I seem to remember that when Tim Cahill brought his challenge against the FIFA rules that saw him tied to Samoa, his original intention was to declare for Ireland, and was being actively encouraged to do so by Mick McCarthy.
From my recollection, i think it was in the months before the 2002 world cup when it was in the news.
Have i just imagined this???
He wuda been a great player for us to get. Forget bout kevin Nolan!