Dual Irish international footballers
Encyclopedia
Dual Irish international footballers are a group of Irish international footballers
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...

 who, between 1908 and March 1950, played for the international teams selected by both the (Northern) Irish Football Association and the Football Association of (the Republic of) Ireland
Football Association of Ireland
The Football Association of Ireland is the governing body for the sport of association football in the Republic of Ireland. It should not to be confused with the Irish Football Association , which is the organising body for the sport in Northern Ireland.For the full history, statistics and records...

. During this era at least 39 players represented both teams at a senior level.

Irish FA v FA of Ireland

Between 1884 and 1924, Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...

 was represented at football by a single national team
Ireland national football team (IFA)
The Ireland national football team represented Ireland at association football, it was organised by the Irish FA , and is the fourth oldest international team in the world. It mainly played in the British Home Championship against England, Scotland and Wales...

, selected by the Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...

-based Irish Football Association
Irish Football Association
The Irish Football Association is the organising body for association football in Northern Ireland, and was historically the governing body for Ireland...

. However in 1920, Ireland was partitioned
Partition of Ireland
The partition of Ireland was the division of the island of Ireland into two distinct territories, now Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland . Partition occurred when the British Parliament passed the Government of Ireland Act 1920...

 into Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...

 and Southern Ireland
Southern Ireland
Southern Ireland was a short-lived autonomous region of the United Kingdom established on 3 May 1921 and dissolved on 6 December 1922.Southern Ireland was established under the Government of Ireland Act 1920 together with its sister region, Northern Ireland...

. The latter eventually became the Irish Free State
Irish Free State
The Irish Free State was the state established as a Dominion on 6 December 1922 under the Anglo-Irish Treaty, signed by the British government and Irish representatives exactly twelve months beforehand...

 and then Republic of Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...

. Amid these political upheavals, a rival association, the Football Association of Ireland
Football Association of Ireland
The Football Association of Ireland is the governing body for the sport of association football in the Republic of Ireland. It should not to be confused with the Irish Football Association , which is the organising body for the sport in Northern Ireland.For the full history, statistics and records...

, was founded in Dublin and from 1924 it organised their own international team - the Irish Free State national football team. In subsequent years both the IFA and the FAI claimed jurisdiction over the whole of Ireland and selected players from the whole island. As a result between 1924 and 1950, there were in effect two Ireland national football teams chosen by the two rival associations.

Between 1928 and 1946 the IFA was not affiliated to FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...

 and the two teams co-existed, never competing in the same competition. The IFA XI
Ireland national football team (IFA)
The Ireland national football team represented Ireland at association football, it was organised by the Irish FA , and is the fourth oldest international team in the world. It mainly played in the British Home Championship against England, Scotland and Wales...

 played in the British Home Championship
British Home Championship
The British Home Championship was an annual football competition contested between the United Kingdom's four national teams, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from the 1883–84 season until the 1983–84...

 while the FAI XI competed in both the Olympic Games
Football at the Summer Olympics
Association football, usually known simply as football or soccer, has been included in every Olympiad except 1896 and 1932 as a men's competition sport. Women's football was added to the official programme in 1996.-Early history:...

 and the FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...

. Despite this, however, there were occasions when the teams fixtures clashed and this led to some players having to choose which team to play for. In April 1931 both Tom Farquharson
Tom Farquharson
Tom Farquharson was an Irish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Cardiff City F.C. between 1921 and 1934. A dual internationalist, he also played for both Ireland teams - - the FAI XI and the IFA XI. In 1927 Farquharson was a member of the Cardiff City team that became the only non-English...

 and Peter Kavanagh
Peter Kavanagh (Irish footballer)
Peter Kavanagh was an Irish footballer who played for, among others, Bohemians and Celtic. Kavanagh was a dual internationalist and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI. After leaving Celtic, Kavanagh had spells with several clubs before finishing his career with a works team...

 chose to play for the FAI XI against Spain
Spain national football team
The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...

 instead of playing for the IFA XI against Wales
Wales national football team
The Wales national football team represents Wales in international football. It is controlled by the Football Association of Wales , the governing body for football in Wales, and the third oldest national football association in the world. The team have only qualified for a major international...

. In November 1937 the roles were reversed when Tommy Breen
Tommy Breen
Tommy Breen is a former Irish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for, amongst others, Belfast Celtic, Manchester United, Linfield and Shamrock Rovers...

 chose to play for the IFA XI in a 1938 British Home Championship
1938 British Home Championship
The 1938 British Home Championship was a football tournament played between the British Home Nations during the 1937–38 season. The competition was won by England after they defeated Ireland and Wales in their opening games...

 game against Scotland
Scotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...

 on November 10 instead of playing for the FAI XI in a 1938 World Cup qualifier
1938 FIFA World Cup qualification
-Group 2:----Norway qualified.-Group 3:----Poland finished above Yugoslavia on goal average, and thus qualified.-Group 5:Switzerland qualified.-First round:----Greece qualified for the final round....

 against Norway
Norway national football team
The Norway national football team represents Norway in association football and is controlled by the Football Association of Norway, the governing body for football in Norway. Norway's home ground is Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo and their head coach is Egil Olsen...

 on November 7. In 1938 Bill Hayes
Bill Hayes (footballer)
William Edward "Bill" Hayes , commonly referred to as Bill Hayes or Billy Hayes, is a former Irish footballer who played for Huddersfield Town, Cork United and Burnley. As an international, Hayes played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...

 found himself in a similar position. He was called up by the FAI XI to play against Poland
Poland national football team
The Poland national football team represents Poland in association football and is controlled by the Polish Football Association, the governing body for football in Poland...

 on November 13. However he had also been called up by the IFA XI to play against England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...

 on November 16. Like Breen, he chose to withdraw from the FAI selection.

Fixtures played in close proximity also led to some unusual situations. In 1936 Jimmy Kelly
Jimmy Kelly (Irish footballer)
Jimmy Kelly was an Irish footballer who played for, among others, Derry City, Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk. Kelly was one of the most prolific goalscorers ever to play in the Irish League, scoring 218 goals in the league between 1928 and 1952...

 had the unique experience of playing for two winning Irish teams within a week. On March 11 he helped the IFA XI beat Wales
Wales national football team
The Wales national football team represents Wales in international football. It is controlled by the Football Association of Wales , the governing body for football in Wales, and the third oldest national football association in the world. The team have only qualified for a major international...

 3-2 at Celtic Park, Belfast. Then on March 17 he was on the winning side again as the FAI XI defeated Switzerland
Switzerland national football team
The Swiss national football team is the national football team of Switzerland...

 1-0 at Dalymount Park
Dalymount Park
Dalymount Park is an Irish football stadium situated on Dublin's Northside. It is the home of Bohemian F.C., who have played there since the early 20th century. Affectionately known as 'Dalyer' by fans, it was also historically the "home of Irish football" holding Irish internationals and FAI Cup...

. In September 1946 Johnny Carey
Johnny Carey
John Joseph "Johnny" Carey , also known as Jackie Carey, was an Irish footballer and manager. As a player Carey spent most of his career at Manchester United, where he was team captain from 1946 until he retired as a player in 1953...

 and Bill Gorman
Bill Gorman
William Charles Gorman , commonly referred to as Bill Gorman, is a former Irish footballer who played for, among others, Bury and Brentford. Gorman was a dual internationalist who also played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...

 actually played for both Ireland teams against England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...

 within three days of each other. On September 28, 1946 at Windsor Park
Windsor Park
Windsor Park is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland and the home ground of Linfield F.C. and the Northern Ireland national football team. It is also where the Irish Cup and Irish League Cup finals are played.-History:...

 they both played for the IFA XI in a 7-2 defeat. Then on September 30, 1946 at Dalymount Park they both played for the first ever FAI XI to play England. Despite a credible performance, the FAI XI lost 1-0.
Another unusual situation eventually led to the ending of the dual mandate. In 1950 both teams entered the World Cup
1950 FIFA World Cup qualification
-First round:Syria withdrew, and remaining match was not played.Turkey advanced to the Final Round.-Final round:Austria withdrew, so Turkey qualified automatically. But Turkey later also withdrew, and FIFA offered the place to Portugal, the runner-up of Group 6, but they declined...

. On March 8, 1950, in a qualifier against Wales
Wales national football team
The Wales national football team represents Wales in international football. It is controlled by the Football Association of Wales , the governing body for football in Wales, and the third oldest national football association in the world. The team have only qualified for a major international...

 at the Racecourse Ground
Racecourse Ground
The Glyndŵr University Racecourse Stadium AKA The Racecourse Ground is a stadium located in Wrexham, North Wales. It is the home of Wrexham F.C. and, since 2010, the Crusaders Rugby League team who play in the engage Super League...

, the IFA XI included four players - Tom Aherne
Tom Aherne
Thomas Aherne , also referred to as Bud Aherne, is a former Irish footballer and hurler. He played football for Belfast Celtic and Luton Town and was a dual internationalist, playing for both Ireland teams – the IFA XI and the FAI XI...

, Reg Ryan
Reg Ryan
Reginald Alphonso Ryan , also referred to as Paddy Ryan, is a former Irish footballer who played for West Bromwich Albion, Derby County and Coventry City. Ryan was also a dual international, playing for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI. He was the last player to represent both teams...

, Davy Walsh
Davy Walsh
David Joseph Walsh , commonly referred to as Davy Walsh or Dave Walsh, is a former Irish footballer who played as a centre forward for, among others, Linfield, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa. Walsh was a dual international and played for both Ireland teams – the FAI XI and the IFA XI...

 and the captain Con Martin
Con Martin
Cornelius Joseph Martin , commonly referred to as Con Martin, is a former Irish footballer. Martin initially played Gaelic football with Dublin before switching codes and embarking on a successful soccer career, playing for, among others, Drumcondra, Glentoran, Leeds United and Aston Villa...

 - who were born in the Irish Free State
Irish Free State
The Irish Free State was the state established as a Dominion on 6 December 1922 under the Anglo-Irish Treaty, signed by the British government and Irish representatives exactly twelve months beforehand...

. All four players had previously played for the FAI XI in their qualifiers and as a result had played for two different associations in the same FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...

 tournament. This led to FIFA intervention, after complaints from the FAI.

FIFA subsequently restricted players' eligibility based on the political border and in 1953 ruled neither team could be referred to as Ireland, decreeing that for future World Cups, the FAI team be officially designated as the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....

, while the IFA team was to become Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland national football team
The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international association football. Before 1921 all of Ireland was represented by a single side, the Ireland national football team, organised by the Irish Football Association...

.
.

The issue over international eligibility continues to be disputed between the two associations, highlighted in 2007 by the Darron Gibson
Darron Gibson
Darron Thomas Daniel Gibson is an Irish footballer who plays as a midfielder for Manchester United and the Republic of Ireland national team...

 case. Gibson, who was born in Derry
Derry
Derry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...

, opted to play for the Republic of Ireland instead of Northern Ireland. The issue was referred to FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...

 and has even been discussed in the Northern Ireland Assembly
Northern Ireland Assembly
The Northern Ireland Assembly is the devolved legislature of Northern Ireland. It has power to legislate in a wide range of areas that are not explicitly reserved to the Parliament of the United Kingdom, and to appoint the Northern Ireland Executive...

.

Free State dual internationals

The vast majority of the players involved were born in what is now the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...

 and were selected to play for the IFA XI. The earliest dual internationals - Dinny Hannon
Dinny Hannon
Denis J. Hannon , also known as Dinny Hannon or Dinney Hannon, was an Irish footballer who played as an inside-right for both Bohemians and Athlone Town. Hannon was also a dual international and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI. He was the first player ever to do this...

, Bill Lacey, Patsy Gallacher
Patsy Gallacher
Patsy Gallagher was an Irish footballer, playing in the wing right position, and most noted for his career at Celtic.-Early life:...

, Mick O'Brien, Tom Farquharson
Tom Farquharson
Tom Farquharson was an Irish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Cardiff City F.C. between 1921 and 1934. A dual internationalist, he also played for both Ireland teams - - the FAI XI and the IFA XI. In 1927 Farquharson was a member of the Cardiff City team that became the only non-English...

, Frank Collins and Ed Brookes
Ed Brookes
Edward A. Brooks , also known as Ed Brooks or Ned Brooks, was an Irish footballer who played as centre-forward or inside-left for, among others, Shelbourne, Bohemians, Stockport County and Athlone Town...

 - all initially represented the IFA XI before the FAI began organising a team. After 1924 they all went onto played for the FAI XI.

Dinny Hannon
Dinny Hannon
Denis J. Hannon , also known as Dinny Hannon or Dinney Hannon, was an Irish footballer who played as an inside-right for both Bohemians and Athlone Town. Hannon was also a dual international and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI. He was the first player ever to do this...

 became the first ever dual Irish international in 1924 when he played for the Irish Free State at the 1924 Olympic Games
Ireland at the 1924 Summer Olympics
Ireland, then known as the Irish Free State, competed as an independent nation for the first time at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, France....

, playing against Bulgaria
Bulgaria national football team
The FIFA Bulgaria national football team is an association football team fielded by the Bulgarian Football Union, a member association of UEFA. The team's home ground is Vasil Levski in Sofia and Luboslav Penev is in charge manager after replacement of Lothar Matthäus...

 in their first ever senior international on May 28.
He had previously made 6 appearances for the IFA XI between 1908 and 1913.
Name IFA XI
Ireland national football team (IFA)
The Ireland national football team represented Ireland at association football, it was organised by the Irish FA , and is the fourth oldest international team in the world. It mainly played in the British Home Championship against England, Scotland and Wales...

  FAI XI
YearsAppsGoals YearsAppsGoals
Dinny Hannon
Dinny Hannon
Denis J. Hannon , also known as Dinny Hannon or Dinney Hannon, was an Irish footballer who played as an inside-right for both Bohemians and Athlone Town. Hannon was also a dual international and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI. He was the first player ever to do this...

1908–1913 6 1 1924 2 0
Bill Lacey 1909–1924 23 3 1927–1930 3 1
Patsy Gallacher
Patsy Gallacher
Patsy Gallagher was an Irish footballer, playing in the wing right position, and most noted for his career at Celtic.-Early life:...

1919–1927 11 0 1931 1 0
Ed Brookes
Ed Brookes
Edward A. Brooks , also known as Ed Brooks or Ned Brooks, was an Irish footballer who played as centre-forward or inside-left for, among others, Shelbourne, Bohemians, Stockport County and Athlone Town...

1920 1 0 1924 1 3
Mick O'Brien 1921–1927 10 0 1927–1932 4 0
Frank Collins 1922 1 0 1924–1927 2 0
Tom Farquharson
Tom Farquharson
Tom Farquharson was an Irish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Cardiff City F.C. between 1921 and 1934. A dual internationalist, he also played for both Ireland teams - - the FAI XI and the IFA XI. In 1927 Farquharson was a member of the Cardiff City team that became the only non-English...

1923–1925 7 0 1929–1931 4 0
Christy Martin
Christy Martin (footballer)
Christy Martin is a former Irish footballer who played in the Scottish League with both Bo'ness and Falkirk. Martin was also a dual international and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI.-Club career:...

1925 1 0 1927 1 0
Jimmy Dunne
Jimmy Dunne
James Dunne , commonly referred to as Jimmy Dunne, was an Irish footballer who played for, among others, Shamrock Rovers, Sheffield United, Arsenal and Southampton...

1928–1932 7 4 1930–1939 15 13
Harry Duggan
Harry Duggan (footballer)
Henry Anthony Duggan , commonly referred to as Harry Duggan, is a former Irish footballer. Described as a talented and speedy right winger, he played for both Leeds United and Newport County...

1929–1935 8 0 1927–1937 5 1
Peter Kavanagh
Peter Kavanagh (Irish footballer)
Peter Kavanagh was an Irish footballer who played for, among others, Bohemians and Celtic. Kavanagh was a dual internationalist and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI. After leaving Celtic, Kavanagh had spells with several clubs before finishing his career with a works team...

1929 1 0 1931 2 0
Jimmy Kelly
Jimmy Kelly (Irish footballer)
Jimmy Kelly was an Irish footballer who played for, among others, Derry City, Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk. Kelly was one of the most prolific goalscorers ever to play in the Irish League, scoring 218 goals in the league between 1928 and 1952...

1931–1936 11 4 1932–1936 5 2
Alex Stevenson
Alex Stevenson
Alexander Ernest Stevenson was an Irish footballer who played for Rangers and Everton, amongst other teams. As an international, Stevenson also played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...

1933–1947 19 5 1932–1948 7 0
Paddy Moore
Paddy Moore
Paddy Moore was an Irish footballer who played for, among others, Shamrock Rovers and Aberdeen. Moore was a dual internationalist and played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI.In February 1934 Moore scored four goals for the FAI XI in a World Cup qualifier against Belgium...

1932 1 0 1931–1936 9 7
Tommy Breen
Tommy Breen
Tommy Breen is a former Irish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for, amongst others, Belfast Celtic, Manchester United, Linfield and Shamrock Rovers...

1935–1946 13 0 1937–1947 5 0
Tom Davis
Tom Davis (footballer)
Thomas Lawrence Davis , commonly referred to as Tom Davis and Tommy Davis, is a former Irish association footballer who played as a centre forward for several clubs in the League of Ireland and the English Football League...

1936 1 1 1936–1938 4 4
Kevin O'Flanagan
Kevin O'Flanagan
Kevin Patrick O'Flanagan , also referred to as Dr. Kevin O'Flanagan, is a former Irish sportsman, physician and sports administrator. An outstanding all-rounder, he represented his country at both soccer and rugby union...

1946 2 0 1937–1947 10 3
Johnny Carey
Johnny Carey
John Joseph "Johnny" Carey , also known as Jackie Carey, was an Irish footballer and manager. As a player Carey spent most of his career at Manchester United, where he was team captain from 1946 until he retired as a player in 1953...

1946–1949 9 0 1937–1952 27 3
Owen Madden
Owen Madden (footballer)
Owen Madden was an Irish footballer who played as a forward in the League of Ireland and the English League. Madden was a dual international and played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI.- Club career :...

1937 1 0 1936 1 1
Bill Hayes
Bill Hayes (footballer)
William Edward "Bill" Hayes , commonly referred to as Bill Hayes or Billy Hayes, is a former Irish footballer who played for Huddersfield Town, Cork United and Burnley. As an international, Hayes played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...

1937–1938 4 0 1946–1947 2 0
Bill Gorman
Bill Gorman
William Charles Gorman , commonly referred to as Bill Gorman, is a former Irish footballer who played for, among others, Bury and Brentford. Gorman was a dual internationalist who also played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...

1946–1948 4 0 1936–1947 13 0
Paddy Farrell
Paddy Farrell
Paddy Farrell is a former Irish footballer who played for Bohemians and Hibernian during the 1930s. He was born in Athlone, Ireland. As an international he also played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...

1938 1 0 1937 2 0
Matt O'Mahoney
Matt O'Mahoney
Matt O'Mahoney was an Irish footballer who played for, among others, Bristol Rovers and Ipswich Town. O'Mahoney was a dual international and played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI.-Early years:...

1938 1 0 1938–1939 6 0
Ned Weir
Ned Weir
Ned Weir was an Irish footballer who played for several clubs in the Scottish Football League. Weir was also a dual Irish international and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI...

1939 1 0 1939 3 0
Billy Walsh 1944–1948 6 0 1946–1950 9 0
Davy Walsh
Davy Walsh
David Joseph Walsh , commonly referred to as Davy Walsh or Dave Walsh, is a former Irish footballer who played as a centre forward for, among others, Linfield, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa. Walsh was a dual international and played for both Ireland teams – the FAI XI and the IFA XI...

1946–1950 11 7 1946–1953 20 5
Tom Aherne
Tom Aherne
Thomas Aherne , also referred to as Bud Aherne, is a former Irish footballer and hurler. He played football for Belfast Celtic and Luton Town and was a dual internationalist, playing for both Ireland teams – the IFA XI and the FAI XI...

1946–1950 6 0 1946–1953 16 0
Peter Farrell
Peter Farrell
Peter Desmond Farrell was an Irish footballer who played as an a right-half for, among others, Shamrock Rovers, Everton and Tranmere Rovers. As an international, Farrell also played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...

1946–1950 7 0 1946–1953 28 3
Tommy Eglington
Tommy Eglington
Thomas Joseph Eglington was an Irish footballer who played as an outside-left for, among others, Shamrock Rovers, Everton and Tranmere Rovers. Eglington was also a dual internationalist and played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI.Eglington’s playing career followed a similar...

1946–1948 6 0 1946–1953 24 2
Con Martin
Con Martin
Cornelius Joseph Martin , commonly referred to as Con Martin, is a former Irish footballer. Martin initially played Gaelic football with Dublin before switching codes and embarking on a successful soccer career, playing for, among others, Drumcondra, Glentoran, Leeds United and Aston Villa...

1946–1950 6 0 1946–1956 30 6
Jackie O'Driscoll
Jackie O'Driscoll
John Francis O'Driscoll , commonly referred to as Jackie O'Driscoll, is a former Irish footballer who played as a winger for several teams in the League of Ireland. He also played for Swansea Town...

1948–1949 3 0 1948–1949 3 0
Rory Keane
Rory Keane
Thomas Roderick "Rory" Keane , was an Irish footballer who spent most of his career at Swansea Town. A hard-tackling defender, he is still regarded as one of Swansea's greatest ever players. Keane was also a dual internationalist and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI...

1948 1 0 1948–1949 4 0
Reg Ryan
Reg Ryan
Reginald Alphonso Ryan , also referred to as Paddy Ryan, is a former Irish footballer who played for West Bromwich Albion, Derby County and Coventry City. Ryan was also a dual international, playing for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI. He was the last player to represent both teams...

1950 1 0 1946–1953 16 3

Northern Irish dual internationals

Between 1931 and 1946 at least six players from Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...

 also played for both teams. From 1924 until 1936, the FAI called their team the Irish Free State and generally just selected players who were born in what is now the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...

. However during this period at least one Northerner, Harry Chatton
Harry Chatton
James Harold "Harry" Chatton , commonly referred to as Harry Chatton, was an Irish footballer who played for several clubs in the Scottish League, the American Soccer League and the League of Ireland. Chatton was a dual internationalist and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI...

, also represented the FAI after having previously played for the IFA XI. On March 17, 1936 for the game against Switzerland
Switzerland national football team
The Swiss national football team is the national football team of Switzerland...

, the FAI referred to their team as Ireland for the first time and subsequently declared their intention to follow the IFA and select players from throughout the island. In 1937 the FAI’s case was strengthened after the introduction of the Constitution of Ireland
Constitution of Ireland
The Constitution of Ireland is the fundamental law of the Irish state. The constitution falls broadly within the liberal democratic tradition. It establishes an independent state based on a system of representative democracy and guarantees certain fundamental rights, along with a popularly elected...

, and in particular Articles 2 and 3
Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution of Ireland
Article 2 and Article 3 of the Constitution of Ireland were adopted with the constitution as a whole on 29 December 1937, but completely revised by means of the Nineteenth Amendment which took effect on 2 December 1999...

 which declared that the whole of Ireland formed one "national territory".

In 1936 and 1937 several Northerners including, Hugh Connolly
Hugh Connolly (footballer)
Hugh Connolly, born in Derry, Northern Ireland is a former footballer who played for Cork F.C. and the Irish Free State during the 1930s.-Ireland international:...

, Davy Jordan
Davy Jordan
Davy Jordan is a former footballer who played for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Ireland during the 1930s. He also played for Glentoran, Hull City and Crystal Palace.-Club career:...

, John Feenan
John Feenan
John Feenan , also referred to as Johnny Feenan, is a former Northern Irish footballer who played for Belfast Celtic, Sunderland and Shelbourne. As an international he also played for Ireland. In the 1940s he served as manager of Shelbourne...

, Mick Hoy
Mick Hoy (footballer)
Mick Hoy is a former Irish footballer who played for Glenavon, Dundalk and Ireland. During the 1950s Hoy returned to his local club, Tandragee Rovers, where he worked as a coach with the senior and youth teams.-Irish international:...

, Tommy Donnelly
Tommy Donnelly (footballer)
Tommy Donnelly is a former Irish footballer who played for Drumcondra, Shamrock Rovers and Ireland.When Donnelly played as an international there were, in effect, two Ireland teams, chosen by two rival associations...

  and Jackie Brown
Jackie Brown (footballer)
Jackie Brown , also referred to as Johnny Brown or John Brown, was a dual internationalist who played football for both Ireland teams – the IFA XI and FAI XI...

 all played for the FAI XI. However of these only Brown ever player for the IFA XI and became a dual international. In June 1946 when the FAI XI toured the Iberian Peninsula
Iberian Peninsula
The Iberian Peninsula , sometimes called Iberia, is located in the extreme southwest of Europe and includes the modern-day sovereign states of Spain, Portugal and Andorra, as well as the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar...

 the squad included four Northern Irish players - Billy McMillan
Billy McMillan
William McMillan , commonly referred to as Billy McMillan, was an Irish footballer who played for Belfast Celtic and Ballymena United...

, Jackie Vernon
Jackie Vernon (footballer)
John Joseph Vernon also referred to as Jackie Vernon, is a former Irish footballer who played for, amongst others, Belfast Celtic and West Bromwich Albion. Vernon was a dual international and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI...

, Jimmy McAlinden
Jimmy McAlinden
Jimmy McAlinden was an Irish footballer who played as a forward for several clubs, most notably, Belfast Celtic, Portsmouth, Shamrock Rovers and Southend United. As an international, McAlinden also played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI...

 and Paddy Sloan
Paddy Sloan
Joshua Walter "Paddy" Sloan was an Irish footballer and manager. His widely travelled career took Sloan to twenty different clubs in five different countries, including Northern Ireland, England, Italy, Malta and Australia. As a player, his clubs included Manchester United, Arsenal and Milan...

 - all of whom had previously played for the IFA XI. Sloan earned the FAI XI a surprise victory when he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win against Spain
Spain national football team
The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...

.
Name IFA XI
Ireland national football team (IFA)
The Ireland national football team represented Ireland at association football, it was organised by the Irish FA , and is the fourth oldest international team in the world. It mainly played in the British Home Championship against England, Scotland and Wales...

  FAI XI
YearsAppsGoals YearsAppsGoals
Harry Chatton
Harry Chatton
James Harold "Harry" Chatton , commonly referred to as Harry Chatton, was an Irish footballer who played for several clubs in the Scottish League, the American Soccer League and the League of Ireland. Chatton was a dual internationalist and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI...

1924–1925 3 0 1931–1934 3 0
Jackie Brown
Jackie Brown (footballer)
Jackie Brown , also referred to as Johnny Brown or John Brown, was a dual internationalist who played football for both Ireland teams – the IFA XI and FAI XI...

1935–1939 10 1 1937 2 1
Jimmy McAlinden
Jimmy McAlinden
Jimmy McAlinden was an Irish footballer who played as a forward for several clubs, most notably, Belfast Celtic, Portsmouth, Shamrock Rovers and Southend United. As an international, McAlinden also played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI...

1937–1948 5 0 1946 2 0
Billy McMillan
Billy McMillan
William McMillan , commonly referred to as Billy McMillan, was an Irish footballer who played for Belfast Celtic and Ballymena United...

1944–1946 4 0 1946 2 0
Jackie Vernon
Jackie Vernon (footballer)
John Joseph Vernon also referred to as Jackie Vernon, is a former Irish footballer who played for, amongst others, Belfast Celtic and West Bromwich Albion. Vernon was a dual international and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI...

1944–1951 21 0 1946 2 0
Paddy Sloan
Paddy Sloan
Joshua Walter "Paddy" Sloan was an Irish footballer and manager. His widely travelled career took Sloan to twenty different clubs in five different countries, including Northern Ireland, England, Italy, Malta and Australia. As a player, his clubs included Manchester United, Arsenal and Milan...

1945–1947 3 1 1946 2 1

Amateur internationals

In addition to full internationals, a number of FAI XI internationals also represented the IFA XI at amateur level. In 1931 Fred Horlacher
Fred Horlacher
Fred Horlacher was an Irish footballer who played for Bohemians in the League of Ireland during the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. As an international Horlacher represented both Ireland teams. He played as a senior for the FAI XI and as an amateur for the IFA XI...

 and Jimmy Bermingham
Jimmy Bermingham
Jimmy Bermingham was an Irish soccer player during the 1920s and 1930s.Bermingham was an outside right during this era in the League of Ireland and was part of the Bohemians team of 1927/28 who won every trophy on offer that season - League of Ireland, FAI Cup, Shield and Leinster Senior Cup...

 both played for an IFA Amateur XI in a 3-1 win against England Amateurs
England national amateur football team
The England national amateur football team was the amateur representative team for England at football. It was formed in 1906, due to the growth of the professional game which meant that amateur players could no longer easily find places in the main England national team.-First match and unbeaten...

. They played against the wishes of the FAI and were subsequently suspended by the association for three months. Bermingham, who had made his only FAI appearance in 1929, was never capped again, but Horlacher became a regular international during the 1930s
Name IFA Amateur XI
Ireland national football team (IFA)
The Ireland national football team represented Ireland at association football, it was organised by the Irish FA , and is the fourth oldest international team in the world. It mainly played in the British Home Championship against England, Scotland and Wales...

  FAI XI
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....

YearsAppsGoals YearsAppsGoals
Jack McCarthy
Jack McCarthy (footballer)
Jack McCarthy was a former Irish footballer who played for Bohemians in the League of Ireland during the 1920s and 1930s. As an international McCarthy also represented both Ireland teams. He played as a senior for the FAI XI and as an amateur for the IFA XI...

1921 2 0 1924–1930 6 0
Fred Horlacher
Fred Horlacher
Fred Horlacher was an Irish footballer who played for Bohemians in the League of Ireland during the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. As an international Horlacher represented both Ireland teams. He played as a senior for the FAI XI and as an amateur for the IFA XI...

1931 1 ? 1930–1936 7 2
Jimmy Bermingham
Jimmy Bermingham
Jimmy Bermingham was an Irish soccer player during the 1920s and 1930s.Bermingham was an outside right during this era in the League of Ireland and was part of the Bohemians team of 1927/28 who won every trophy on offer that season - League of Ireland, FAI Cup, Shield and Leinster Senior Cup...

1931 1 ? 1929 1 0

After 1950

Since 1950 no Irish footballer has played for both the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....

 and Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland national football team
The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international association football. Before 1921 all of Ireland was represented by a single side, the Ireland national football team, organised by the Irish Football Association...

 at senior level. However both Alan Kernaghan
Alan Kernaghan
Alan Kernaghan is an Irish former footballer. Since retiring he has become a coach and manager. Since January 2007 he has been a youth coach at Rangers....

 and Darron Gibson
Darron Gibson
Darron Thomas Daniel Gibson is an Irish footballer who plays as a midfielder for Manchester United and the Republic of Ireland national team...

 were capped as schoolboy internationals for Northern Ireland before going onto represent the Republic at senior level. In addition Tony Kane
Tony Kane
Anthony Michael 'Tony' Kane is a Northern Irish footballer who plays for Ballymena United. As an international, Kane has played for both for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland at under-21 level.-Club career:...

 has represented both for the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team
The Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team, is the national under-21 football team of the Republic of Ireland and is controlled by the Football Association of Ireland and competes in the biennial European Under-21 Football Championship and has competed since 1978.-Competition...

 and Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland national under-21 football team
The Northern Ireland national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of Northern Ireland.-Former coaches:* To 20 August 2008.-2008/09 Matches:-Current squad:Squad to play San Marino.-Other Recent Call-Ups:...

 at under-21 level. Together with Michael O'Connor and Marc Wilson, Gibson and Kane are one of several Northern Irish footballers, involved in an ongoing dispute between the IFA and the FAI over international eligibility. The dispute emerged after the Good Friday Agreement allowed people born in Northern Ireland to claim either Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...

 and/or United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...

 nationality.
Name   Northern Ireland   Republic of Ireland
YearsAppsGoalsLevel YearsAppsGoalsLevel
Alan Kernaghan
Alan Kernaghan
Alan Kernaghan is an Irish former footballer. Since retiring he has become a coach and manager. Since January 2007 he has been a youth coach at Rangers....

19xx ? ? Schoolboy 1992–1996 22 1 Senior
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....

Darron Gibson
Darron Gibson
Darron Thomas Daniel Gibson is an Irish footballer who plays as a midfielder for Manchester United and the Republic of Ireland national team...

2xxx ? ? Schoolboy 2007 2 0 Senior
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....

Tony Kane
Tony Kane
Anthony Michael 'Tony' Kane is a Northern Irish footballer who plays for Ballymena United. As an international, Kane has played for both for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland at under-21 level.-Club career:...

2007–2008 5 0 U21
Northern Ireland national under-21 football team
The Northern Ireland national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of Northern Ireland.-Former coaches:* To 20 August 2008.-2008/09 Matches:-Current squad:Squad to play San Marino.-Other Recent Call-Ups:...

2006–2007 5 0 U21
Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team
The Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team, is the national under-21 football team of the Republic of Ireland and is controlled by the Football Association of Ireland and competes in the biennial European Under-21 Football Championship and has competed since 1978.-Competition...

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