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Author: Gary Spain

Limerick born, Dublin based fan of Limerick FC and the Republic of Ireland national team. Gary has a keen interest in football across the island of Ireland and worldwide. He is a contributor to the Republic of Ireland and Limerick FC programmes and to Northern Ireland Football magazine.
Play-offs hold the Euro 2020 qualification key for both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland

Play-offs hold the Euro 2020 qualification key for both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland

June 6, 2019 by Gary Spain

Gary Spain takes a look at the play-off permutations for both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland as qualification for Euro 2020 gets underway again.

UEFA Euro 2020 draw and the Irish problem

UEFA Euro 2020 draw and the Irish problem

December 1, 2018 by Gary Spain

Gary Spain ponders Ireland’s position as a UEFA Euro 2020 host ahead of this weekend’s draw for the qualifiers.

Football in Ireland and the GAA ban

Football in Ireland and the GAA ban

November 13, 2018 by Gary Spain

Gary Spain takes a look back at a period in Ireland’s history where the GAA’s rule 27 ban ruled heavy over football participation

Ireland v USA - O'Shea's last stand

Ireland v USA – O’Shea’s last stand

May 31, 2018 by Gary Spain

Gary Spain looks ahead to the Republic of Ireland’s friendly against the USA, which marks the last appearance in green for John O’Shea.

The Republic of Ireland's 'Phoney War' presents an opportunity for experimentation

The Republic of Ireland’s ‘Phoney War’ presents an opportunity for experimentation

March 28, 2018 by Gary Spain

Gary Spain discusses the international break from an Irish perspective and how experimentation is key before crucial Euro 2020 qualifiers.

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division 2018 Preview

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division 2018 Preview

February 15, 2018 by Gary Spain

Domestic football in Ireland returns this weekend, and Gary Spain offers up some predictions for the 2018 SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

Martin O'Neill looks to lead the Republic of Ireland to the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Martin O’Neill looks to lead the Republic of Ireland to the 2018 FIFA World Cup

September 1, 2017 by Gary Spain

Martin O’Neill faces into two crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers with Georgia and Serbia on the Republic of Ireland’s agenda.

Cork Hibernians - A brief history of a magical team

Cork Hibernians – A brief history of a magical team

May 29, 2017 by Gary Spain

Gary Spain discusses the all too short history of one of the most exciting teams ever to grace Irish football, Cork Hibernians.

European Dreams - The battle for fourth in the League of Ireland

European Dreams – The battle for fourth in the League of Ireland

May 22, 2017 by Gary Spain

Gary Spain discusses the financial implications that European football can have for League of Ireland clubs.

From 2018 UEFA's Group Stages will be a bridge too far for Europe's minnows

From 2018 UEFA’s Group Stages will be a bridge too far for Europe’s minnows

January 21, 2017 by Gary Spain

Gary Spain gives his thoughts on UEFA’s proposed new formats for European Competitions and the impact on smaller clubs.

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