On This Day in the LOI – 26th April 26th April 1962: Jacko McDonagh was born on this day in Dublin. McDonagh started his career at Bohemians in 1979 where he spent three years, winning the PFAI Young Player of the Year in his final season at the cl
On This Day in the LOI – 26th April
26th April 1962: Jacko McDonagh was born on this day in Dublin. McDonagh started his career at Bohemians in 1979 where he spent three years, winning the PFAI Young Player of the Year in his final season at the club. He moved to Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers in 1982 and won the League championship title in two seasons with the club, 1983/84 & 1984/85. His form attracted the attentions of French club Nimes before he moved back to Ireland with Derry City in 1987 and later with KSV Waregem in Belgium. He made three appearances for the Republic of Ireland national team between 1983 and 1984, having made his debut in the record Irish win of 8-0 win over Malta at Dalymount Park.
On This Day in Irish Football - April 26th
26th April 1931: Over 100,000 supporters attended the Montjuic Stadium, Barcelona for the visit of Ireland as they faced Spain who had eight Catalans in their team. The match was preceded by an athletics exhibition and a rugby match between Barcelona and Paris teams. Paddy Moore, one of seven Irish debutants, scored in the 35th minute of the match with Angel Arocha of Barcelona equalising three minutes later. Arocha was also making his international debut and scored again on his only other international appearance in Dublin eight months later. Tom Farquharson saved a penalty from Gorostiza with ten minutes left to play.
26th April 1981: Thomas Butler was born on this day in Dublin. The former Swansea City, Hartlepool United, Dunfermline Athletic and Sunderland player made two appearances for the Republic of Ireland national side in 2002 against Finland and Switzerland under Mick McCarthy.
26th April 1989: It was one of the greatest nights in Irish football history at Lansdowne Road as Ireland secured a huge victory over Spain which went a long way to securing Ireland's FIFA 1990 World Cup Finals spot. Over 49,600 supporters were crammed into Lansdowne Road as Michel scored an own goal in the 15th minute to secure a 1-0 victory for Ireland.
26th April 1995: Jack Charlton's Republic of Ireland team secured an important EURO 1996 qualifying group victory over Portugal on this day. Steve Staunton (44) scored the only goal of the game, which Portugal goalkeeper Victor Baia palmed into the net, as Jeff Kenna made his debut in the 1-0 win at Lansdowne Road.
26th April 2000: The Republic of Ireland suffered a 1-0 defeat to Greece in a friendly match on this day. The match was significant for the five debutants who featured: Richard Dunne, Steve Finnan, Barry Quinn, Alan Mahon and Gary Doherty.
