Republic of Ireland's Greatest Footballers of All Time Revealed

Strategic Insights -

A survey of 1,000 Irish football supporters has crowned Roy Keane, Robbie Keane, and Paul McGrath as the greatest Republic of Ireland footballers of all time. Liam Brady and Shay Given also secured spots in the top five, with Pat Bonner claiming seventh position. Kevin Kilbane, known for his tireless commitment, was ranked just outside the top 20. The research was commissioned by Lottoland.ie, which highlighted the impressive talent and work ethic of Irish footballers, who have consistently gone toe-to-toe with the best in the world.

Key Takeaways:

  • Roy Keane, Robbie Keane, and Paul McGrath were ranked as the greatest Republic of Ireland footballers of all time.
  • Liam Brady and Shay Given secured spots in the top five, with Pat Bonner claiming seventh position.
  • Kevin Kilbane was ranked just outside the top 20 despite his tireless commitment.
  • 62% of respondents believed certain Irish players would have lifted the World Cup had they been born with a different nationality.
  • 49% credited natural ability and technical prowess as the most crucial factors in determining a "great" player.
  • 45% credited dedication and perseverance, whilst 25% prized loyalty to club or nation.
  • More than nine in 10 (93%) believed a truly exceptional player can excel even within a mediocre team.
  • 72% stated a player's collection of trophies isn't the finest indicator of greatness.
  • Evan Ferguson was considered the player with the greatest potential to become a legend of Irish men's football, followed by Caoimhin Kelleher, Nathan Collins, and Michael Obafemi.
  • Jack Charlton was selected as the manager who made the most significant impact on the Republic of Ireland men's national squad.
  • Italia '90 was the tournament supporters were most proud of their team's performance, as Charlton steered his squad to the quarter-finals.

Statistics:

  • 1,000 Irish football supporters participated in the survey.
  • 62% believed certain Irish players would have lifted the World Cup had they been born with a different nationality.
  • 49% credited natural ability and technical prowess as the most crucial factors in determining a "great" player.
  • 45% credited dedication and perseverance, whilst 25% prized loyalty to club or nation.
  • 93% believed a truly exceptional player can excel even within a mediocre team.
  • 72% stated a player's collection of trophies isn't the finest indicator of greatness.
  • 27% voted for Damien Duff in the top 10 greatest Irish footballers.
  • 26% voted for Denis Irwin in the top 10 greatest Irish footballers.
  • 48% recalled with disappointment Thierry Henry's obvious handball against Ireland in a World Cup playoff.
  • 49% believed a player's natural ability and technical prowess are most crucial when determining who constitutes a genuine "great".

Sources:

  • OnePoll.com
  • Lottoland.ie
  • Roy Keane, Robbie Keane, and Paul McGrath cited as the greatest Republic of Ireland footballers of all time (source: OnePoll.com)
  • Kevin Kilbane ranked just outside the top 20 (source: OnePoll.com)
  • 62% believed certain Irish players would have lifted the World Cup had they been born with a different nationality (source: OnePoll.com)
  • 49% credited natural ability and technical prowess as the most crucial factors in determining a "great" player (source: OnePoll.com)
  • Jack Charlton selected as the manager who made the most significant impact on the Republic of Ireland men's national squad (source: Lottoland.ie)