Dual Irish international footballers

Dual Irish international footballers are a group of Irish international footballers

Football (soccer)

Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...

who, between 1908 and March 1950, played for the international teams selected by both the (Northern) Irish Football Association and the Football Association of (the Republic of) Ireland

Football Association of Ireland

The Football Association of Ireland is the governing body for the sport of association football in the Republic of Ireland. It should not to be confused with the Irish Football Association , which is the organising body for the sport in Northern Ireland.For the full history, statistics and records...

. During this era at least 39 players represented both teams at a senior level.

Irish FA v FA of Ireland

Between 1884 and 1924, Ireland

Ireland

Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...

was represented at football by a single national team

Ireland national football team (IFA)

The Ireland national football team represented Ireland at association football, it was organised by the Irish FA , and is the fourth oldest international team in the world. It mainly played in the British Home Championship against England, Scotland and Wales...

, selected by the Belfast

Belfast

Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...

-based Irish Football Association

Irish Football Association

The Irish Football Association is the organising body for association football in Northern Ireland, and was historically the governing body for Ireland...

. However in 1920, Ireland was partitioned

Partition of Ireland

The partition of Ireland was the division of the island of Ireland into two distinct territories, now Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland . Partition occurred when the British Parliament passed the Government of Ireland Act 1920...

into Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...

and Southern Ireland

Southern Ireland

Southern Ireland was a short-lived autonomous region of the United Kingdom established on 3 May 1921 and dissolved on 6 December 1922.Southern Ireland was established under the Government of Ireland Act 1920 together with its sister region, Northern Ireland...

. The latter eventually became the Irish Free State

Irish Free State

The Irish Free State was the state established as a Dominion on 6 December 1922 under the Anglo-Irish Treaty, signed by the British government and Irish representatives exactly twelve months beforehand...

and then Republic of Ireland

Ireland

Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...

. Amid these political upheavals, a rival association, the Football Association of Ireland

Football Association of Ireland

, was founded in Dublin and from 1924 it organised their own international team - the Irish Free State national football team. In subsequent years both the IFA and the FAI claimed jurisdiction over the whole of Ireland and selected players from the whole island. As a result between 1924 and 1950, there were in effect two Ireland national football teams chosen by the two rival associations.

Between 1928 and 1946 the IFA was not affiliated to FIFA

FIFA

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...

and the two teams co-existed, never competing in the same competition. The IFA XI

Ireland national football team (IFA)

played in the British Home Championship

British Home Championship

The British Home Championship was an annual football competition contested between the United Kingdom's four national teams, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from the 1883–84 season until the 1983–84...

while the FAI XI competed in both the Olympic Games

Football at the Summer Olympics

Association football, usually known simply as football or soccer, has been included in every Olympiad except 1896 and 1932 as a men's competition sport. Women's football was added to the official programme in 1996.-Early history:...

and the FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...

. Despite this, however, there were occasions when the teams fixtures clashed and this led to some players having to choose which team to play for. In April 1931 both Tom Farquharson

Tom Farquharson

Tom Farquharson was an Irish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Cardiff City F.C. between 1921 and 1934. A dual internationalist, he also played for both Ireland teams - - the FAI XI and the IFA XI. In 1927 Farquharson was a member of the Cardiff City team that became the only non-English...

and Peter Kavanagh

Peter Kavanagh (Irish footballer)

Peter Kavanagh was an Irish footballer who played for, among others, Bohemians and Celtic. Kavanagh was a dual internationalist and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI. After leaving Celtic, Kavanagh had spells with several clubs before finishing his career with a works team...

chose to play for the FAI XI against Spain

Spain national football team

The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...

instead of playing for the IFA XI against Wales

Wales national football team

The Wales national football team represents Wales in international football. It is controlled by the Football Association of Wales , the governing body for football in Wales, and the third oldest national football association in the world. The team have only qualified for a major international...

. In November 1937 the roles were reversed when Tommy Breen

Tommy Breen

Tommy Breen is a former Irish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for, amongst others, Belfast Celtic, Manchester United, Linfield and Shamrock Rovers...

chose to play for the IFA XI in a 1938 British Home Championship

1938 British Home Championship

The 1938 British Home Championship was a football tournament played between the British Home Nations during the 1937–38 season. The competition was won by England after they defeated Ireland and Wales in their opening games...

game against Scotland

Scotland national football team

The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...

on November 10 instead of playing for the FAI XI in a 1938 World Cup qualifier

1938 FIFA World Cup qualification

-Group 2:----Norway qualified.-Group 3:----Poland finished above Yugoslavia on goal average, and thus qualified.-Group 5:Switzerland qualified.-First round:----Greece qualified for the final round....

against Norway

Norway national football team

The Norway national football team represents Norway in association football and is controlled by the Football Association of Norway, the governing body for football in Norway. Norway's home ground is Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo and their head coach is Egil Olsen...

on November 7. In 1938 Bill Hayes

Bill Hayes (footballer)

William Edward "Bill" Hayes , commonly referred to as Bill Hayes or Billy Hayes, is a former Irish footballer who played for Huddersfield Town, Cork United and Burnley. As an international, Hayes played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...

found himself in a similar position. He was called up by the FAI XI to play against Poland

Poland national football team

The Poland national football team represents Poland in association football and is controlled by the Polish Football Association, the governing body for football in Poland...

on November 13. However he had also been called up by the IFA XI to play against England

England national football team

The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...

on November 16. Like Breen, he chose to withdraw from the FAI selection.

Fixtures played in close proximity also led to some unusual situations. In 1936 Jimmy Kelly

Jimmy Kelly (Irish footballer)

Jimmy Kelly was an Irish footballer who played for, among others, Derry City, Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk. Kelly was one of the most prolific goalscorers ever to play in the Irish League, scoring 218 goals in the league between 1928 and 1952...

had the unique experience of playing for two winning Irish teams within a week. On March 11 he helped the IFA XI beat Wales

Wales national football team

3-2 at Celtic Park, Belfast. Then on March 17 he was on the winning side again as the FAI XI defeated Switzerland

Switzerland national football team

The Swiss national football team is the national football team of Switzerland...

1-0 at Dalymount Park

Dalymount Park

Dalymount Park is an Irish football stadium situated on Dublin's Northside. It is the home of Bohemian F.C., who have played there since the early 20th century. Affectionately known as 'Dalyer' by fans, it was also historically the "home of Irish football" holding Irish internationals and FAI Cup...

. In September 1946 Johnny Carey

Johnny Carey

John Joseph "Johnny" Carey , also known as Jackie Carey, was an Irish footballer and manager. As a player Carey spent most of his career at Manchester United, where he was team captain from 1946 until he retired as a player in 1953...

and Bill Gorman

Bill Gorman

William Charles Gorman , commonly referred to as Bill Gorman, is a former Irish footballer who played for, among others, Bury and Brentford. Gorman was a dual internationalist who also played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...

actually played for both Ireland teams against England

England national football team

within three days of each other. On September 28, 1946 at Windsor Park

Windsor Park

Windsor Park is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland and the home ground of Linfield F.C. and the Northern Ireland national football team. It is also where the Irish Cup and Irish League Cup finals are played.-History:...

they both played for the IFA XI in a 7-2 defeat. Then on September 30, 1946 at Dalymount Park they both played for the first ever FAI XI to play England. Despite a credible performance, the FAI XI lost 1-0.
Another unusual situation eventually led to the ending of the dual mandate. In 1950 both teams entered the World Cup

1950 FIFA World Cup qualification

-First round:Syria withdrew, and remaining match was not played.Turkey advanced to the Final Round.-Final round:Austria withdrew, so Turkey qualified automatically. But Turkey later also withdrew, and FIFA offered the place to Portugal, the runner-up of Group 6, but they declined...

. On March 8, 1950, in a qualifier against Wales

Wales national football team

at the Racecourse Ground

Racecourse Ground

The Glyndŵr University Racecourse Stadium AKA The Racecourse Ground is a stadium located in Wrexham, North Wales. It is the home of Wrexham F.C. and, since 2010, the Crusaders Rugby League team who play in the engage Super League...

, the IFA XI included four players - Tom Aherne

Tom Aherne

Thomas Aherne , also referred to as Bud Aherne, is a former Irish footballer and hurler. He played football for Belfast Celtic and Luton Town and was a dual internationalist, playing for both Ireland teams – the IFA XI and the FAI XI...

, Reg Ryan

Reg Ryan

Reginald Alphonso Ryan , also referred to as Paddy Ryan, is a former Irish footballer who played for West Bromwich Albion, Derby County and Coventry City. Ryan was also a dual international, playing for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI. He was the last player to represent both teams...

, Davy Walsh

Davy Walsh

David Joseph Walsh , commonly referred to as Davy Walsh or Dave Walsh, is a former Irish footballer who played as a centre forward for, among others, Linfield, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa. Walsh was a dual international and played for both Ireland teams – the FAI XI and the IFA XI...

and the captain Con Martin

Con Martin

Cornelius Joseph Martin , commonly referred to as Con Martin, is a former Irish footballer. Martin initially played Gaelic football with Dublin before switching codes and embarking on a successful soccer career, playing for, among others, Drumcondra, Glentoran, Leeds United and Aston Villa...

- who were born in the Irish Free State

Irish Free State

. All four players had previously played for the FAI XI in their qualifiers and as a result had played for two different associations in the same FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup

tournament. This led to FIFA intervention, after complaints from the FAI.

FIFA subsequently restricted players' eligibility based on the political border and in 1953 ruled neither team could be referred to as Ireland, decreeing that for future World Cups, the FAI team be officially designated as the Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland national football team

The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....

, while the IFA team was to become Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland national football team

The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international association football. Before 1921 all of Ireland was represented by a single side, the Ireland national football team, organised by the Irish Football Association...

.
.

The issue over international eligibility continues to be disputed between the two associations, highlighted in 2007 by the Darron Gibson

Darron Gibson

Darron Thomas Daniel Gibson is an Irish footballer who plays as a midfielder for Manchester United and the Republic of Ireland national team...

case. Gibson, who was born in Derry

Derry

Derry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...

, opted to play for the Republic of Ireland instead of Northern Ireland. The issue was referred to FIFA

FIFA

and has even been discussed in the Northern Ireland Assembly

Northern Ireland Assembly

The Northern Ireland Assembly is the devolved legislature of Northern Ireland. It has power to legislate in a wide range of areas that are not explicitly reserved to the Parliament of the United Kingdom, and to appoint the Northern Ireland Executive...

Free State dual internationals

The vast majority of the players involved were born in what is now the Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland

Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...

and were selected to play for the IFA XI. The earliest dual internationals - Dinny Hannon

Dinny Hannon

Denis J. Hannon , also known as Dinny Hannon or Dinney Hannon, was an Irish footballer who played as an inside-right for both Bohemians and Athlone Town. Hannon was also a dual international and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI. He was the first player ever to do this...

, Bill Lacey, Patsy Gallacher

Patsy Gallacher

Patsy Gallagher was an Irish footballer, playing in the wing right position, and most noted for his career at Celtic.-Early life:...

, Mick O'Brien, Tom Farquharson

Tom Farquharson

, Frank Collins and Ed Brookes

Ed Brookes

Edward A. Brooks , also known as Ed Brooks or Ned Brooks, was an Irish footballer who played as centre-forward or inside-left for, among others, Shelbourne, Bohemians, Stockport County and Athlone Town...

- all initially represented the IFA XI before the FAI began organising a team. After 1924 they all went onto played for the FAI XI.

Dinny Hannon

Dinny Hannon

became the first ever dual Irish international in 1924 when he played for the Irish Free State at the 1924 Olympic Games

Ireland at the 1924 Summer Olympics

Ireland, then known as the Irish Free State, competed as an independent nation for the first time at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, France....

, playing against Bulgaria

Bulgaria national football team

The FIFA Bulgaria national football team is an association football team fielded by the Bulgarian Football Union, a member association of UEFA. The team's home ground is Vasil Levski in Sofia and Luboslav Penev is in charge manager after replacement of Lothar Matthäus...

in their first ever senior international on May 28.
He had previously made 6 appearances for the IFA XI between 1908 and 1913.

Name	IFA XI Ireland national football team (IFA) The Ireland national football team represented Ireland at association football, it was organised by the Irish FA , and is the fourth oldest international team in the world. It mainly played in the British Home Championship against England, Scotland and Wales...			FAI XI
Name	Years	Apps	Goals	Years	Apps	Goals
Dinny Hannon Dinny Hannon Denis J. Hannon , also known as Dinny Hannon or Dinney Hannon, was an Irish footballer who played as an inside-right for both Bohemians and Athlone Town. Hannon was also a dual international and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI. He was the first player ever to do this...	1908–1913	6	1	1924	2	0
Bill Lacey	1909–1924	23	3	1927–1930	3	1
Patsy Gallacher Patsy Gallacher Patsy Gallagher was an Irish footballer, playing in the wing right position, and most noted for his career at Celtic.-Early life:...	1919–1927	11	0	1931	1	0
Ed Brookes Ed Brookes Edward A. Brooks , also known as Ed Brooks or Ned Brooks, was an Irish footballer who played as centre-forward or inside-left for, among others, Shelbourne, Bohemians, Stockport County and Athlone Town...	1920	1	0	1924	1	3
Mick O'Brien	1921–1927	10	0	1927–1932	4	0
Frank Collins	1922	1	0	1924–1927	2	0
Tom Farquharson Tom Farquharson Tom Farquharson was an Irish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Cardiff City F.C. between 1921 and 1934. A dual internationalist, he also played for both Ireland teams - - the FAI XI and the IFA XI. In 1927 Farquharson was a member of the Cardiff City team that became the only non-English...	1923–1925	7	0	1929–1931	4	0
Christy Martin Christy Martin (footballer) Christy Martin is a former Irish footballer who played in the Scottish League with both Bo'ness and Falkirk. Martin was also a dual international and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI.-Club career:...	1925	1	0	1927	1	0
Jimmy Dunne Jimmy Dunne James Dunne , commonly referred to as Jimmy Dunne, was an Irish footballer who played for, among others, Shamrock Rovers, Sheffield United, Arsenal and Southampton...	1928–1932	7	4	1930–1939	15	13
Harry Duggan Harry Duggan (footballer) Henry Anthony Duggan , commonly referred to as Harry Duggan, is a former Irish footballer. Described as a talented and speedy right winger, he played for both Leeds United and Newport County...	1929–1935	8	0	1927–1937	5	1
Peter Kavanagh Peter Kavanagh (Irish footballer) Peter Kavanagh was an Irish footballer who played for, among others, Bohemians and Celtic. Kavanagh was a dual internationalist and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI. After leaving Celtic, Kavanagh had spells with several clubs before finishing his career with a works team...	1929	1	0	1931	2	0
Jimmy Kelly Jimmy Kelly (Irish footballer) Jimmy Kelly was an Irish footballer who played for, among others, Derry City, Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk. Kelly was one of the most prolific goalscorers ever to play in the Irish League, scoring 218 goals in the league between 1928 and 1952...	1931–1936	11	4	1932–1936	5	2
Alex Stevenson Alex Stevenson Alexander Ernest Stevenson was an Irish footballer who played for Rangers and Everton, amongst other teams. As an international, Stevenson also played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...	1933–1947	19	5	1932–1948	7	0
Paddy Moore Paddy Moore Paddy Moore was an Irish footballer who played for, among others, Shamrock Rovers and Aberdeen. Moore was a dual internationalist and played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI.In February 1934 Moore scored four goals for the FAI XI in a World Cup qualifier against Belgium...	1932	1	0	1931–1936	9	7
Tommy Breen Tommy Breen Tommy Breen is a former Irish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for, amongst others, Belfast Celtic, Manchester United, Linfield and Shamrock Rovers...	1935–1946	13	0	1937–1947	5	0
Tom Davis Tom Davis (footballer) Thomas Lawrence Davis , commonly referred to as Tom Davis and Tommy Davis, is a former Irish association footballer who played as a centre forward for several clubs in the League of Ireland and the English Football League...	1936	1	1	1936–1938	4	4
Kevin O'Flanagan Kevin O'Flanagan Kevin Patrick O'Flanagan , also referred to as Dr. Kevin O'Flanagan, is a former Irish sportsman, physician and sports administrator. An outstanding all-rounder, he represented his country at both soccer and rugby union...	1946	2	0	1937–1947	10	3
Johnny Carey Johnny Carey John Joseph "Johnny" Carey , also known as Jackie Carey, was an Irish footballer and manager. As a player Carey spent most of his career at Manchester United, where he was team captain from 1946 until he retired as a player in 1953...	1946–1949	9	0	1937–1952	27	3
Owen Madden Owen Madden (footballer) Owen Madden was an Irish footballer who played as a forward in the League of Ireland and the English League. Madden was a dual international and played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI.- Club career :...	1937	1	0	1936	1	1
Bill Hayes Bill Hayes (footballer) William Edward "Bill" Hayes , commonly referred to as Bill Hayes or Billy Hayes, is a former Irish footballer who played for Huddersfield Town, Cork United and Burnley. As an international, Hayes played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...	1937–1938	4	0	1946–1947	2	0
Bill Gorman Bill Gorman William Charles Gorman , commonly referred to as Bill Gorman, is a former Irish footballer who played for, among others, Bury and Brentford. Gorman was a dual internationalist who also played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...	1946–1948	4	0	1936–1947	13	0
Paddy Farrell Paddy Farrell Paddy Farrell is a former Irish footballer who played for Bohemians and Hibernian during the 1930s. He was born in Athlone, Ireland. As an international he also played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...	1938	1	0	1937	2	0
Matt O'Mahoney Matt O'Mahoney Matt O'Mahoney was an Irish footballer who played for, among others, Bristol Rovers and Ipswich Town. O'Mahoney was a dual international and played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI.-Early years:...	1938	1	0	1938–1939	6	0
Ned Weir Ned Weir Ned Weir was an Irish footballer who played for several clubs in the Scottish Football League. Weir was also a dual Irish international and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI...	1939	1	0	1939	3	0
Billy Walsh	1944–1948	6	0	1946–1950	9	0
Davy Walsh Davy Walsh David Joseph Walsh , commonly referred to as Davy Walsh or Dave Walsh, is a former Irish footballer who played as a centre forward for, among others, Linfield, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa. Walsh was a dual international and played for both Ireland teams – the FAI XI and the IFA XI...	1946–1950	11	7	1946–1953	20	5
Tom Aherne Tom Aherne Thomas Aherne , also referred to as Bud Aherne, is a former Irish footballer and hurler. He played football for Belfast Celtic and Luton Town and was a dual internationalist, playing for both Ireland teams – the IFA XI and the FAI XI...	1946–1950	6	0	1946–1953	16	0
Peter Farrell Peter Farrell Peter Desmond Farrell was an Irish footballer who played as an a right-half for, among others, Shamrock Rovers, Everton and Tranmere Rovers. As an international, Farrell also played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...	1946–1950	7	0	1946–1953	28	3
Tommy Eglington Tommy Eglington Thomas Joseph Eglington was an Irish footballer who played as an outside-left for, among others, Shamrock Rovers, Everton and Tranmere Rovers. Eglington was also a dual internationalist and played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI.Eglington’s playing career followed a similar...	1946–1948	6	0	1946–1953	24	2
Con Martin Con Martin Cornelius Joseph Martin , commonly referred to as Con Martin, is a former Irish footballer. Martin initially played Gaelic football with Dublin before switching codes and embarking on a successful soccer career, playing for, among others, Drumcondra, Glentoran, Leeds United and Aston Villa...	1946–1950	6	0	1946–1956	30	6
Jackie O'Driscoll Jackie O'Driscoll John Francis O'Driscoll , commonly referred to as Jackie O'Driscoll, is a former Irish footballer who played as a winger for several teams in the League of Ireland. He also played for Swansea Town...	1948–1949	3	0	1948–1949	3	0
Rory Keane Rory Keane Thomas Roderick "Rory" Keane , was an Irish footballer who spent most of his career at Swansea Town. A hard-tackling defender, he is still regarded as one of Swansea's greatest ever players. Keane was also a dual internationalist and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI...	1948	1	0	1948–1949	4	0
Reg Ryan Reg Ryan Reginald Alphonso Ryan , also referred to as Paddy Ryan, is a former Irish footballer who played for West Bromwich Albion, Derby County and Coventry City. Ryan was also a dual international, playing for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI. He was the last player to represent both teams...	1950	1	0	1946–1953	16	3

Northern Irish dual internationals

Between 1931 and 1946 at least six players from Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...

also played for both teams. From 1924 until 1936, the FAI called their team the Irish Free State and generally just selected players who were born in what is now the Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland

. However during this period at least one Northerner, Harry Chatton

Harry Chatton

James Harold "Harry" Chatton , commonly referred to as Harry Chatton, was an Irish footballer who played for several clubs in the Scottish League, the American Soccer League and the League of Ireland. Chatton was a dual internationalist and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI...

, also represented the FAI after having previously played for the IFA XI. On March 17, 1936 for the game against Switzerland

Switzerland national football team

The Swiss national football team is the national football team of Switzerland...

, the FAI referred to their team as Ireland for the first time and subsequently declared their intention to follow the IFA and select players from throughout the island. In 1937 the FAI’s case was strengthened after the introduction of the Constitution of Ireland

Constitution of Ireland

The Constitution of Ireland is the fundamental law of the Irish state. The constitution falls broadly within the liberal democratic tradition. It establishes an independent state based on a system of representative democracy and guarantees certain fundamental rights, along with a popularly elected...

, and in particular Articles 2 and 3

Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution of Ireland

Article 2 and Article 3 of the Constitution of Ireland were adopted with the constitution as a whole on 29 December 1937, but completely revised by means of the Nineteenth Amendment which took effect on 2 December 1999...

which declared that the whole of Ireland formed one "national territory".

In 1936 and 1937 several Northerners including, Hugh Connolly

Hugh Connolly (footballer)

Hugh Connolly, born in Derry, Northern Ireland is a former footballer who played for Cork F.C. and the Irish Free State during the 1930s.-Ireland international:...

, Davy Jordan

Davy Jordan

Davy Jordan is a former footballer who played for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Ireland during the 1930s. He also played for Glentoran, Hull City and Crystal Palace.-Club career:...

, John Feenan

John Feenan

John Feenan , also referred to as Johnny Feenan, is a former Northern Irish footballer who played for Belfast Celtic, Sunderland and Shelbourne. As an international he also played for Ireland. In the 1940s he served as manager of Shelbourne...

, Mick Hoy

Mick Hoy (footballer)

Mick Hoy is a former Irish footballer who played for Glenavon, Dundalk and Ireland. During the 1950s Hoy returned to his local club, Tandragee Rovers, where he worked as a coach with the senior and youth teams.-Irish international:...

, Tommy Donnelly

Tommy Donnelly (footballer)

Tommy Donnelly is a former Irish footballer who played for Drumcondra, Shamrock Rovers and Ireland.When Donnelly played as an international there were, in effect, two Ireland teams, chosen by two rival associations...

and Jackie Brown

Jackie Brown (footballer)

Jackie Brown , also referred to as Johnny Brown or John Brown, was a dual internationalist who played football for both Ireland teams – the IFA XI and FAI XI...

all played for the FAI XI. However of these only Brown ever player for the IFA XI and became a dual international. In June 1946 when the FAI XI toured the Iberian Peninsula

Iberian Peninsula

The Iberian Peninsula , sometimes called Iberia, is located in the extreme southwest of Europe and includes the modern-day sovereign states of Spain, Portugal and Andorra, as well as the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar...

the squad included four Northern Irish players - Billy McMillan

Billy McMillan

William McMillan , commonly referred to as Billy McMillan, was an Irish footballer who played for Belfast Celtic and Ballymena United...

, Jackie Vernon

Jackie Vernon (footballer)

John Joseph Vernon also referred to as Jackie Vernon, is a former Irish footballer who played for, amongst others, Belfast Celtic and West Bromwich Albion. Vernon was a dual international and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI...

, Jimmy McAlinden

Jimmy McAlinden

Jimmy McAlinden was an Irish footballer who played as a forward for several clubs, most notably, Belfast Celtic, Portsmouth, Shamrock Rovers and Southend United. As an international, McAlinden also played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI...

and Paddy Sloan

Paddy Sloan

Joshua Walter "Paddy" Sloan was an Irish footballer and manager. His widely travelled career took Sloan to twenty different clubs in five different countries, including Northern Ireland, England, Italy, Malta and Australia. As a player, his clubs included Manchester United, Arsenal and Milan...

- all of whom had previously played for the IFA XI. Sloan earned the FAI XI a surprise victory when he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win against Spain

Spain national football team

Name	IFA XI Ireland national football team (IFA) The Ireland national football team represented Ireland at association football, it was organised by the Irish FA , and is the fourth oldest international team in the world. It mainly played in the British Home Championship against England, Scotland and Wales...			FAI XI
Name	Years	Apps	Goals	Years	Apps	Goals
Harry Chatton Harry Chatton James Harold "Harry" Chatton , commonly referred to as Harry Chatton, was an Irish footballer who played for several clubs in the Scottish League, the American Soccer League and the League of Ireland. Chatton was a dual internationalist and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI...	1924–1925	3	0	1931–1934	3	0
Jackie Brown Jackie Brown (footballer) Jackie Brown , also referred to as Johnny Brown or John Brown, was a dual internationalist who played football for both Ireland teams – the IFA XI and FAI XI...	1935–1939	10	1	1937	2	1
Jimmy McAlinden Jimmy McAlinden Jimmy McAlinden was an Irish footballer who played as a forward for several clubs, most notably, Belfast Celtic, Portsmouth, Shamrock Rovers and Southend United. As an international, McAlinden also played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI...	1937–1948	5	0	1946	2	0
Billy McMillan Billy McMillan William McMillan , commonly referred to as Billy McMillan, was an Irish footballer who played for Belfast Celtic and Ballymena United...	1944–1946	4	0	1946	2	0
Jackie Vernon Jackie Vernon (footballer) John Joseph Vernon also referred to as Jackie Vernon, is a former Irish footballer who played for, amongst others, Belfast Celtic and West Bromwich Albion. Vernon was a dual international and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI...	1944–1951	21	0	1946	2	0
Paddy Sloan Paddy Sloan Joshua Walter "Paddy" Sloan was an Irish footballer and manager. His widely travelled career took Sloan to twenty different clubs in five different countries, including Northern Ireland, England, Italy, Malta and Australia. As a player, his clubs included Manchester United, Arsenal and Milan...	1945–1947	3	1	1946	2	1

Amateur internationals

In addition to full internationals, a number of FAI XI internationals also represented the IFA XI at amateur level. In 1931 Fred Horlacher

Fred Horlacher

Fred Horlacher was an Irish footballer who played for Bohemians in the League of Ireland during the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. As an international Horlacher represented both Ireland teams. He played as a senior for the FAI XI and as an amateur for the IFA XI...

and Jimmy Bermingham

Jimmy Bermingham

Jimmy Bermingham was an Irish soccer player during the 1920s and 1930s.Bermingham was an outside right during this era in the League of Ireland and was part of the Bohemians team of 1927/28 who won every trophy on offer that season - League of Ireland, FAI Cup, Shield and Leinster Senior Cup...

both played for an IFA Amateur XI in a 3-1 win against England Amateurs

England national amateur football team

The England national amateur football team was the amateur representative team for England at football. It was formed in 1906, due to the growth of the professional game which meant that amateur players could no longer easily find places in the main England national team.-First match and unbeaten...

. They played against the wishes of the FAI and were subsequently suspended by the association for three months. Bermingham, who had made his only FAI appearance in 1929, was never capped again, but Horlacher became a regular international during the 1930s

Name	IFA Amateur XI Ireland national football team (IFA) The Ireland national football team represented Ireland at association football, it was organised by the Irish FA , and is the fourth oldest international team in the world. It mainly played in the British Home Championship against England, Scotland and Wales...			FAI XI Republic of Ireland national football team The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....
Name	Years	Apps	Goals	Years	Apps	Goals
Jack McCarthy Jack McCarthy (footballer) Jack McCarthy was a former Irish footballer who played for Bohemians in the League of Ireland during the 1920s and 1930s. As an international McCarthy also represented both Ireland teams. He played as a senior for the FAI XI and as an amateur for the IFA XI...	1921	2	0	1924–1930	6	0
Fred Horlacher Fred Horlacher Fred Horlacher was an Irish footballer who played for Bohemians in the League of Ireland during the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. As an international Horlacher represented both Ireland teams. He played as a senior for the FAI XI and as an amateur for the IFA XI...	1931	1	?	1930–1936	7	2
Jimmy Bermingham Jimmy Bermingham Jimmy Bermingham was an Irish soccer player during the 1920s and 1930s.Bermingham was an outside right during this era in the League of Ireland and was part of the Bohemians team of 1927/28 who won every trophy on offer that season - League of Ireland, FAI Cup, Shield and Leinster Senior Cup...	1931	1	?	1929	1	0

After 1950

Since 1950 no Irish footballer has played for both the Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland national football team

and Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland national football team

at senior level. However both Alan Kernaghan

Alan Kernaghan

Alan Kernaghan is an Irish former footballer. Since retiring he has become a coach and manager. Since January 2007 he has been a youth coach at Rangers....

and Darron Gibson

Darron Gibson

Darron Thomas Daniel Gibson is an Irish footballer who plays as a midfielder for Manchester United and the Republic of Ireland national team...

were capped as schoolboy internationals for Northern Ireland before going onto represent the Republic at senior level. In addition Tony Kane

Tony Kane

Anthony Michael 'Tony' Kane is a Northern Irish footballer who plays for Ballymena United. As an international, Kane has played for both for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland at under-21 level.-Club career:...

has represented both for the Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team

The Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team, is the national under-21 football team of the Republic of Ireland and is controlled by the Football Association of Ireland and competes in the biennial European Under-21 Football Championship and has competed since 1978.-Competition...

and Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland national under-21 football team

The Northern Ireland national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of Northern Ireland.-Former coaches:* To 20 August 2008.-2008/09 Matches:-Current squad:Squad to play San Marino.-Other Recent Call-Ups:...

at under-21 level. Together with Michael O'Connor and Marc Wilson, Gibson and Kane are one of several Northern Irish footballers, involved in an ongoing dispute between the IFA and the FAI over international eligibility. The dispute emerged after the Good Friday Agreement allowed people born in Northern Ireland to claim either Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland

and/or United Kingdom

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...

nationality.

Name	Northern Ireland				Republic of Ireland
Name	Years	Apps	Goals	Level	Years	Apps	Goals	Level
Alan Kernaghan Alan Kernaghan Alan Kernaghan is an Irish former footballer. Since retiring he has become a coach and manager. Since January 2007 he has been a youth coach at Rangers....	19xx	?	?	Schoolboy	1992–1996	22	1	Senior Republic of Ireland national football team The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....
Darron Gibson Darron Gibson Darron Thomas Daniel Gibson is an Irish footballer who plays as a midfielder for Manchester United and the Republic of Ireland national team...	2xxx	?	?	Schoolboy	2007	2	0	Senior Republic of Ireland national football team The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....
Tony Kane Tony Kane Anthony Michael 'Tony' Kane is a Northern Irish footballer who plays for Ballymena United. As an international, Kane has played for both for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland at under-21 level.-Club career:...	2007–2008	5	0	U21 Northern Ireland national under-21 football team The Northern Ireland national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of Northern Ireland.-Former coaches:* To 20 August 2008.-2008/09 Matches:-Current squad:Squad to play San Marino.-Other Recent Call-Ups:...	2006–2007	5	0	U21 Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team The Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team, is the national under-21 football team of the Republic of Ireland and is controlled by the Football Association of Ireland and competes in the biennial European Under-21 Football Championship and has competed since 1978.-Competition...

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