The Irish team made its competitive debut at the 1924 Olympics and in the process they reached the quarter finals.
Between 1924 and 1936 the team competed as the Irish Free State and from then until 1950 the team was known as Ireland. After some confusion as the north of Ireland and the south were both called Ireland and the fact that players were playing for both sides FIFA intervened and after 1950 the team became known as the Republic of Ireland and this remains the case today.
After a troubled period in the 1960's, the Irish team regained respectability in the football world under the direction of Johhny Giles, only narrowly missing out on qualification for the 1978 World Cup.
Eoin Hand took the reigns for the 1982 World cup qualifications and again narrowly missed out this time on goal difference to France. Disappointing campaigns followed in 1984 and 1986 for the European Championships and World Cup respectively which ended his stint in charge.
The Republics greatest era came under the management of Jack Charlton 1986-1995, during his reign Ireland qualified for the 1988 European Championships in Germany, 1990 World Cup Finals in Italy and the USA 1994 World Cup. Not only did the Irish qualify but they left there mark on each championship they qualified for.
In the 1988 European Championships in Germany the Irish failed to advance from the Group stages but with only 8 teams in the competition Ireland finished a very respectable 5th. It also provided the Irish fans with the first but not the last great moment in Irish football. A 1-0 win against England with a Ray Houghton goal provided the Irish with their first memorable moment in a competitive championship.
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