Arsenal has always had a special relationship with Ireland, from the legendary Liam Brady gracing the Highbury pitch to current star Katie McCabe leading the Gunners Women’s charge. This bond was celebrated in grand style over the weekend at the Emirates Stadium.
Irish legends David O’Leary, Liam Brady, Frank Stapleton and Niall Quinn joined forces with celebrity Arsenal fan Dermot O’Leary for an unforgettable event. Over 300 people gathered to reminisce, enjoy Irish music and culture, and raise funds for worthy causes. It was a chance to compare sign-up promotions for the Arsenal Foundation and London Irish Centre.
The connection runs deep. Liam Brady shared how he lived just a short walk from Highbury as a teenager, in the heart of the Irish community. By the end of the 70s, Arsenal boasted an Irish manager and seven Irish players in the first team. The kit man was a Dubliner too, of course.
A history of Irish Gunners
The Irish influence at Arsenal stretches back over a century. In the 1920s, Bill Seddon from Belfast was a key figure in Herbert Chapman’s revolutionary team. Fast forward to the 1970s and an influx of Irish talent transformed the club.
Liam Brady’s arrival in 1973 was a turning point. The silky midfielder from Dublin became an icon, his left foot casting spells over opposition defenses. He was soon joined by compatriots Frank Stapleton, David O’Leary, and John Devine.
The 1979 FA Cup final encapsulated this Irish era. Stapleton scored in a dramatic 3-2 win over Manchester United, the first of three Wembley triumphs for the Irish contingent. They remain cherished memories for Arsenal fans on both sides of the Irish Sea.
Euro 2024 looms for Irish Gunners
As the Women’s World Cup buzz still lingers, all eyes are on the men’s Euro 2024. Plenty of Arsenal stars are set to shine for their nations:
- Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice for England
- Oleksandr Zinchenko for Ukraine
- Kieran Tierney captaining Scotland
But it’s not all good news. Katie McCabe faces a potential 34,000 km round trip to Australia for an Arsenal exhibition match, just days before Ireland’s crucial qualifiers against Sweden. The scheduling clash affects other nations too, with Arsenal’s multinational squad.
Ireland manager Vera Pauw expressed her frustration at the situation. “It’s far from ideal preparation for such important games,” she said. “We’ll work with Katie and Arsenal to manage her workload, but it’s a challenge we could do without.”
Transfer talk never sleeps
Even in the midst of international action, the rumor mill keeps churning:
- Arsenal pursuing Pedro Neto as a versatile attacking option
- Atletico Madrid reject £34m Chelsea bid for Irish prospect Samu Omorodion
- Man United step up interest in Joshua Zirkzee despite agent demands
One deal already done is 15-year-old Northern Irish prodigy Ceadach O’Neill joining Arsenal’s academy. The Linfield midfielder caught the eye at a tournament in Brazil.
Arsenal’s scouting network in Ireland remains as strong as ever. They face stiff competition from rival clubs, but the lure of following in Brady and McCabe’s footsteps is a powerful one for young Irish talents.
Remembering a legend
Sadly, Arsenal are also mourning the loss of former striker Kevin Campbell at just 54. Campbell, a title winner with the Gunners and Everton hero, passed away after a short illness.
Arsenal paid tribute to the man adored by everyone at the club, as football once again showed its power to unite in grief as well as joy.
Campbell’s legacy lives on through his son Tyrese, a promising striker currently on loan at Everton from Stoke City. The Campbell family’s ties to Arsenal and Everton add an extra layer of poignancy to Kevin’s passing.
Irish culture in the spotlight
The Emirates event wasn’t just about football nostalgia. It was a celebration of Irish culture in all its forms, from music and dance to literature and art.
Acclaimed Irish author Roddy Doyle read extracts from his novel ‘A Star Called Henry’, set against the backdrop of Ireland’s struggle for independence. The book’s protagonist, Henry Smart, is an Arsenal fan – a detail that drew knowing laughs from the crowd.
Traditional Irish band The Fureys provided the soundtrack, their folk tunes getting toes tapping and hands clapping. Arsenal legend Perry Groves even joined them on stage for a rendition of ‘Molly Malone’, much to everyone’s delight.
Looking to the future
As the event drew to a close, thoughts turned to the future of Irish football and Arsenal’s role in nurturing the next generation.
The club’s academy has a long history of Irish talent, from Graham Barrett and Anthony Stokes to current prospects like Armstrong Okoflex and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji. With Brexit complicating transfers from Europe, Ireland could become an even more vital breeding ground for Arsenal.
There are also high hopes for the Irish women’s team, with Katie McCabe leading the way. Her Arsenal teammate Louise Quinn is another key figure, while up-and-coming stars like Isibeal Atkinson and Emily Whelan are ones to watch.
The FAI’s new strategic plan aims to grow the women’s game exponentially by 2025, with a target of 30,000 registered players. Arsenal’s commitment to women’s football, both in England and Ireland, could play a significant role in achieving that goal.
A bond that endures
The Irish spirit forever beats in the heart of Arsenal, from the past to the present and on into the future. The Emirates will always be a home away from home for the Arsenal family from the Emerald Isle.
As Liam Brady put it: “Arsenal and Ireland have a bond that goes beyond football. It’s about shared values, a shared love of the game, and a shared sense of community. That’s something to be cherished and nurtured.”
With exciting young talents, both Irish and from around the world, coming through the ranks, Arsenal’s future looks bright. The club’s Irish connection is sure to play a big part in the journey ahead.
Here’s to many more years of the green and white alongside the red and white, united in a passion for the beautiful game. Up the Gunners, and come on you boys in green!
