Ranking the 10 most important goals in Irish football history

Tony Cuddihy

Robbie Brady makes Irish football history

It’s a year to the day since we screamed ourselves hoarse. This was Irish football history.

22 June 2016. Le Stade Pierre-Mauroy, near Lille. Robbie Brady heads Wes Hoolahan’s lofted cross past Salvatore Sirigu and the entire country of Ireland loses its shit.

We still have the goosebumps.

On the anniversary of one of THE greatest moments in the history of Irish sport, we rank the ten most important goals scored in the name of Irish international soccer. (Note: We’re judging these by sheer heart-stopping drama, not by aesthetics.)

10. Ronnie Whelan vs. USSR (Euro ’88)

Ireland’s first major tournament appearance in the then West Germany for Euro ’88, and arguably our greatest ever goal. Jack Charlton’s side would not make it out of the group stages but Whelan’s swinging volley from a Mick McCarthy long throw had us jumping out of our seats.

Clip via Chimpanzeethat

9. Ray Houghton v Italy (World Cup ’94)

The second most famous 1-0 win over Italy in Irish football history, and a famous strike from one of Ireland’s greatest wingers.

Enjoy this with some added, terrible American soccerball commentary.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXauYVy_dws

Clip via M

8. Shane Long v Germany (Euro 2016 qualifiers)

The goal, in itself, did not guarantee passage to France for the main event but it did afford Ireland the chance to get to the finals via the play-offs, where they would duly dispatch Bosnia & Herzegovina.

The best Route One goal in football history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceG7EUOjDGg

Clip via ShivDes357

7. Gary Mackay v Bulgaria (Euro ’88 qualifiers)

The goal that secured Ireland qualification to their first major finals, and it wasn’t even scored by an Irishman.

Scotland striker Gary Mackay could look forward to (presumably) a lifetime of free Guinness after scoring this winner against Bulgaria in Sofia.

Clip via FatherTed2006

6. Niall Quinn v The Netherlands (World Cup ’90)

It’s 27 years and one day since Niall Quinn went from just a gangly back-up to Tony Cascarino to a national treasure, his strike against the Netherlands cancelling out Ruud Gullit’s opener and sending Charlton’s men into a last sixteen clash (and famous victory on penalties) against Romania.

The look on Gullit’s face after the goal says it all. Magic.

Clip via Chimpanzeethat

5. Alan McLoughlin v Northern Ireland (World Cup ’94 qualifiers)

Windsor Park, Belfast, 17 November 1993.

Jimmy Quinn’s opener left Jack Charlton’s side on the brink of elimination before Alan McLoughlin popped up to score one of the sweetest strikes of that great era in Irish football. The Portsmouth midfielder’s goal meant that Ireland pipped Denmark to qualification for the World Cup in the United States by goals scored alone.

Clip via CuChoileain

4. Jason McAteer v The Netherlands (World Cup ’02 qualifiers)

The beginning of the end for Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy, and also the scene of Jason McAteer’s greatest moment as a professional footballer.

This strike against the Dutch secured a play-off for McCarthy’s side against Iran, and a place in Japan and South Korea was won.

Clip via Chimpanzeethat

3. Robbie Keane v Germany (World Cup ’02)

We. went. bonkers.

Clip via dinadangdong

2. Ray Houghton v England (Euro ’88)

The goal that started it all, and the only player to appear twice on this list. Ray Houghton’s looping header spawned parties, marriage proposals, the invasion of Dublin city centre and this.

All in all, it wasn’t a bad moment.