The story of Irish football in the twentieth 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 centre 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 performances, north and south, including Northern Ireland's great achievement in reaching the quarter-finals of the 1958 World Cup and the Republic's golden period following the appointment of Jack Charlton as manager in 1986 and their current renaissance under the guidance of Giovanni Trappatoni. The book is enriched by many historical photographs and, coming at the start of a decade in which the centenary of so many significant occasions will be celebrated, offers a unique insight into the making of the new Ireland, as viewed through the prism of sport.