Green is the colour - Peter Byrne

The first history of soccer in Ireland, north and south

The story of Irish soccer in the 20th 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 center 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 record, including Northern Ireland's achievement in reaching the quarter finals of the 1958 World Cup and their subsequent qualification for the finals of the 1982 and '84 championships in Spain and Mexico respectively. Likewise, the Republic's golden period following the appointment of Jack Charlton as manager in 1986 is chronicled, with special emphasis on the win over England which triggered some fine performances in the 1988 UEFA European Championship and the achievements of Charlton (twice) and Mick McCarthy in taking the national team to the finals of the World Cup. The book is enriched by historical photographs through the generations and offers a unique insight into the making of the new Ireland, as viewed through the prism of sport.