Northern Ireland v Hungary (29/03/2022)

Two of the team, however, were working men: David Rattray of Avoniel, a shipyard worker, and Distillery’s Sam Johnston, a blacksmith, represented the future working class character of football in Ireland. Johnston, believed to have been only 15 years of age, remains the youngest ever person to represent Ireland or Northern Ireland. The match kicked off at 2.45pm in very unpleasant conditions but nonetheless attracted a “large attendance”. Wind, rain and hail continued for the first 15 minutes before abating. Within that time England – wearing white jerseys with the FA badge embroidered on the left breast – had scored three times, the first after only three minutes. The improvement in the weather seemed to assist the Irish team a little: they managed some forays into English territory via the wings, and reduced the scoring rate so that England only managed another two goals before half-time. In the second half, however, matters only got worse and another eight goals were conceded as the English forwards “dribbled and passed in a specially clever manner” and the Irish defence became demoralised. The speed of the English forwards drew particular praise from the local reporter. And so it finished

13-0, the Aston Villa forwards Howard Vaughton and Arthur Brown scoring five goals and four goals respectively. Of course, it was never expected that the Irish team, made up of relative novices, could seriously challenge the England team, but the magnitude of the defeat must have been dispiriting. While the backs, and in particular the goalkeeper, were criticised, there was some praise for the forward play of Knock’s Billy McWha and Cliftonville’s Jack Davison on the right wing. Of the defenders, Rattray was considered to have done best and appears to have prevented an even greater score by clearing the ball from the goal-line on more than one occasion. A week later, the Irish team travelled to Wrexham to play Wales. Another heavy defeat ensued, but the 7-1 loss was compensated by the first ever Irish goal, scored by Sam Johnston. It was an inauspicious start to international football, but nonetheless Ireland now had its own team and the only way was up. Martin Moore is a football historian who has written a number of articles on early Irish football, published in academic journals and newspapers.

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