The FAI have announced that the 1924 Olympic Games match with Bulgaria is now recognised as Ireland’s first ever senior international.
Ireland took part at the 1924 Olympic Games for the first time as an independent nation. Where, five Athlone Town players played for Ireland in that competition.
However, these matches were initially considered senior international fixtures until FIFA re-classified the games as amateur matches in the 1960s.
Therefore, Ireland’s first senior international was recorded as the Irish Free State against Italy in June 1926.
However, in 1999, FIFA communicated to all respective associations who competed in the 1924 Olympic Games. That they can self-determine the reclassification of the matches.
Indeed the FAI board has decided; Ireland’s two Olympic Games matches in 1924 and two further friendlies that year are now recognised as Ireland’s first internationals.
The re-classification of these four matches in 1924 means the Ireland v Bulgaria match at Stade Olympique, Colombes, where Paddy Duncan scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win. Indeed, this game Is now formally recognised as Ireland’s first-ever international match. All historical records should now reflect the inclusion of the fixtures in 1924.
Indeed, the FAI will now recognise these matches formally at an event on Monday, May 27 and at the Ireland v Hungary match at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, June 4.
Whereas, the relatives of the 1924 players, who've been tracked down by the committee, to be invited to celebrate their forefather’s achievements.
Players relatives being sought
However, the organising committee have been unable to identify relatives of three members of the panel.
- Mick Farrell of St. James’ Gate
- Frank Collins of Jacobs
- Trainer Charlie Harris from Bohemian FC
“This is a huge day in the history of the Football Association of Ireland and a proud moment as we formally re-classify and recognise the achievements of the 1924 side," said FAI President Paul Cooke.
"This year’s Olympic Games in Paris marks our centenary, 100 years since Team Ireland was first represented on the international stage, also in Paris, in 1924," said Olympic Federation of Ireland CEO Peter Sherrard.
“Of the 48 athletes, artists, and poets who participated in 1924 for Team Ireland, it was our Olympian footballers who did so first, competing against Bulgaria on 28 May, 1924, and winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from Paddy Duncan of St James' Gate.
“This opening Game happened many weeks prior to the official opening of the Games on 5 July 1924 and had come following months of fundraising initiatives by the FAIFS to send the players to the Games, including proceeds from a match against Celtic and contributions from Bohemians, St James Gate, Athlone Town, Shelbourne, and Shamrock Rovers".
"The players who participated are forever recognised as Irish Olympians and deserve fully to be recognised as having participated in the FAI’s first international football match as well".
Ireland 1924 players and clubs
Athlone Town; John Joe Dykes, Frank Ghent, Dinny Hannon, Tommy Muldoon, Paddy O’Reilly. Bohemian FC; Ned Brooks, Bertie Kerr, Jack McCarthy, Johnny Murray, Christy Robinson, John Thomas. Brooklyn; Joe Kendrick, Tony Hunston. Jacobs; Frank Collins. St. James Gate; Charlie Dowdall, Paddy Duncan, Mick Farrell, Ernie MacKay, Tommy Murphy. Trainer; Charlie Harris (Bohemian FC).
