Which was the first International you attended? [Archive] - Page 2

Mayo Red

29/11/2005, 10:22 PM

My first game was the 0-0 draw with Norway in Giants Stadium during the '94 World Cup which was enough for us to qualify for the knockout stages. Not much of note happened during the game except John Sheridan shaving the crossbar with a shot. Big Jack was banned from the dugout for that game aswell by those morons in FIFA, but when he came on to the pitch after the game we gave him a massive reception, brilliant.

jimbob117

29/11/2005, 10:36 PM

It was O'Learys testimonial, think it was 1992, vs Hungary. Lost 4 2 after going 2 up early on. most of the first team were replaced early on. legends like Phil Hardy got a run!

geysir

30/11/2005, 12:46 AM

Ireland V USSR 3-0 at Dalyer. Still the greatest game I have ever been to. Went sick from school with 3 others. I can remember some of the the crowd using ladders to get into the ground. It was 20 pence in for schoolboys. The Johnnys giant killers banner in the shed. The Givens hatrick. Mancini being sent off. Brady and Giles running amok. Magic stuff.
There were some hard men playing then for Ireland. Mancini in particular looked untamed. Even with the benefit of Rte's camerawork I still can't make sense out of that flare up. Was the Russian defender faking it, stretched out for over a minute or did Mancini really connect with a Tyson like power punch? How did the Russian goalkeeper not get sent off? Which one of them drew blood from Mancini?
I was behind that goal at the Phibsboro end, looking straight at it and still missed Mancini's punch.

Stuttgart88

30/11/2005, 8:07 AM

Ireland 3 France 2 in 1980 I think. I'm not sure I've been at better since.

Dodge

30/11/2005, 8:44 AM

Liam Brady's testimonial was my first game, I think it was in the early 90s. I remember nothing about the game really (score or opposition even!) except that I think Brady was taken off pretty early for some reason.
Finland. Think it was either 1989 or 1991. He was taken off early because Jack Charlton is a ****

The Sheliban

30/11/2005, 9:30 AM

Bizarrely, my first international was England v Holland at Wembley in about 72. Cruyff simply blew my mind that day.
Ten years later I think was my first Ireland game - at Dalyer, 2-0 up against the Dutch, Stapo rounded the keeper and fluffed a sitter that would have made it 3-0, the Dutch brought on a sub called Gullitt, and went on to win 3-2.

gspain

30/11/2005, 12:02 PM

Finland. Think it was either 1989 or 1991. He was taken off early because Jack Charlton is a ****

Brady was substituted before ht v West Germany in Sept 89. He subsequently played again v Finland in May 1990 in his testimonial.

magic moments

30/11/2005, 12:19 PM

First game was a freindly against Engalnd at wembley in March 1985 lost 2-1 brady scoring in the last few minutes went under Gary baileys legs i believe...:eek:

geysir

30/11/2005, 12:48 PM

Finland. Think it was either 1989 or 1991. He was taken off early because Jack Charlton is a ****
The game was arranged as a Brady Testimonial.
"BYE BYE BRADY! Liam Brady bowed out of football in this, Ireland's last home game before the World Cup. As arranged with Jack Charlton beforehand, Liam played for 25 minutes of the first half, before being replaced by Andy Townsend. And in those twenty five minutes, although he did nothing spectacular, he gave us a glimpse of the skill that has graced our international team for the last 16 years.
The end, when it came, was emotional. As Townsend started his up routine, a chant of "Leave him on, Leave him on, Leave him on" rang round the ground. That was not to be, with Brady signalling to the bench that he would abide by their decision - he was, after all, a guest in the team. He left, applauded by his team mates and the Finns, to a standing ovation from the 40,000 in Lansdowne, and the good wishes of the multitudes watching on TV.
After that it was back to the mundane task of warming up for the World Cup, and a mediocre job it was"

derek1111

30/11/2005, 1:08 PM

My first game was also jack charlton's first game ! 1986 versus Wales. 1-0 defeat and if memory serves I think Neville Southall broke his ankle on the not-so-carpet-like surface of Landsdownd Rd

NeilMcD

30/11/2005, 3:01 PM

Mine was Wales at home, Jack Charltons first game in charge. We lost 1-0 to an Ian Rush goal and Southal broke his ankle on the lovely turf at LR. I was also at the 1-1 draw against Uruguay too.

NeilMcD

30/11/2005, 3:01 PM

Damn I posted that up in Quick reply without looking at the previous post, pretty spook that.

Stuttgart88

30/11/2005, 3:14 PM

Aldo hit the post & missed a penno. He then took 20 games to score his first. I wonder how many he would have scored if he'd got off the mark in his first cap?

geysir

30/11/2005, 4:11 PM

"As long as we play the 'get it forward quickly' game we will not see the best of Aldridge. He is purely a goalpoacher." Giles 1987 after the home game against Belgium 0-0.

AidoM

30/11/2005, 6:43 PM

Poland at Dalymount, 1969 if I recall rightly.

Mine too and haven't missed any home game, competitive or friendly since :)

First away was France in 1978, I think, when O'Leary nearly had his leg broken with a horiffic over the top tackle:mad: We lost:(

onenilgameover

30/11/2005, 7:49 PM

Ireland V France Dallymount 1987/6 I picked up the programme recently...which was great....was it 0-0 I cant really remember. I was 8 at the time. Was also at the 1 0 victory against Brazil awhile later only 17,000 at that have programme for that too although bought after the event :)

Donegalcelt

30/11/2005, 9:23 PM

Brazil game was in May 87, while France 0-0 was February 1989 - Steve Staunton's debut and it was really cold!

pineapple stu

30/11/2005, 9:42 PM

France 0-0 was February 1989 - Steve Staunton's debut and it was really cold!
Andy Townsend's debut, not Stan's - Stan played in the 4-0 v. Tunisia in around September 1988.

Donegalcelt

30/11/2005, 9:50 PM

I stand corrected, cheers

onenilgameover

30/11/2005, 11:33 PM

Brazil game was in May 87, while France 0-0 was February 1989 - Steve Staunton's debut and it was really cold!

Ah so the Brazil game was me first game so...I thought the France match was before it. I remember the Brazil game better and it was in landsdowne and not dallymount which is maybe why i thought it was before it. Don't remember the France Match being cold but I remember that lad Bat's in goal. Remember him being class and having a class name Joel Bats I think it was.

Superhoops

01/12/2005, 12:06 AM

First away was France in 1978, I think, when O'Leary nearly had his leg broken with a horiffic over the top tackle:mad: We lost:(
You are older than you think! That game was played in November 1976 when we lost 2-0. Platini scored the first goal and Stapleton had a header ruled out for a dubious offside decision.

ramondo

01/12/2005, 1:10 AM

Against Romania - but this was a friendly at Landsdowne which we won 2-0, probably the first time we ever played them.

Don't remember who scored. It must have been '87 or '88. I'd just been to a job interview in Swords but had turned it down. This upset the owl fellah so much he couldn't enjoy the game. (How different my life would have been if I'd taken it.)

Anyway, I would have put money on the opposition for Brady's international testimonial being Sweden - but it must have been Finland if everyone agrees.

Superhoops

01/12/2005, 6:38 AM

Against Romania - but this was a friendly at Landsdowne which we won 2-0, probably the first time we ever played them.

Don't remember who scored. It must have been '87 or '88.
Played in March 1988, A goal in each half, Kevin Moran and David Kelly the scorers.

geysir

01/12/2005, 11:08 AM

First away was France in 1978, I think, when O'Leary nearly had his leg broken with a horiffic over the top tackle:mad: We lost:(
I remember some who made it to that '76 game saying there were some 5? thousand supporters at that game, no specific allocation, just scattered in pockets around the ground. For us at home watching on RTE, the picture went early in the game, left us with only a blank screen and the commentary.

OwlsFan

01/12/2005, 12:49 PM

I remember some who made it to that '76 game saying there were some 5? thousand supporters at that game, no specific allocation, just scattered in pockets around the ground. For us at home watching on RTE, the picture went early in the game, left us with only a blank screen and the commentary.

I was at that game. There wouldn't have been 5000 Irish at it. Maybe 2000. My first time out of Ireland and the usual disallowed goal. Have never seen it on a replay since but I was convinced at the time it was a good 'un.

There was a sizeable following away from home in those day even though there was no where like the publicity the team now gets on Tv and newspapers.

I always dreamt we'd make it some day to a final though and I'll never experience again the ecstasy of that Scotland win in Sofia. Money cannot buy that feeling, having faithfully followed the team in the wilderness for almost 20 years prior to that momentous day. Almost still brings a tear to my eye ;) I suppose that's why the likes of Keane in Saipan really hurt me and still does when I think of the agonies of previous campaigns trying to get to the WC Finals and here was our best player turning his back ona WC Final. Still can't believe it happened because as 4th seed now, it may be a long time before we're back.The current generation of supporters expect us to be there - the rest of us remember the barren years and pray they won't be back.

NY Hoop

01/12/2005, 2:30 PM

I always dreamt we'd make it some day to a final though and I'll never experience again the ecstasy of that Scotland win in Sofia. Money cannot buy that feeling, having faithfully followed the team in the wilderness for almost 20 years prior to that momentous day. Almost still brings a tear to my eye ;) I suppose that's why the likes of Keane in Saipan really hurt me and still does when I think of the agonies of previous campaigns trying to get to the WC Finals and here was our best player turning his back ona WC Final. Still can't believe it happened because as 4th seed now, it may be a long time before we're back.The current generation of supporters expect us to be there - the rest of us remember the barren years and pray they won't be back.

Although not as old as you:D my sentiments exactly.

KOH

Drumcondra Red

01/12/2005, 2:38 PM

Yeah, Bolivia - first game played under lights in Lansdowne.

What??? Schoolboy error!!! And you call yourself a UCD fan??? The first game under lights at Landsdowne Road was UCD vs. Liverpool!!! Lets all laugh at pineapple stu!!!!

EDIT: First game vs Norn Iron Italia 90 qualifier, 3-0!!!

OwlsFan

01/12/2005, 2:39 PM

NY Hoop

01/12/2005, 3:02 PM

Were you also a supporter of Rovers in the 1970s like me. The numerous FAI Cups in a row with Leech, O'Neill, Fulham etc etc and the great games against Waterford ? Do you remember the 3-0 Cup Final win over them with Dalymount bursting at the seams ?? Or are you a child of the 80s ?

The latter. But do remember being at the 3-0 Cup Final win in 87 though. Never though that our Cup would be on loan this long though:eek:

KOH

Dodge

01/12/2005, 3:11 PM

What??? Schoolboy error!!! And you call yourself a UCD fan??? The first game under lights at Landsdowne Road was UCD vs. Liverpool!!! Lets all laugh at pineapple stu!!
Thought it was a League XI v Liverpool? Almost sure it was...

joeSoap

01/12/2005, 3:13 PM

September 79, European Championship qualifer against Norn Iron. I was 12, me old man brought me. 0-0 draw, very poor game apparently but all I can remember was the tension in the crowds around the ground, and the subsequent rioting that went on afterwards. England topped the group I think, with Norn Iron second and us in third or fourth with Denmark.

JoeSemi

01/12/2005, 3:24 PM

The first one I can remember is Ireland-Egypt in Italia 90 when I was 7, but I'm almost sure I was at one of the qualifiers before that. The folks can't recall and I certainly can't. Being under the Palermo sun with thousands of Irish must have left an impression cause the game itself couldn't have.:)

Drumcondra Red

01/12/2005, 4:04 PM

Thought it was a League XI v Liverpool? Almost sure it was...

Possibly, but Jason Sherlock was playing, I remember that much, but pretty sure it was UCD! I'll go google it!

Nah can't find it, we'll go with UCD

Dodge

01/12/2005, 5:17 PM

Possibly, but Jason Sherlock was playing, I remember that much, but pretty sure it was UCD! I'll go google it!

Did it for you! (http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cache:QOGwb9Y94fkJ:www.wblsc.co.uk/4671/15060.html%3F*session*id*key*%3D*session*id*val*+l ansdowne+road+%22first+match%22+floodlights&hl=en)
Even has the programme cover...

Who are we laughing at again?

Schumi

01/12/2005, 5:32 PM

UCD v Liverpool was in 1995, after the Bolivia game mentioned earlier.

pineapple stu

01/12/2005, 6:25 PM

AidoM

02/12/2005, 12:13 AM

You are older than you think! That game was played in November 1976 when we lost 2-0. Platini scored the first goal and Stapleton had a header ruled out for a dubious offside decision.

I know what age I am:rolleyes: It's just the memory that's fading:confused:

sylvo

02/12/2005, 10:26 AM

Ireland v England away at Wembley in 85. Ireland playing in North London is almost like playing at home anyway. Was'nt allowed go when we played them in 79 at Wembley due to being to young.:(

Dotsy

02/12/2005, 2:37 PM

Now I'm confused...

First off - let's all laugh at Drumcondra Red!! :) UCD v. Liverpool was, as schumi pointed out, in 1995 - part of our centenary celebrations. We lost 3-1 - Terry Palmer equalised and went mental.

Dodge's link mentions first floodlight game, so not going to argue with that. What was the craic with the Bolivia game then - was certain I remembered something about the first game under lights or the first Ireland game under lights or 100th game in Lansdowne or something?

I am pretty sure it was the first Ireland game at LR played under floodlights. It is the first one under lights I remember been at. The only other friendlies I have ticket stubs for in 1994 before the WC were Russia in March and Czech Republic in June

CraftyToePoke

02/12/2005, 3:40 PM

v holland in the arena in 2000, 2-2 , keane and mcateer, we were right behind the goals for keanes opener.

Docboy

02/12/2005, 4:12 PM

Ireland v Spain, 26 April 1989. Won 1-0 through an own goal by Spanish defender Michel and we were on our way to Italy.!

onenilgameover

03/12/2005, 12:35 AM

Now both those last two are good first games....

CraftyToePoke

03/12/2005, 9:54 AM

Now both those last two are good first games....

why thank you.........but it gets beter,at the time i had just returned from a trip to the states,absolutely penniless and my 2 mates met me at schipol airport in amsterdam, and handed me, in this order: a beer, the deposit back from our old flat which i had forgotten all about, and a ticket to the game!!

during that 90 minutes of football, albeit briefly, i believe i was as happy as a man can be, and toasted.......nicely toasted.:ball: