As St. Patrick's Day approaches, why don't we re-ignite the passionate flame in all the Ireland fans out their still angry about the infamous hand ball goal. Try your luck at the Thierry Henry hand ball game by clicking on the image above! Click to continue reading...

Portsmouth and Ireland defender Marc Wilson has insisted players born in the North of Ireland should be allowed to decide whether they want to represent Ireland or the North at international level.
Wilson, named in the Ireland squad for Tuesday's friendly against Brazil, is from Aghagallon in County Antrim. Click to continue reading...

Ireland international Marc Wilson has committed his future to Portsmouth by signing a new three-and-a-half-year deal with the club.
The 22-year-old Co. Antrim born defender came through the ranks at Fratton Park and has established himself in the Pompey first-team this season. Click to continue reading...

James McCarthy has 'scotched' recent tabloid rumours that he may be interested in representing Scotland, rather than Ireland.
McCarthy has represented Ireland at under 18, under 19 & u21 levels.
In a message posted on the Ireland football forum You Boys In Green, McCarthy mentions how it would be a dream to be selected to play in the Ireland senior squad and it would create great pride within his family, should he manage to make it into Giovanni Trapattoni's starting eleven. Click to continue reading...

I usually can't stand FIFA. They do my bonce in. Especially the President Sepp Blatter. He is a twat.
For once though I think they have done the right thing by Thierry Henry.
Having said that I've often wondered whether FIFA's reaction would have been the same if an England player did what Thierry did against Ireland. Click to continue reading...

Arsene Wenger reveals his handball drills Republic of Ireland fans can allow themselves a wry smile after Arsene Wenger revealed that he trains his players to handle the ball. The Arsenal boss was speaking after Saturday's match against Everton when midfielder Denilson did his best dying swan impression while in possession. Click to continue reading...

Ireland assistant manager Liam Brady has blasted FIFA president Sepp Blatter for revealing the supposedly confidential details of a meeting with the FAI.
Speaking at a conference in South Africa, Blatter stated that the Irish had enquired at the meeting as to the possibility of being invited to next summer's World Cup as a '33rd nation' after their controversial play-off exit at the hands of France. Click to continue reading...

Ireland legend Ray Houghton has branded FIFA president Sepp Blatter ' a disgrace' and accused him of ridiculing the Irish public after laughing at the FAI's request to be the 33rd team at the World Cup finals. The FAI are said to be bemused by the manner in which Blatter highlighted that particular aspect of the meeting (33rd team) and, privately, are well aware that it's a fanciful notion. Click to continue reading...

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has revealed that he telephoned France captain Thierry Henry to offer him support over his controversial handball in the World Cup play-off win over Ireland.
"I called Thierry, because he tried to get in touch with me," Blatter told French newspaper L'Equipe. Click to continue reading...

The soccer world is abuzz with the recent "Hand of Henry" controversy. Thierry Henry's recent handball against Ireland has sparked outrage, especially among Ireland fans who won't be seeing their team in the 2010 world cup. Henry used his hand to redirect the ball in a play that directly resulted in a goal. Click to continue reading...

Ireland have been forced to admit defeat in their efforts to be granted a replay of their World Cup play-off clash with France.
Having seen FIFA reject their appeals to have the second leg of the tie replayed because of Thierry Henry's handball in the run-up to William Gallas' decisive goal, the Football Association of Ireland, backed by both French skipper Henry and Ireland captain Robbie Keane, had turned to the French Football Federation. Click to continue reading...

Morning, morning.

Well can I just say:

FUCK YOU INTERLULL. I HOPE YOU GET KNOCKED DOWN BY A BUS. THEN RAPED BY A BEAR. IN THE FACE.

Leaving aside the fact we've had no Arsenal for two weeks the hysteria over last night's handball by Thierry Henry has been ludicrous. The ire of Ireland fans I can fully understand but the vitriol levelled at Henry from some quarters has been way over the top.

Click to continue reading...

Or two, maybe.
I was unable to see today's Ireland-France match live due to work, but it was fascinating to see soccer writers and fans and the like posting away on Twitter and elsewhere after the goal that carried the French past Ireland and into the 2010 World Cup.
And I thought to myself - how bad could it have really been? Click to continue reading...

Quick World Cup qualifier coverage update: If you're watching Ireland vs. France, we have options for partisans on either side, depending on whether you like your coverage with a Gallic accent or a Gaelic one. Our Ireland blog will be doing a liveblog right here (France fans welcome), and our France blog will be hosting an open thread, where you leave your thoughts in the comments.

Click to continue reading...

Ireland play France in the World Cup play-offs this week with many commentators already writing off their chances of making it to South Africa next summer. However, here are 5 reasons why Republic of Ireland fans can still dream about World Cup 2010 despite being drawn against a team that has already been seeded twice.

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Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has left Steve Finnan, Steven Reid, Andy Reid and Clinton Morrison out of his squad to face France in their World Cup 2010 qualifying play-off.
It had been rumoured that Finnan would be included to address issues with cover in defence. Click to continue reading...

The ‘Going Green On November 14' campaign continues to gather pace with radio interviews, email campaigns, a Facebook group and Twitter pages all being used to publicise and create a momentum within the whole island for the upcoming World cup play-off game with France on November 14th. Click to continue reading...

The French Football Federation (FFF) have struck a blow to hopes of Ireland fans after restricting the away side's allocation to 8000 for the second leg of the World Cup play-off in the Stade de France.
The French are running scared of a potential Irish invasion of Paris.In 2004 Ireland were backed by a 30,000 strong support as they held France to a 0-0 draw in a World Cup qualifier in Paris. Click to continue reading...