It was the summer of 1994, and the Republic of Ireland were preparing for their first appearance at the World Cup. Despite missing out on the previous Euro tournament, the team had high hopes of making their mark on the global stage.
 
The qualifying rounds had been tough, with Spain and Northern Ireland among the teams in their group. But the Republic had managed to finish above European champions Denmark, just edging them out on goals scored. The team was on a high and full of confidence heading into the World Cup.
 
Their first match was against Italy, who had finished third in the previous World Cup. The game was played at Giants Stadium, just outside New York City, and the Irish fans had turned out in force to support their team. The match was tense and closely fought, but a goal from Irish striker Ray Houghton was enough to secure a famous 1-0 victory.
 
Next up was a match against Mexico in the heat and humidity of Orlando, Florida. The conditions were tough for the Irish team, and despite a valiant effort, they ended up losing 2-1.
 
Their final group stage match was against Norway, again at Giants Stadium. The game was a tight affair, and despite some chances for both teams, it ended in a goalless draw. But it was enough for the Republic to progress to the second round of the tournament.
 
Their opponents in the second round were the Netherlands, a strong team that would prove to be a tough challenge for the Irish. The match was played once again in Orlando, and despite a spirited effort, the Republic eventually lost 2-0.
 
While they were disappointed not to progress further in the tournament, the Irish team had made their mark on the world stage and had shown their fans back home what they were capable of achieving. It was a moment that would go down in Irish football history and inspire future generations of players.
1994 FIFA World Cup squads
No.
Pos.
Player
Club
1
GK
Pat Bonner
Celtic
2
DF
Denis Irwin
Manchester United
3
DF
Terry Phelan
Manchester City
4
DF
Kevin Moran
Blackburn Rovers
5
DF
Paul McGrath
Aston Villa
6
MF
Roy Keane
Manchester United
7
MF
Andy Townsend (c)
Aston Villa
8
MF
Ray Houghton
Aston Villa
9
FW
John Aldridge
Tranmere Rovers
10
MF
John Sheridan
Sheffield Wednesday
11
DF
Steve Staunton
Aston Villa
12
DF
Gary Kelly
Leeds United
13
DF
Alan Kernaghan
Manchester City
14
DF
Phil Babb
Coventry City
15
FW
Tommy Coyne
Motherwell
16
FW
Tony Cascarino
Chelsea
17
FW
Eddie McGoldrick
Arsenal
18
MF
Ronnie Whelan
Liverpool
19
MF
Alan McLoughlin
Portsmouth
20
FW
David Kelly
Wolverhampton Wanderers
21
MF
Jason McAteer
Bolton Wanderers
22
GK
Alan Kelly
Sheffield United