive fixtures in June, September and October." The match will be the second of two football fixtures this summer in Yankee Stadium following Chelsea v Manchester City on May 25. A first sales phase ticket bundle for both matches will be available from April 10 at 10am (Eastern Time) through www.yankees.com/soccer after which tickets are expected to go on single match sale. Supporters travelling from Ireland will be able to apply for tickets for the match against Spain from April 15 at 9am through www.fai.ie/away The Football Association of Ireland also confirmed today that it has received confirmation from the Austrian FA that the World Cup qualification match on September 10 will take place in Vienna.