Irish football’s division more than ever looks an anachronism

Tipping point: Brexit crisis could represent a chance for some positive Irish sporting unity

 The Shamrock Rovers Ireland XI  that faced then world champions Brazil in a friendly international at Lansdowne Road in 1973. Brazil won 4-3. Photograph: Connolly Collection/Sportsfile

The Shamrock Rovers Ireland XI that faced then world champions Brazil in a friendly international at Lansdowne Road in 1973. Brazil won 4-3. Photograph: Connolly Collection/Sportsfile

There’s enough division about this Christmas to make season’s greetings of goodwill sound hollow. So with accord at a premium, and a New Year around the corner, how good a time is it for Irish soccer to grow up and unite.

Arguing for an All-Ireland football team is a crusty old trope. And wedging it into a Christmas context of peace and harmony risks mawkishness.  

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