Tommy Breen
Encyclopedia
Tommy Breen is a former Irish footballer
who played as a goalkeeper for, amongst others, Belfast Celtic, Manchester United
, Linfield
and Shamrock Rovers
. Breen was a dual internationalist
and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI
and the FAI XI.
Breen replaced Elisha Scott
as first choice goalkeeper for both Belfast Celtic and the IFA XI and was rated by Billy Behan
, one of his predecessors at Manchester United and a renowned scout, as one of the best goalkeepers Ireland ever produced. He was also the first Manchester United player ever to play for an FAI XI. During his career, Breen was involved in several controversies. In November 1937 he turned down the chance to play for the FAI XI in a 1938 World Cup qualifier
in order to play for the IFA XI in the 1938 British Home Championship
. Then in 1944 he transferred from Belfast Celtic to their rivals Linfield in a dispute about money.
within months of arriving at the club. During his first season he also collected his first Irish League winners medal. Together with Jackie Brown
, Jimmy McAlinden
, Billy McMillan
, Jackie Vernon
and Charlie Tully
, he was a prominent member of the Celtic team managed by Elisha Scott
. This team dominated the Irish League before and during the Second World War. After a spell at Manchester United
, Breen returned to Celtic during the Second World War, and in 1941 helped them win the Irish Cup
when they beat Linfield
.
in 1936 and was beaten within a minute of his debut, on November 28 against Leeds United
in 2-1 away defeat. Despite his best efforts, Breen could not stop United from being relegated at the end of the 1936-37
season. However the following season, with a team that also included, Johnny Carey
, Harry Baird, Tommy Bamford, Jack Rowley
and Stan Pearson
, Breen helped United gain promotion back to the First Division
. During his time with United, he played in 65 league games for the club. He also played 6 games for United in the FA Cup
. However the competition was not kind to Breen. On January 30 1937 he featured in a 5-0 defeat to Arsenal
in the fourth round. Then a year later on February 22 1938 in a tie against Barnsley
, Breen touched a long throw-in into his own goal.
. Breen subsequently captained a Linfield team that also included Davy Walsh
, to two successive Irish Cup
victories, winning 4-2 against Glentoran
in 1945 and 3-0 against Distillery in 1946. In 1946 Manchester United
attempted to re-sign Breen but Linfield were unwilling to accept the £1,000 valuation. However he then joined Shamrock Rovers
on a free transfer.
, at Shamrock Rovers
where he played alongside Paddy Coad
. During his season at Rovers he was recalled to the FAI XI and played for the League of Ireland XI
on three occasions.
, Breen returned to the Irish League and signed for Glentoran
. However he made just 14 league appearances for the Glens before dislocating the cartilage in his knee during a match against Bangor
. Unable to continue playing, he later claimed £175 from Glentoran under the Workman's Compensation Act
- based IFA
and the Irish Free State
- based FAI
claimed jurisdiction over the whole of Ireland
and selected players from the whole island. As a result several notable Irish players from this era, including Breen played for both teams.
and the IFA
when both associations wanted him to play for their respective national teams within the same week. Breen was called up by the FAI XI to play in a 1938 World Cup qualifier
against Norway
on November 7. However the IFA XI
also called him up to play in a 1938 British Home Championship
game against Scotland
on November 10.
The IFA’s own rules, however, stated that a player must not play for three days before an international fixture. Thus if Breen lined out for the FAI XI against Norway he would have been ineligible to play for the IFA XI against Scotland. As a result when the IFA offered Breen a place in their team, it came with the condition that he drop out of the FAI XI. Breen’s club at the time, Manchester United
, even offered to arrange for him to travel from Dublin to Aberdeen
after the first game, but the rival associations failed to reach an agreement. Breen eventually opted to play for the IFA XI, and helped them gain a 1-1 draw, but the decision cost him his place in the FAI XI.
. He made his international debut in a 2-1 defeat to England
on February 6 1935. Later in the same year, on May 11 at Goodison Park
, Breen also played for an Ireland
/Wales XI
in a 10-2 defeat against an English League XI. During the seasons approaching the Second World War, Breen established himself as the IFA XI’s first choice keeper, making 9 appearances between 1935 and 1939. On September 9 1944 at Windsor Park
, Breen played for the IFA XI in an 8-4 defeat against a Combined Services XI. This team was basically a Great Britain XI and featured, among others, Matt Busby
, Stanley Matthews
, Tommy Lawton
and Stan Mortensen
. During the 1945-46 season he also played in the three Victory internationals. He made his last appearance for the IFA XI in a 1-0 win against Wales
on May 4 1946. This was the only time Breen featured in a winning IFA XI.
and as a result became the first United player to play for an FAI XI. The FAI had organised a European tour with a squad that included Breen, Paddy Farrell
, Jackie Brown
and Jimmy Dunne
. Breen subsequently made his debut for the FAI XI on May 17 in a 1-0 win against Switzerland
. A week later, on May 23, he also helped the FAI XI defeat France
2-0. After his fall out with the FAI in 1937, Breen did not play for the FAI XI again until 1946, making his last three appearances while at Shamrock Rovers
. On September 30 1946 he made his comeback in a 1-0 defeat to England
at Dalymount Park
. Then on March 2 1947 he helped the FAI XI to a respectable 3-2 win against Spain
. On May 4 1947 he made his last appearance for the FAI XI in 2-0 defeat against Portugal
.
Manchester United
Linfield
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 played as a goalkeeper for, amongst others, Belfast Celtic, Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
, Linfield
Linfield F.C.
Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team....
and Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
. Breen was a dual internationalist
Dual Irish international footballers
Dual Irish international footballers are a group of Irish international footballers who, between 1908 and March 1950, played for the international teams selected by both the Irish Football Association and the Football Association of Ireland...
and played for both Ireland teams - the 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...
and the FAI XI.
Breen replaced Elisha Scott
Elisha Scott
Elisha Scott was an Irish football goalkeeper who most notably played for Liverpool from 1912 to 1934 .-Life and playing career:...
as first choice goalkeeper for both Belfast Celtic and the IFA XI and was rated by Billy Behan
Billy Behan
William "Billy" Behan was an Irish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers and Manchester United during the 1930s....
, one of his predecessors at Manchester United and a renowned scout, as one of the best goalkeepers Ireland ever produced. He was also the first Manchester United player ever to play for an FAI XI. During his career, Breen was involved in several controversies. In November 1937 he turned down the chance to play 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....
in order to play for the IFA XI in the 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...
. Then in 1944 he transferred from Belfast Celtic to their rivals Linfield in a dispute about money.
Early years
Breen began his career playing as a forward for local teams, Drogheda Commercials and Drogheda United. However a leg injury temporarily prevented him from playing upfront and, rather than miss playing, he switched positions and became a goalkeeper. Then in 1929 he was signed as an amateur by Newry Town.Belfast Celtic
In 1932 Breen signed for Belfast Celtic and subsequently represented the Irish League XIIrish League XI
The Irish League representative team was the representative side of the Irish Football League, the national league for football in Northern Ireland and, prior to that, Ireland.-Irish League representative match results:...
within months of arriving at the club. During his first season he also collected his first Irish League winners medal. Together with 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...
, 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...
, 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...
and Charlie Tully
Charlie Tully
Charles Patrick "Charlie" Tully was a famous footballer of Celtic Football Club.Tully was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. In 1944 he was struggling to break into a very strong Belfast Celtic team and in a bid to garner better match experience was sent on loan to Cliftonville F.C....
, he was a prominent member of the Celtic team managed by Elisha Scott
Elisha Scott
Elisha Scott was an Irish football goalkeeper who most notably played for Liverpool from 1912 to 1934 .-Life and playing career:...
. This team dominated the Irish League before and during the Second World War. After a spell at Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
, Breen returned to Celtic during the Second World War, and in 1941 helped them win the Irish Cup
Irish Cup
For the equivalent tournament in the Republic of Ireland, see FAI Cup.The Irish Cup is the national cup knock-out competition in Northern Irish football. Inaugurated in 1881, it is the fourth oldest national cup competition in the world...
when they beat Linfield
Linfield F.C.
Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team....
.
Manchester United
Breen signed for Manchester UnitedManchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
in 1936 and was beaten within a minute of his debut, on November 28 against Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
in 2-1 away defeat. Despite his best efforts, Breen could not stop United from being relegated at the end of the 1936-37
1936-37 in English football
The 1936–37 season was the 62nd season of competitive football in England.-Honours:Notes = Number in parentheses is the times that club has won that honour...
season. However the following season, with a team that also included, 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...
, Harry Baird, Tommy Bamford, Jack Rowley
Jack Rowley
John Frederick "Jack" Rowley was an English football striker from the 1930s to the 1950s, mainly remembered for playing for Manchester United. He was nicknamed "The Gunner" because of his prolific and explosive goalscoring, achieving scoring statistics with United of 208 goals in 422 appearances...
and Stan Pearson
Stan Pearson
Stanley Clare Pearson was an English football player. He was born in Salford.Pearson was signed by Manchester United as an amateur in December 1935 and turned professional in May 1937. His first senior game came against Chesterfield in 1937. When his career was interrupted by the war, he served...
, Breen helped United gain promotion back to the First Division
Football League First Division
The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
. During his time with United, he played in 65 league games for the club. He also played 6 games for United in the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
. However the competition was not kind to Breen. On January 30 1937 he featured in a 5-0 defeat to Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
in the fourth round. Then a year later on February 22 1938 in a tie against Barnsley
Barnsley F.C.
Barnsley Football Club are a professional English football club based in the town of Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Nicknamed the Tykes, they were founded in 1887 under the name Barnsley St. Peter's...
, Breen touched a long throw-in into his own goal.
Linfield
In 1944 Breen left Belfast Celtic for the second time, after a dispute about wages. He then joined their local rivals, LinfieldLinfield F.C.
Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team....
. Breen subsequently captained a Linfield team that also included 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...
, to two successive Irish Cup
Irish Cup
For the equivalent tournament in the Republic of Ireland, see FAI Cup.The Irish Cup is the national cup knock-out competition in Northern Irish football. Inaugurated in 1881, it is the fourth oldest national cup competition in the world...
victories, winning 4-2 against Glentoran
Glentoran F.C.
Glentoran F.C. is a semi-professional, football club in Northern Ireland. The club was founded in 1882 and plays its home games at the Oval in east Belfast. Club colours are green, red, and black.Glentoran's biggest rivals are Linfield...
in 1945 and 3-0 against Distillery in 1946. In 1946 Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
attempted to re-sign Breen but Linfield were unwilling to accept the £1,000 valuation. However he then joined Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
on a free transfer.
Shamrock Rovers
Breen spent just one season, 1946-47Football League of Ireland 1946-47
-Final classification:...
, at Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
where he played alongside Paddy Coad
Paddy Coad
Paddy Coad is a former Irish football player and manager. He played as a forward for Waterford United, Glenavon, Shamrock Rovers and Ireland. Although known, primarily, as a maker of goals, Coad scored 126 goals in the League of Ireland and a further 41 in the FAI Cup. In 1946-47 he was top...
. During his season at Rovers he was recalled to the FAI XI and played for the League of Ireland XI
League of Ireland XI
The League of Ireland XI, known as of 2010 as the Airtricity League XI for sponsorship reasons, is the representative select team for the League of Ireland which operates in the Republic of Ireland.The select first played the Scottish League XI in 1938....
on three occasions.
Glentoran
After just one season with Shamrock RoversShamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
, Breen returned to the Irish League and signed for Glentoran
Glentoran F.C.
Glentoran F.C. is a semi-professional, football club in Northern Ireland. The club was founded in 1882 and plays its home games at the Oval in east Belfast. Club colours are green, red, and black.Glentoran's biggest rivals are Linfield...
. However he made just 14 league appearances for the Glens before dislocating the cartilage in his knee during a match against Bangor
Bangor F.C.
Bangor Football Club is an intermediate, Northern Irish football club playing in IFA Championship 1. The club, founded in 1918, hails from Bangor and plays its home matches at Clandeboye Park. Club colours are gold and royal blue...
. Unable to continue playing, he later claimed £175 from Glentoran under the Workman's Compensation Act
International career
When Breen began his international career in 1935 there were in effect, two Ireland teams, chosen by two rival associations. Both associations, the Northern IrelandNorthern 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...
- based IFA
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...
and 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...
- based FAI
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...
claimed jurisdiction over the whole 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...
and selected players from the whole island. As a result several notable Irish players from this era, including Breen played for both teams.
1937 Dispute
In November 1937 Breen was caught in the middle of a dispute between the FAIFootball 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...
and the IFA
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...
when both associations wanted him to play for their respective national teams within the same week. Breen was called up by the FAI XI to play 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. However the 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...
also called him up to play 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.
The IFA’s own rules, however, stated that a player must not play for three days before an international fixture. Thus if Breen lined out for the FAI XI against Norway he would have been ineligible to play for the IFA XI against Scotland. As a result when the IFA offered Breen a place in their team, it came with the condition that he drop out of the FAI XI. Breen’s club at the time, Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
, even offered to arrange for him to travel from Dublin to Aberdeen
Aberdeen
Aberdeen is Scotland's third most populous city, one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas and the United Kingdom's 25th most populous city, with an official population estimate of ....
after the first game, but the rival associations failed to reach an agreement. Breen eventually opted to play for the IFA XI, and helped them gain a 1-1 draw, but the decision cost him his place in the FAI XI.
IFA XI
Between 1935 and 1946, Breen made 13 appearances for the IFA XIIreland 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...
. He made his international debut in a 2-1 defeat to 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 February 6 1935. Later in the same year, on May 11 at Goodison Park
Goodison Park
Goodison Park is a football stadium located in Walton, Liverpool, England. The stadium has been home to Everton F.C. since its completion in 1892 and is one of the world's first purpose-built football grounds...
, Breen also played for an Ireland
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...
/Wales XI
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 a 10-2 defeat against an English League XI. During the seasons approaching the Second World War, Breen established himself as the IFA XI’s first choice keeper, making 9 appearances between 1935 and 1939. On September 9 1944 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:...
, Breen played for the IFA XI in an 8-4 defeat against a Combined Services XI. This team was basically a Great Britain XI and featured, among others, Matt Busby
Matt Busby
Sir Alexander Matthew "Matt" Busby, CBE, KCSG was a Scottish football player and manager, most noted for managing Manchester United between 1945 and 1969 and again for the second half of the 1970–1971 season...
, Stanley Matthews
Stanley Matthews
Sir Stanley Matthews, CBE was an English footballer. Often regarded as one of the greatest players of the English game, he is the only player to have been knighted while still playing, as well as being the first winner of both the European Footballer of the Year and the Football Writers'...
, Tommy Lawton
Tommy Lawton
Thomas "Tommy" Lawton was an English association footballer who rose to fame a short time before the outbreak of the Second World War and enjoyed a successful career which lasted until well into the 1950s....
and Stan Mortensen
Stan Mortensen
Stanley Harding "Stan" Mortensen was an English professional footballer, most famous for his part in the 1953 FA Cup Final , in which he became the only player ever to score a hat-trick in a Wembley FA Cup Final...
. During the 1945-46 season he also played in the three Victory internationals. He made his last appearance for the IFA XI in a 1-0 win 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...
on May 4 1946. This was the only time Breen featured in a winning IFA XI.
FAI XI
Between 1937 and 1947 Breen made 5 appearances for the FAI XI. He made his first two appearances for the FAI XI in May 1937 while playing for Manchester UnitedManchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
and as a result became the first United player to play for an FAI XI. The FAI had organised a European tour with a squad that included Breen, 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...
, 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...
and 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...
. Breen subsequently made his debut for the FAI XI on May 17 in a 1-0 win against Switzerland
Switzerland national football team
The Swiss national football team is the national football team of Switzerland...
. A week later, on May 23, he also helped the FAI XI defeat France
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
2-0. After his fall out with the FAI in 1937, Breen did not play for the FAI XI again until 1946, making his last three appearances while at Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
. On September 30 1946 he made his comeback in a 1-0 defeat to 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...
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...
. Then on March 2 1947 he helped the FAI XI to a respectable 3-2 win 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...
. On May 4 1947 he made his last appearance for the FAI XI in 2-0 defeat against Portugal
Portugal national football team
The Portugal national football team represents Portugal in association football and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal. Portugal's home ground is Estádio Nacional in Oeiras, and their head coach is Paulo Bento...
.
Honours
Belfast Celtic- Irish League
- Winners 1932-33, 1935-36, 1936-37, 1939-40, 1940-41, 1941-42, 1943-44: 7
- Irish CupIrish CupFor the equivalent tournament in the Republic of Ireland, see FAI Cup.The Irish Cup is the national cup knock-out competition in Northern Irish football. Inaugurated in 1881, it is the fourth oldest national cup competition in the world...
:- Winners 1941: 1
Manchester United
- Second DivisionFootball League Second DivisionFrom 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
- Runners Up 1937-38: 1
Linfield
- Irish CupIrish CupFor the equivalent tournament in the Republic of Ireland, see FAI Cup.The Irish Cup is the national cup knock-out competition in Northern Irish football. Inaugurated in 1881, it is the fourth oldest national cup competition in the world...
:- Winners 1945, 1946: 2
Sources
- The Boys In Green - The FAI International Story (1997): Sean Ryan http://www.amazon.ca/dp/1851589392
- Soccer at War – 1939 - 45 (2005): Jack Rollin http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/075531431X