A Mixed Bag of Results in the Nations League

During the recent international fixtures, the Boys in Green managed to secure just a single victory—a win against Israel. However, mixed results across the rest of the campaign ultimately impacted their standing.

Ireland picked up draws against both Israel and Austria, but suffered a disappointing away defeat to Kosovo, a side that capitalized on the fixture to climb two places up to 76th in the world rankings.

Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad will certainly look back at missed opportunities to close out matches strongly. In Dublin, Ireland initially stunned Austria with a 2-0 lead, highlighted by a stunning wonder goal from Troy Parrott, only to concede a second-half comeback and settle for a single point. A remarkably similar narrative played out in their home fixture against Israel, where an early lead dissolved into a draw.

How Other Nations Fared

Ireland’s opponents and neighboring nations also saw movement in the global table:

• Austria: Moved up one place to 22nd overall after securing a victory over Israel and taking four points from their fixtures against Kosovo.
• Northern Ireland: Enjoyed a massive surge, climbing six places to 64th following an impressive eight-point haul from four games that places them at the top of Group B2.
• Scotland: Slipped one place to 43rd.
• Wales: Dropped one spot to 39th.
• England: Maintained their position holding steady at 4th in the world.

Looking Ahead

The Republic of Ireland will look to stabilize their campaign and recapture momentum when they conclude their UEFA Nations League B3 fixtures next month. The team faces a crucial away trip to group leaders Austria before returning home to face Kosovo.

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Coming into the match, Jim Crawford’s squad faced a high-stakes scenario: they needed to match or better Slovakia’s result away against Andorra to advance. While Slovakia ultimately claimed a late 2-1 win, the Boys in Green preferred to take matters into their own hands, snapping a historical winless streak against their age-grade rivals with a fearless, high-energy performance.

Lonergan and McManus Lead the Charge

Lee Carsley’s Young Lions arrived on Leeside having already wrapped up automatic qualification following a scoreless draw against Slovakia last week. Despite their formidable, star-studded lineup—and an early opener from Tyler Dibling—England’s previously unbeaten Group D record quickly unraveled.

Ireland responded with immense resilience. Waterford striker Tommy Lonergan and Conor McManus both found the back of the net to overturn the early deficit and put the hosts ahead. Lonergan, currently enjoying stellar form as the League of Ireland Premier Division top scorer, sealed the historic result shortly after the hour mark. Ramping up the crowd’s ecstasy, he rifled home his fourth goal in just three games to extend Ireland’s lead to 3-1.

Looking Ahead to the Play-Offs

With the impressive scalp secured, the Republic of Ireland U21s now turn their attention to Friday’s upcoming play-off draw. The Boys in Green will join a competitive pot featuring:

• Greece
• Finland
• Denmark
• Turkey
• Netherlands
• Czechia
• Iceland

A tense two-legged clash now stands between Jim Crawford’s side and a place at next year’s prestigious tournament finals in Albania and Serbia. Based on their performance under the Friday-night-style lights in Cork, this Irish side is more than ready for the challenge.

Match Lineups

Republic of Ireland: Noah Jauny; Oisin Gallagher, Sean Grehan (c), Alex Murphy; Cathal McCarthy, Rory Finneran, Jacob Deveney, Conor McManus (Darius Lipsiuc 64); Jamie Mullins (Michael Noonan 82), Trent Kone-Doherty (Romeo Akachukwu 72); Tommy Lonergan (Grady McDonnell 82)

England: Tommy Setford; Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Stephen Mfuni, Max Alleyne, Amario Cozier-Duberry (Tyrique George 61); Joshua King, Sydie Peck (William Lankshear 68), Archie Grey (c), Tyler Dibling (Harrisson Armstrong 61), Divin Mubama, Ethan Mwaneri (Divine Mukasa 46)

Referee: Allesandro Dudic (Switzerland)

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The Allegations Surrounding Lionel Mpasi

According to investigative reports by The New York Times and Le Monde, legal counsel for FIFA became aware as early as March that DR Congo’s Lionel Mpasi was allegedly ineligible to play. Internal legal advisors reportedly recommended several potential sanctions, including:

• Disqualifying DR Congo from their crucial intercontinental play-off match against Jamaica that same month.
• Issuing a formal ban against Mpasi.

Despite these internal warnings, no action was ultimately taken by FIFA. Mpasi went on to represent DR Congo at the tournament finals in North America, featuring prominently in their matches—including a high-profile fixture against England in the last 32.

In response to the unfolding reports, CONCACAF (the confederation representing Jamaica) issued a statement emphasizing the importance of fair play and regulatory consistency:

“CONCACAF takes player eligibility matters very seriously and expects the applicable regulations and procedures to be applied consistently and fairly in all competitions. Any concerns regarding player eligibility, particularly those that may affect the integrity of a competition or the interests of one of our member associations, should be thoroughly reviewed and addressed through FIFA’s appropriate governance and disciplinary bodies…”

Mounting Pressure on Gianni Infantino

This fresh eligibility controversy compounds an already difficult period for Gianni Infantino, who is dealing with several overlapping crises:

• The Folarin Balogun Case: United States striker Folarin Balogun had a one-match red card suspension suspended by FIFA’s disciplinary committee, enabling him to play in the last-16 clash against Belgium. Political scrutiny followed when U.S. President Donald Trump publicly admitted to personally calling Infantino to review the decision, sparking major concerns over political interference. While FIFA maintains that its disciplinary committee operates independently and denies Infantino intervened, the optics have raised red flags.
• Governance and Investment Plans: Infantino has faced intense pushback over his handling of a proposed private investment plan for a commercial vehicle intended to run major FIFA tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
• Formal Ethics Complaints: The Norwegian football federation has formally lodged complaints with FIFA’s ethics committee and its governance, audit, and compliance committee. These complaints cover the Balogun suspension handling, the private investment framework, and the controversial awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize last year to President Trump.

As international football federations and regional bodies demand transparency, FIFA faces growing calls for an independent review to restore trust in its regulatory integrity and governance structures.

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Match Details and Kick-Off Time

• Fixture: Republic of Ireland U21 vs. England U21
• Date: Tuesday, October 6th
• Venue: Turner’s Cross, Cork
• Kick-Off Time: 6:00 PM

Where to Watch Ireland U21s vs England

Traditional terrestrial television broadcasters will not carry live coverage of this crucial fixture. Instead, the match will be streamed exclusively live on LOI TV.

Fans looking to catch the action can purchase a match pass stream directly through the LOI TV official website for €9.99.

What is at Stake for Ireland?

A place in the play-offs for next summer’s European Championships is firmly on the line. Securing all three points against England will guarantee Jim Crawford’s side second place in the group and a berth in the play-offs.

Depending on results elsewhere—specifically Slovakia’s away fixture against Andorra—Ireland could still finish second with a draw or even a defeat. However, with Slovakia heavily favored to overcome Andorra, a positive result against group-toppers England remains the safest route to prolonging the qualification campaign.

Historically, the Ireland U21s have never qualified for the European Championships at this age group, with their closest brush coming via a heartbreaking play-off penalty shootout defeat to Israel in 2022.

Team News and Squad Previews

Confidence is running high in the Irish camp following an impressive international window last month, which featured a crucial 2-0 away win against Slovakia followed by a dramatic 4-3 thriller over Kazakhstan. Manager Jim Crawford is expected to deploy a largely settled starting XI, with rising talents like Trent Kone-Doherty, Jacob Devaney, and Rory Finneran anticipated to play influential roles.

On the opposing side, Lee Carsley’s England squad has already secured top spot in the group and guaranteed qualification for next summer’s finals. Despite already qualifying, the Young Lions boast a star-studded roster featuring captain Archie Gray (Tottenham Hotspur), Ethan Nwaneri (on loan at Borussia Dortmund from Arsenal), Tyler Dibling (Everton), Rico Lewis (Manchester City), and Josh King (Fulham).

Make sure to tune into LOI TV this Tuesday at 6 PM to back the Ireland U21s in what promises to be an electric night of football at Turner’s Cross!

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The high-profile return of the Republic of Ireland international to his hometown club in January—following 15 successful years in English football—initially sparked immense excitement among the Candystripes faithful. However, that goodwill quickly evaporated amid a cascade of off-field friction, public criticisms, and an ongoing contract standoff.

Key Revelations from the PFAI Statement

According to the official PFAI release, McClean’s return has been marred by procedural missteps and fitness disputes behind the scenes. Notable claims from the statement include:

• No Pre-Signing Medical: The statement alleges that McClean was originally signed by Derry City without undergoing a medical examination.
• Fitness and Training: While dealing with intermittent hip issues, the 37-year-old insists he is “fit and well,” having completed nine weeks of full training and featuring in an internal match.
• Contract Dispute: Legal backing from PFAI solicitor Stuart Gilhooly SC suggests the root of his omission lies in an August dispute where the club allegedly attempted to invoke Section 18 of the Standard Players Contract—claiming permanent incapacity—without adhering to required independent medical assessments.

McClean’s Apology to Derry City Fans

Alongside the legal and contractual disputes, McClean issued a direct, heartfelt message to the club’s supporters. While acknowledging past missteps, the veteran winger firmly defended his commitment and capabilities:

“I accept that some of my actions over the past few months were misjudged, and my frustrations should have remained in-house. I take responsibility for that – and I apologise. Derry City is my club, and I respect everyone who cares about it as much as I do.

I was asked to help drive standards, to speak up, and to use my experience to further professionalise my hometown club… But I cannot understand or accept that I have been treated this way over the past few months.

I will decide when I retire. Nobody else will make that decision for me. When that time comes, my body will tell me. This is my life and my career… I am ready to play when called upon.”

What Lies Ahead?

Following the departure of manager Tiernan Lynch—whom McClean had publicly criticized during a World Cup punditry stint—the path back to the first team remains fraught with complexity under successor Mark Connolly. With legal backing and a public plea now on the table, the coming weeks will determine whether McClean can mend fences and feature on the pitch for Derry City once more.

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Troy Parrott scored his first Real Betis goal as the Republic of Ireland striker delivered an 81st-minute winner in a dramatic 1-0 victory over Real Madrid.

Troy Parrott made an immediate mark on Spanish football by scoring the winning goal as Real Betis defeated Real Madrid 1-0 at La Cartuja on Friday evening.

The Republic of Ireland striker came off the bench in the 69th minute and broke the deadlock with nine minutes of normal time remaining, opening his Betis account following his summer transfer from AZ Alkmaar.

Parrott reacted quickest after Thibaut Courtois parried a headed effort from a Betis corner. The Dubliner reached the loose ball inside the six-yard area and forced it past the Real Madrid goalkeeper to spark jubilant celebrations in Seville.

Parrott strikes 12 minutes after introduction

Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini introduced Parrott in place of Cucho Hernández after 69 minutes, with the home side attempting to turn an increasingly competitive performance into a winning one.

The decision paid off just 12 minutes later. Parrott showed the instincts of a penalty-box striker by anticipating where Courtois’ save would fall and getting to the rebound before the Real Madrid defenders could clear.

It was a hugely significant moment for the 24-year-old following his reported €20 million move from AZ. Parrott arrived in Spain after an excellent spell in the Netherlands and has now announced himself to the Betis support by scoring against one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

VAR denies Real Madrid an equaliser

Real Madrid appeared to have equalised six minutes after Parrott’s goal when Carlos Espí found the net with an acrobatic finish.

The celebrations were cut short following a VAR review, with the goal disallowed for offside. Parrott’s strike therefore remained the difference between the teams as the match entered stoppage time.

There was still another major twist. Real Madrid were awarded a late penalty after Vinícius Júnior was fouled by Natan, presenting Kylian Mbappé with an opportunity to rescue a point.

Betis goalkeeper Álvaro Vallés produced the decisive save, denying Mbappé and preserving the home side’s advantage until the final whistle.

Landmark night for Ireland striker

The result inflicted Real Madrid’s first defeat of the La Liga season following three consecutive victories. For Betis, it was a memorable victory achieved through Parrott’s opportunism and Vallés’ stoppage-time intervention.

Parrott’s goal will also be welcomed by Republic of Ireland supporters. His development during his time in the Netherlands helped him become an increasingly important member of the international attack, and a successful move to La Liga would represent another substantial step forward.

Scoring against Real Madrid is an ideal way to make an early impression. Parrott was only on the pitch for 12 minutes before delivering the decisive touch and ensuring his first Betis goal would also be remembered as a famous match-winner.

Troy Parrott made an immediate mark on Spanish football by scoring the winning goal as Real Betis defeated Real Madrid 1-0 at La Cartuja on Friday evening.

The Republic of Ireland striker came off the bench in the 69th minute and broke the deadlock with nine minutes of normal time remaining, opening his Betis account following his summer transfer from AZ Alkmaar.

Parrott reacted quickest after Thibaut Courtois parried a headed effort from a Betis corner. The Dubliner reached the loose ball inside the six-yard area and forced it past the Real Madrid goalkeeper to spark jubilant celebrations in Seville.

Parrott strikes 12 minutes after introduction

Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini introduced Parrott in place of Cucho Hernández after 69 minutes, with the home side attempting to turn an increasingly competitive performance into a winning one.

The decision paid off just 12 minutes later. Parrott showed the instincts of a penalty-box striker by anticipating where Courtois’ save would fall and getting to the rebound before the Real Madrid defenders could clear.

It was a hugely significant moment for the 24-year-old following his reported €20 million move from AZ. Parrott arrived in Spain after an excellent spell in the Netherlands and has now announced himself to the Betis support by scoring against one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

VAR denies Real Madrid an equaliser

Real Madrid appeared to have equalised six minutes after Parrott’s goal when Carlos Espí found the net with an acrobatic finish.

The celebrations were cut short following a VAR review, with the goal disallowed for offside. Parrott’s strike therefore remained the difference between the teams as the match entered stoppage time.

There was still another major twist. Real Madrid were awarded a late penalty after Vinícius Júnior was fouled by Natan, presenting Kylian Mbappé with an opportunity to rescue a point.

Betis goalkeeper Álvaro Vallés produced the decisive save, denying Mbappé and preserving the home side’s advantage until the final whistle.

Landmark night for Ireland striker

The result inflicted Real Madrid’s first defeat of the La Liga season following three consecutive victories. For Betis, it was a memorable victory achieved through Parrott’s opportunism and Vallés’ stoppage-time intervention.

Parrott’s goal will also be welcomed by Republic of Ireland supporters. His development during his time in the Netherlands helped him become an increasingly important member of the international attack, and a successful move to La Liga would represent another substantial step forward.

Scoring against Real Madrid is an ideal way to make an early impression. Parrott was only on the pitch for 12 minutes before delivering the decisive touch and ensuring his first Betis goal would also be remembered as a famous match-winner.

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Brighton prioritising complete recovery

A major player for club and country

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From international football fixtures and the return of club rugby to major horse racing events and Formula 1 action, the month features several competitions worth following. This practical guide highlights the key fixtures, dates, and events to track throughout September 2026.

Football Highlights

September is an important month for international football and European club competitions. The Republic of Ireland begins its UEFA Nations League campaign late in the month, while the Champions League and Europa League return earlier in September. Irish fans can therefore follow both national-team fixtures and major club competitions throughout the month.

International Football

The Republic of Ireland returns to competitive action in the UEFA Nations League league phase with two away fixtures. Ireland faces Kosovo vs. Republic of Ireland on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri in Pristina, before playing Israel vs. Republic of Ireland on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary. These opening matches will begin to shape the group standings and provide an early test for Ireland during the autumn international schedule.

Club Football

The English Premier League continues its 2026–27 season throughout September following the summer transfer window. Irish players competing in England will also continue their domestic campaigns.

European competitions return during the month as well. The Champions League league phase Matchday 1 takes place from 8–10 September 2026, while the Europa League league phase Matchday 1 is scheduled for 16–17 September 2026.

Rugby Fixtures to Watch

Rugby union returns to the spotlight in late September with the start of the 2026–27 United Rugby Championship (URC) season. The competition officially begins on Friday, September 25, 2026, bringing Leinster, Munster, Ulster, and Connacht back into league action.

The opening weekend runs across September 25–26, with the Irish provinces beginning their campaigns and early interprovincial fixtures adding important points before European competitions start later in the autumn. These first rounds also offer an early indication of how each province is shaping up for the new season.

Sports schedules are not the only thing fans may check online between fixtures. Some also follow online casino promotions during their downtime. Those interested in no-deposit offers can view information about 40 free spins, including how no-deposit free spins work and the conditions that may apply. For some fans, this can be a simple way to relax between fixtures before turning their attention to the next major sporting event.

Horse Racing Events

September hosts some of the leading Flat racing fixtures in Ireland, with the country taking centre stage during the middle of the month.

Irish Champions Festival

The Irish Champions Festival is one of the biggest events in the Irish autumn Flat racing calendar, taking place across two days at two major racecourses. The festival begins on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Leopardstown Racecourse, where the programme includes the Group 1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes.

Racing continues on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at The Curragh, with the Group 1 Comer Group (International) Irish St. Leger among the headline races. Across the two days, the festival brings together leading thoroughbreds, jockeys, and trainers, with the dates and main races confirmed by the Irish Champions Festival.

Listowel Harvest Festival

Later in the month, the historic Listowel Harvest Festival in County Kerry runs from September 20 to September 26, 2026, featuring Flat and National Hunt racing alongside its long-running festival programme.

Other Major Sporting Events

Beyond football, rugby, and racing, September 2026 also features major international motorsport events and Gaelic Games competitions.

Formula 1 & Gaelic Games

For motorsport fans, September brings three Formula 1 races. Irish supporters can follow the action from home or attend events abroad during a busy part of the season.

Formula 1 Grand Prix Racing: September features the Italian Grand Prix at Monza from 4–6 September, the Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid from 11–13 September, and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at Baku from 24–26 September. These dates match the current official Formula 1 calendar.

Gaelic Games (Club Championships): The GAA club championship season also continues across different counties during September, with teams competing through their respective county and provincial competitions before the later All-Ireland stages.

With the inter-county season completed, attention shifts back to club competition as local teams compete for county and provincial honours and places in the later stages of the All-Ireland club championships.

Practical September 2026 Sports Calendar

To help you quickly scan the month ahead, here is a chronological snapshot of the top sporting fixtures for Irish supporters:

The current official F1 calendar confirms the September dates for Monza, Madrid and Baku.

How to Keep Track of the September Sports Calendar

Keeping up with broadcast schedules, fixture changes, and team announcements is simple with official digital channels:

• Official Governing Bodies: Follow updates directly from the FAI, Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), and Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) websites.
• Broadcast Schedules: Check local television listings on RTÉ Sport, Virgin Media Sport, Premier Sports, and Sky Sports for live coverage and kickoff details.
• Live Score Apps: Use sports tracking apps to receive notifications, last-minute venue updates, and team news.

Official sources are usually the best place to confirm any late changes to match times, broadcast details, or competition schedules. September 2026 offers Irish fans a busy mix of international football, club rugby, horse racing, motorsport, and Gaelic Games. From Ireland’s UEFA Nations League fixtures and the return of the URC season to the Irish Champions Festival and Formula 1 races across Europe, the month provides plenty of major sporting dates to follow. Checking official schedules before each event is recommended, as kickoff times, race schedules, and broadcasting details can change closer to the date.

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Anyone checking the Spain Argentina odds will find a final between the reigning European champions and the reigning world champions, and that context alone points to a tightly contested match, with the possibility of the game being settled by penalties, something Argentina know only too well.

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will lead their countries into Sunday’s final aware that history could repeat itself under the lights in New Jersey.

How a shootout works

The format itself is brutally simple. Level after 90 minutes, teams play 30 minutes of extra time. Still level, it comes down to five penalties each, then sudden death if the sides can’t be separated. There’s no away goals rule to fall back on and no substitution that changes the outcome, just a long walk from the halfway line and one moment that follows a player around for the rest of their career.

Goalkeepers spend days before a big match studying where opposing takers tend to put the ball, but even the best preparation still comes down to a guess made in half a second.

1994: Brazil vs Italy

Brazil and Italy played out a goalless draw in the searing heat of the Rose Bowl in 1994, still the only World Cup final never to produce a goal.

It went to penalties, and Roberto Baggio, Italy’s best player all tournament, stepped up last knowing a miss would hand Brazil the trophy. He put his effort over the bar, and Brazil won 3-2 on penalties, and that image of Baggio standing motionless, head down, has outlasted almost everything else from that tournament.

2006: France vs Italy

Twelve years later in Berlin, Zinedine Zidane opened the scoring for France with a cheeky chipped penalty, only for Marco Materazzi to equalise for Italy before half-time. The match finished 1-1 after extra time, remembered as much for Zidane’s headbutt on Materazzi and the red card that ended his career as for the football itself.

David Trezeguet then missed France’s fourth penalty off the crossbar. Fabio Grosso, who’d also scored the winner in the semi-final against Germany, stepped up to take the decisive kick and sent Italy to a fourth World Cup, won 5-3 on penalties.

2022: France vs Argentina

The most recent shootout final needed no such reminder of its stakes. Argentina and France drew 3-3 after extra time in Qatar in 2022, in what many still call the best final ever played. Lionel Messi put Argentina 2-0 up with a penalty and a second goal before Kylian Mbappe dragged France level with two goals in the same minute. Messi restored the lead in extra time, only for Mbappe to complete his hat-trick from the spot and force penalties.

In the shootout, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, never shy of a bit of gamesmanship on the goal line, saved Kingsley Coman’s penaltyand watched Aurelien Tchouameni fire over the bar. That left Gonzalo Montiel to send Argentina into delirium and complete Messi’s collection of major honours. Few would have wanted to bet  that outcome once Martinez had made his first save, and Sunday’s final looks capable of throwing up similarly fine margins.

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Harry Kane may be England’s record goalscorer and one of the greatest strikers of his generation, but few football fans realise the Three Lions captain has deep roots in the west of Ireland.

While Kane has always represented England, his family story begins in the heart of Connemara, where his grandfather was born and raised before emigrating to England.

Harry Kane’s Connemara Connection

Harry Kane’s Irish heritage comes through his paternal grandfather, Michael John Kane, who was born and reared in the townland of Dawros, Letterfrack, Co. Galway.

Like many Irish people of his generation, Michael John emigrated to England as a young man in search of work, where the next generation of the Kane family, including Harry’s father Pat, would be born and raised.

Despite settling in England, the Kane family never lost touch with their Connemara roots and have continued to return to Letterfrack over the years to visit family and friends.

Harry Returned to Connemara for His Grandfather’s Funeral

In May 2013, Michael John Kane passed away and was brought home to be buried in Baunogues Cemetery in Letterfrack.

Harry Kane, who was still establishing himself as a professional footballer at Tottenham Hotspur, travelled to Connemara to attend his grandfather’s funeral, highlighting the importance of his family’s Irish connections.

Just a few years later, Kane would become one of the biggest names in world football, captain England and win the Golden Boot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The Family Still Has Strong Ties to Letterfrack

The Kane family’s links with Connemara remain strong.

Harry’s cousin, Liz Kane, one half of the acclaimed traditional Irish music duo The Kane Sisters, spoke proudly about their famous relative during the 2018 World Cup.

“We’re super proud of him and his achievements.”

“Someone said to me the other day that it gives us a reason now to support England because he is a Connemara man – it’s hilarious.”

Liz also revealed that Harry’s father Pat, along with his brothers Michael and John, are well known around Letterfrack whenever they return home.

The Man Who Helped Shape Harry Kane

Football was always a huge part of family life, and Harry’s father Pat played a major role in his son’s development.

From taking him to training sessions and matches to supporting him through setbacks, Pat was a constant influence throughout Harry’s childhood.

When Harry was released by Arsenal as a youngster, many players would have seen their dream come to an end.

Instead, his family encouraged him to keep believing in himself, continue working hard and never give up.

That resilience became one of the defining characteristics of Harry Kane’s career.

Could Harry Kane Have Played for Ireland?

Because of his Irish family heritage, Harry Kane was eligible to represent the Republic of Ireland before committing his international future to England.

Instead, he chose England, where he would go on to become captain, break the national scoring record and establish himself among the greatest strikers in football history.

For Irish football supporters, it remains one of the sport’s great “what ifs”.

A Little Bit of Banter…

Of course, we’re only joking… but Britain has never been shy about claiming Irish actors, musicians and sporting heroes when it suits.

So maybe it’s finally Ireland’s turn.

After all, if Harry Kane’s roots stretch all the way back to Dawros in Letterfrack, perhaps Irish fans are entitled to cheekily claim one of the world’s greatest goalscorers as having a little bit of green in him too!

The Question That Will Always Be Asked

What if Harry Kane had chosen Ireland instead of England?

It’s a question that will never be answered—but one thing is certain: one of world football’s greatest strikers has a story that begins in the hills of Connemara.

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