‘Let’s put an end to this madness’: Kerry councillor calls for All-Ireland soccer team

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

A Kerry councillor has called for an all-Ireland soccer team to be established following the world cup for which the entire island were spectators.

Sinn Féin councillor Robert Brosnan said the establishment of team wasn’t about religion or politics, but about having unity and an inclusive Irish team.

He pointed out that it’s been 24 years since Ireland qualified for a soccer world cup and 40 years since Northern Ireland was present at the tournament.

Cllr Brosnan said the length of time outside footballs biggest tournament was ‘disappointing’ and that both countries were missing out on the pride of their country play on the world’s stage.

“Wouldn’t it be great to have a team that all of Ireland could cheer on at the next World Cup,” said the councillor.

“It’s time now that the people in this chamber push for engagement with the relevant bodies...and establish an all-Irish soccer team to represent all our people from all traditions to compete at the highest levels.”

The Irish Football Association was founded in Belfast in 1880, governing soccer for the whole island before southern clubs broke away to form the Football Association of Ireland in 1921.

Sports that have All-Ireland teams and associations include Rugby Union, Gaelic football, hurling/camogie and golf, as well as hockey, basketball and cricket.

“The dealings of exclusion in sport because of religion and politics have brought nothing but disappointment for our people,” said Cllr Brosnan.

“Let’s put an end to this madness. Let’s have unity. Let’s have an inclusive Irish soccer team.”