Some of the biggest Irish football legends have donned the Umbro badged Irish jersey.
So we feel it is only right if we pick out of the best and more legendary.
Umbro have been partnered with the Republic of Ireland since 1994 and as early as the 1960s, so there’s quite a few Irish football legends to consider.
When you also consider that the Republic of Ireland enjoyed some famous tournaments in the Umbro era, such as the 1994 World Cup, 2002 World Cup and Euro 2016, we’ve plenty to choose from.
Too many, actually. So don’t feel too aggrieved if one of your favourite Irish football legends don’t make the list.
We’re going to pick from 1994 to the present year, but feel free to let us know your opinions on all the legends outside of that era.
Irish Football Legends: The Goalies
Packie Bonner
The Donegal shot-stopper is most famous for his heroics in 1990 World Cup which included a memorable save in the penalty shootout win against Romania in the Last 16.
The former Celtic man was instrumental in the qualifiers for the 1994 World Cup in the USA too, but suffered a frustrating campaign at times.
Worked as the goalkeeping coach at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan and is a cultural legend in Irish football.
Shay Given
Took up the number one jersey vacated by Bonner and later established himself as the Republic of Ireland’s best ever goalkeepers across a 20-year career.
The former Newcastle man also established himself as one of the world’s best during his playing career.
An elite shot-stopper, Given left a huge void behind when he eventually called time on his career – one that hasn’t come close to being filled yet.
Irish Football Legends: Defenders
Steve Finnan
Finnan was a real quality full back who went about his business in a very low-key but effective manner during his 52 caps.
The Limerick native played all of the games in the 2002 World Cup, including scoring one of the penalties in the shoot-out defeat to Spain in the Last 16.
Finnan also won a Champions League medal with Liverpool in 2005 and enjoyed club careers with Fulham and Notts County too.
Denis Irwin
We can confidently state that Irwin is one of the Republic of Ireland’s biggest legends and best ever players.
An icon at Manchester United too, the Cork native was heroic in the 1990 World Cup, followed by the 1994 tournament.
A right-footed left back, Irwin was blessed with defensive quality and attacking flair, he won seven Premier Leagues, a Champions League and a PFA Players’ Player of the Year Award in the famous treble-winning year of 1999.
Paul McGrath
A titanic midfielder, up there with Irwin in terms of his natural ability.
Called time on his career in 1998 after 83 caps and some seismic performances in 1990 and 1994.
A defender with midfielder football quality, McGrath’s club careers with Man United and Aston Villa, winning much silverware as well as the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, shows what people thought of him.
Richard Dunne
The most recent Irish football legend to make the list, Dunne was a fearless defender.
Earned 80 caps for the Irish football team, Dunne was produced some heroic displays in Euro 2016 and over his career.
The former Man City, Aston Villa and QPR man made an impressive 431 appearances in the Premier League.
Irish Football Legends: Midfielders
Roy Keane
Is there a bigger Irish football legend than Roy Keane?
Famously left the team during the 2002 World Cup after a fallout with manager Mick McCarthy and what we could have achieved if he stayed we would all love to know.
The former Manchester United captain was as no-nonsense as you get in terms of a footballer, but he complemented that with elite skill, unmatched aggression, and a thoroughbred engine.
One of the world’s best, not just Ireland’s.
Damien Duff
Duff had over 100 caps for Ireland and a dangerously tricky winger during some of Ireland’s major tournament successes.
His performances in the 2002 World Cup really projected him onto the big stage and earned him a big move to Chelsea the following year, where we won two Premier League titles.
The former Shelbourne man scored 8 goals for the Republic of Ireland during a brilliant career and was one of the most exciting wingers we’ve ever produced.
Jason McAteer
Played at both the 1994 and the 2002 World Cups and had some huge moments in the Irish jersey.
Perhaps his most famous of all is that goal against the Netherlands in the 2001 World Cup Qualifier in Lansdowne Road.
The former Liverpool man was certainly underrated and is an Irish football legend.
Ray Houghton
Forever immortalised as an Irish football legend after his exploits in the 1994 World Cup, including the strike against Italy.
Houghton played for the Republic of Ireland 73 times, retiring in 1998.
A former Fulham, Liverpool and Aston Villa, Houghton was a tigerish midfielder who also scored one of the most famous goals in Irish football history against England in Euro ’88.
Irish Football Legends: Strikers
Robbie Keane
Our greatest goalscorer ever, Robbie Keane hit the net 68 times during 146 appearances for the Boys in Green – a record for both.
Keano scored three goals in four games during the 2002 World Cup including that famous late equaliser against Germany and a late penalty to force extra-time against Spain in the Last 16.
Keane has also represented Inter Milan, Leeds United, Spurs, Liverpool and LA Galaxy during a prolific club career.
Niall Quinn
Retired after the 2002 World Cup, Quinn hit the net 21 times for the Republic of Ireland during his career.
The former Arsenal, Man City and Sunderland star earned 92 caps for the Republic of Ireland and played in two World Cups.
Once the top-goal scorer of all time before being surpassed by Keane, Quinn was also a talented GAA player in his earlier years and was once offered an AFL contract.
Ray Houghton
Forever immortalised as an Irish football legend after his exploits in the 1994 World Cup, including the strike against Italy.
Houghton played for the Republic of Ireland 73 times, retiring in 1998.
A former Fulham, Liverpool and Aston Villa, Houghton was a tigerish midfielder who also scored one of the most famous goals in Irish football history against England in Euro ’88.
So, what do you guys think?
We’re keen to hear about your opinions on what footballers and legends we have left out.
Get in touch – we’re all ears for opinions.
You can check out our Irish football range right here.
