Who was the first non-white footballer to play for Ireland?

**Drumcondra 69er** · 12/01/2009, 9:48 AM

Originally Posted by Noelys Guitar

Chris Hughton Ireland v USA at Dalymount on St Patrick's day 1979?. Great match. Ireland 2-0 down. Came back and won 3-2. Johnny Giles was manager. Giles had an excellent relationship with Black players in England when racism was mainstream in the 70's. Cyril Regis and Laurie Cunningham commended Giles for his treatment of Black players in England during Giles time as manager of West Brom.

First Ireland game I was ever brought to, can remember sitting on my Da's shoulders in the Connaught St stand under the King Crsips advertising board loving every minute of it!

Giles would have played with the first black player to play in a Cup final, Albert Johansson at Leeds when it were very rare to see in English football.

**Dodge** · 12/01/2009, 9:53 AM

Hughton was the first. There was a black player for Scotalnd in the 1890s, maybe thats what Pineapple stu heard

At senior level, there still hasn't been a non-white player born in Ireland. Obviously McGrath and Fleming were brought up here

**Sheridan** · 12/01/2009, 10:15 AM

On the subject of minority representation, bonus points for anyone who can name the Lithuanian Jew who played football and cricket for Ireland.

**pineapple stu** · 12/01/2009, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by Crosby87

But seriously the answer is the thin lizzy guy, right? I mean didint Phil play a half when he was 18 for the U-18s? Pretty sure he did. and he scored.

That's the common answer to the first black person to play at Wembley.

**Dodge** · 12/01/2009, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by Sheridan

On the subject of minority representation, bonus points for anyone who can name the Lithuanian Jew who played football and cricket for Ireland.

Not sure if he's russian born but its this guy, isn't it?

Originally Posted by JR_Ewing

Louis Bookman (russian-born) is probably worth a mention here - looks a bit tanned in the old sepia-toned pics but then they all kind of did

**Sheridan** · 12/01/2009, 10:47 AM

Yeah, serves me right for not reading the whole thread. He was born in Lithuania and changed his name from Buchalter.

**EalingGreen** · 12/01/2009, 1:12 PM

Originally Posted by Sheridan

Yeah, serves me right for not reading the whole thread. He was born in Lithuania and changed his name from Buchalter.

Certainly an interesting and talented individual:
http://nifootball.blogspot.com/2006/...s-bookman.html

I often have cause to refer to the above excellent Blog, and would always rely on JCD on such matters, since he is extremely fastidious in his research.

**Mcgeady46** · 12/01/2009, 1:26 PM

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

McGrath must have been captain at some stage?

Was captain for a friendly once towards the end of his time wit Ireland - cant remember who it was against

**gspain** · 12/01/2009, 2:33 PM

Louis Bookman used to advertise on the front of the Shelbourne programme.

See this one currently on ebay as an example.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1940-IRISH-FOO...QQcmdZViewItem

**third policeman** · 12/01/2009, 2:51 PM

Not perhaps the most PC of exercises but we could field a quite useful 11 of black players who have represented us at under 21 and above level

Randolph

C.Hughton
Babb
Fleming
Phelan

H.Hughton (at least one B cap, but I am sure therer's someone better)
McGrath
Reid
Scannell

Morrison
Goodman

**third policeman** · 12/01/2009, 2:52 PM

Originally Posted by third policeman

Not perhaps the most PC of exercises but we could field a quite useful 11 of black players who have represented us at under 21 and above level

Randolph

C.Hughton
Babb
Fleming
Phelan

H.Hughton (at least one B cap, but I am sure therer's someone better)
McGrath
Reid
Scannell

Morrison
Goodman

Forgot about Folan, but there again so has Phil Brown.

**pineapple stu** · 12/01/2009, 2:52 PM

Didn't think Randolph was black?

Nor was Goodman; you're mixing Jon and Don, I think.

**Bluebeard** · 12/01/2009, 2:54 PM

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Didn't think Randolph was black?

Nor was Goodman; you're mixing Jon and Don, I think.

Didn;t think Goodman was useful either...

**pineapple stu** · 12/01/2009, 2:55 PM

Bit harsh! Scored in the Macedonia defeat. One goal in seven part appearances isn't too bad.

**monutdfc** · 12/01/2009, 3:26 PM

First coloured player to win a senior international cap was

....
wait for it...

...

Willy Brown, 1937
http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=c...k=view&id=3657

**Drumcondra 69er** · 12/01/2009, 3:31 PM

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Bit harsh! Scored in the Macedonia defeat. One goal in seven part appearances isn't too bad.

Goodman was alright, only played 4 games though. Got knackered by injuries.

Certainly wasn't black though! But Randolph is, think his Dad was an American basketball player who settled over here.