Jackie's Army headed for Cork
A few decades might have passed, but we’re still all part of Jackie’s army, and who better to remind us than Après Match legend Barry Murphy.
On 16 March, the comedian will MC a night celebrating and reliving the magic of Italia ’90 at Cork Opera House.
John Aldridge, Andy Townsend, and Packie Bonner are just some of the icons of Irish football who will be Murphy on the stage.
Presented by Rebel Army Events, Italia ’90: An Evening With The Greatest Football Team marks 35 years since Ireland first qualified for the World Cup.
Barry Murphy is the latest name confirmed for the event and it will be his job to interview the former squad members. Some of the questions could “put ‘em under pressure” with David O’Leary recalling the penalty against Romania that had a nation holding its breath, and Kevin Sheedy reliving the ecstasy of his late equaliser against England and the agony of a pass that led to Ireland’s exit and handed Italy a place in the semi-final.
Captain Fantastic Mick McCarthy will lead out the star-studded squad, which includes Ronnie Whelan, Niall Quinn, Tony Cascarino, Ray Houghton, Kevin Moran and Steve Staunton, as they reflect on their achievements under manager, Jack Charlton and remember a unique chapter in Irish sporting and cultural history.
Speaking ahead of the show, former player and Republic of Ireland manager, Mick McCarthy, said: “It is a true honour and a pleasure to be reunited with my teammates who are some of the greatest legends of Irish football for this magnificent event. When I was asked if I wanted to be involved, I didn't have to think twice about it. And now that I've seen the full line-up, it's just adding to the excitement. Italia '90 was such a significant time for all of us – players and fans. It will be fantastic to relive those memories with former teammates and fans alike.”
Dermot Usher of Rebel Army Events added: “Whether we travelled to the games, watched them on TV, had the posters on our walls or collected the stickers, we all have memories of Italia ’90 that evoke the sense of pride and possibility that gripped the nation and made it a summer we’ll never forget. It’s a real thrill to gather so many of that exceptional Irish squad together and get their perspective on an event that has such a special place in our collective memory and national experience. It's an opportunity for the team to have a fantastic weekend together and support our endeavours to improve what we offer to our club and community in Cork City FC.”
Italia ’90: A Night With The Greatest Football Team comes to Cork Opera House on 16 March. Tickets are available at rebelarmyevents.com.