I think we should sing this in Germany for Gary Breen

**NeilMcD** · 09/08/2006, 10:32 AM

Irish fans no longer dreaming of a team of Gary Breens
Wednesday August 9th 2006
ADVERTISEMENT

IF you're looking to sum up the legacy of Gary Breen's Ireland career in one little vignette, then look no further than the comical internet video currently doing the rounds which features a group of Korean schoolkids being taught to sing 'We all dream of a team of Gary Breens'.

The chant, just like the man himself, was remarkably popular as he produced a series of flawless displays during Ireland's participation in the World Cup in Japan and Korea four years ago.

It originated from the ranks of Coventry supporters during the defender's time there and was adopted by Irish fans to recognise the novelty value of his displays in the green jersey during that period.

Even when he won the last of his 63 caps in May's friendly with Chile, Breen's introduction to the fray received something of a mixed reaction.

For both club and country, his performances have been characterised by a dramatic divergence between occasional glimpses of brilliance and seemingly needless individual errors.

Attaining consistency was always problem but when he lined up alongside Steve Staunton for Ireland's four games in the World Cup that will forever be associated with Saipan, Breen looked the most polished of performers.

It's a bizarre twist of fate that his retirement from international football should be mentioned in such a matter of fact fashion by his former colleague yesterday.

Maybe if Breen had made a different decision at that time it might have ended differently. He had put himself in the shop window with his performances as a free agent in Asia. There was talk that Parma and Inter Milan wanted him. Numerous Premiership clubs were also mentioned. He chose West Ham.

In the season that followed, the bad outweighed the good as the Hammers plummeted towards relegation. Mick McCarthy left the Irish job and Brian Kerr came in and while Breen started off as a regular, he was gradually phased out of the picture after being involved in the 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in Basel that put an end to Euro 2004 qualification hopes.

Unluckily for Breen, it was the competition he said Ireland could win in the Joe Duffy-led backslapping fest in the Phoenix Park that followed the return from Japan and Korea two years previously.

It looked likely that he would retire from his international commitments numerous times towards the final stages of Kerr's tenure. At club level, he had been re-united with Mick McCarthy at Sunderland but was released after their relegation last year before joining Wolves where, unsurprisingly, he again linked up with - you guessed it - McCarthy.

There's no doubt that the pair are close which is why it was surprising that Roy Keane listed Breen as one of the players who came to him in his hotel room after the final blow-out in Saipan. Then again, Maidstone-born Breen was always capable of the unpredictable.

He deserves to be remembered fondly. Unlike some players with English accents who have represented the Boys in Green, his commitment to the cause from childhood could never have been questioned.

With a father from Kerry and mother from Clare, he grew up aware of his Irishness. He wore a green shirt into his school in Highgate the day after Ray Houghton's header gave Ireland that famous win over England in Stuttgart in 1988.

He's a knowledgeable follower of the Kerry Gaelic football team and recalled watching images of the 'Bomber' Liston, Ogie Moran and Jack O'Shea growing up. His lasting regret may be missing out on the chance to play at Croke Park, something he had spoken about passionately.

While he steps to one side, the chant that remains so popular in Korea could one day make a re-appearance. A recent Irish U17 squad featured the name of Manchester City's Garry Breen. A different spelling of the Christian name but a centre-half by trade.

The fact remains that whether you loved him or loathed him, the original Breen will always be remembered. Better players have made less of an impression during their time in the green jersey.

Daniel McDonnell

**drinkfeckarse** · 09/08/2006, 1:03 PM

Good piece, one thing no-one could ever question is Breen's level of committment or his love of the Irish jersey.

**hoops1** · 09/08/2006, 1:15 PM

Or his lack of any recognisable talent

**eirebhoy** · 09/08/2006, 1:36 PM

I suppose I have to open a thread to thank the legend that is, Gary Breen! Not the most talented of footballers but he saved his best for the biggest tournament in the world, attracting interest from the likes of Inter and Barcelona (allegedly).

He's probably one of the most decent people to put on the green. He left it to Staunton to break the news of his retirement as he knows we're hardly going to be distraught about having to do without him for the Euro 2008 campaign.

Anyway, cheers Gary! You never gave anything but 100%. A final rendition of "a team of Gary Breens" next Wednesday? If we got the crowd to sing that it would send shivers down my spine as this time it wouldn't just be for the comedy value.

**Jerry The Saint** · 09/08/2006, 1:47 PM

Love this bit -

Originally Posted by NeilMcD

A recent Irish U17 squad featured the name of Manchester City's Garry Breen. A different spelling of the Christian name but a centre-half by trade.

Does anyone else think that this guy got his name changed to cash in on the song?

Shame they never got to play together

(alongside 9 other namesakes)

**CraftyToePoke** · 09/08/2006, 1:47 PM

indeed.....seconded

i'll never forget the tale of how then west ham manager Roeder had him up against the wall by the neck in pure frustration at his midweek Beckenbaueresque performance in green at a time when he could/would not run to warm himself in west ham colours

legend, i says.

**eirebhoy** · 09/08/2006, 2:10 PM

Didn't see this thread so I've merged mine in with it.

**drummerboy** · 09/08/2006, 2:45 PM

Genuine footballer, made the most of his talent.

**RogerMilla** · 09/08/2006, 2:49 PM

agreed , never let the green jersey down despite not exactly having massive abilty , Gary Breen best of luck in the future

**hoops1** · 09/08/2006, 3:02 PM

I dont get this fellas popularity
He got about 50 odd caps to many in my opinion
Giving everything for the green should be the min required and not something
to get excited about
I cant think of to many that havent given everything for the cause
Save your songs for someone who deserves it

**Dr. Ogba** · 09/08/2006, 3:10 PM

Agreed on all. Gazza Breen always gave his all when playing for us and have always been a fan of his due to that....but jaysus didn't he give us some hairy moments along the way

The goal against Saudi Arabia = pure class! Maybe ,after seeing that, Barca wanted him up front to partner Ronaldinho!

**tetsujin1979** · 09/08/2006, 4:00 PM

The next Garry Breen is playing for Man City's reserves tonight! I'll post a review in the Irish players in Britain thread later

**Beavis** · 09/08/2006, 4:20 PM

Is that Danny McConnell from the Indo?

Great piece, sums up the legend that is.

**tricky_colour** · 09/08/2006, 4:39 PM

Here is that video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ykp9m_zG6K8

And here a goal, there ore a few others on there
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH0gJcuUVeY

**theworm2345** · 09/08/2006, 4:59 PM

Originally Posted by NeilMcD

Irish fans no longer dreaming of a team of Gary Breens

I am, Ill be singing it in the pub (if anyone else knows it...it would be better)

**OwlsFan** · 11/08/2006, 7:25 AM

The article does make this sweeping statement though:

"Unlike some players with English accents who have represented the Boys in Green, his commitment to the cause from childhood could never have been questioned."

I was hard pushed to think of one - in fact I can't.

**NeilMcD** · 11/08/2006, 11:30 AM

"his commitment to the cause from childhood"

that is the key aspect to that quote and therefore you can add

Houghton
Townsend
Morrisson
Holland and many more

Childhood is the key word there.

**eighties mullet** · 11/08/2006, 11:46 AM

my mate fitzy made that video when he was teaching out in south korea, he stayed there for a year after the world cup,
for their christmas panto he taught them "were all part of jackies army" and "we didnt start the fire" aswell as the "team of gary breens", the parents are singing along an everything not havin a clue what its about its priceless!!
i'll get him to stick them all up on youtube

**shelbourne1904** · 11/08/2006, 11:48 AM

What about Tony Grealish.When he played for Ireland against England in Wembley it was his second time playing there.He had played Gaelic Football there for his local GAA club in England!!!!!Another great performer who grew into agreat player once he wore a green jersey.Was part of the Johnnie Giles West Brom Irish way back then.At the time they had the English internationall Laurie Cunningham,later of Real Madrid, playing and the lads called him Lovely Leitrim!!!