The latest in the Sporting Legends series, organised by the Association of
Sports Journalists in Ireland in association with Lucozade Sport,
commemorates one of the most significant sporting events in this country in the second half of the 20th Century.
Although billed officially as the "Shamrock Rovers All-Ireland XI" it was the first occasion that a soccer team representing the entire island of Ireland had played together in 60 years.
Northern Ireland International, Derek Dougan, who sadly passed away last year, was the brainchild behind the game and along with his southern counterpart Johnny Giles, they formed an All Ireland starting eleven comprising of six Republic of Ireland and five from Northern Ireland Internationals.
Reigning World Champions, Brazil, had won the World Cup only three years before this fixture, and they were a side generally regarded as one of the best teams of all time. Pele had retired by 1973, but Brazil still brought stars like Jairzinho, Rivelino and Clodoaldo to Dublin for a game that captured the publics' imagination. Over 35,000 supporters filled Landowne Road to witness a thrilling game that Brazil eventually won 4-3.
In spite of an improved working relationship between the Football
Association of Ireland in Dublin and the Irish Football Association in Belfast, it remains the only occasion that players from both sides of the border have come together to represent Ireland in Dublin since the organisations separated in 1913.
"It was a fixture which showed people North and South of the border that it is possible to overcome the problems caused by the split in 1921," said ASJI President Peter Byrne.
"As such, it remains the template for the greater improvement in
northern-southern football relations in future years," he continued.
Speaking on behalf of Lucozade Sport, Elizabeth Reynolds commented on the significance of this historic occasion. She noted how fitting it was to honour such a distinctive team of sporting legends. "The game between the All Ireland selection and Brazil in 1973 was a truly historic and significant event in this country. After all these years it is hard to imagine, that it has never been repeated. Lucozade Sport is delighted to honour and commemorate their achievements thirty-five years on. To this day, the game is still acknowledged as a legendary event and we are very pleased to be associated with it", concluded Reynolds.
With the exception of the late Derek Dougan, all of the team that lost a thrilling game on a 4-3 scoreline are still involved with football and were present at the function to mark this truly great occasion.
The All-Ireland 'Shamrock Rovers XI' team that played Brazil was:
Pat Jennings (Tottenham); David Craig (Newcastle); Paddy Mulligan (Crystal Palace); Allan Hunter (Ipswich); Tommy Carroll (Birmingham); John Giles
(Leeds); Mick Martin (Manchester United); Martin O'Neil (Nottingham
Forrest); Terry Conroy (Stoke); Derek Dougan (Wolves); Don Givens (QPR).
Substitutes: Liam O'Kane (Nottingham Forrest); Bryan Hamilton (Ipswich); Miah Dennehy (Nottingham Forrest)
Manager: Liam Touhy
The Brazil team that played the All Ireland side:
Émerson Leão; Zé Maria; Luis Pereira; Piazza; Marco Antônio; Paulo César Lima; Clodoaldo; Rivelino; Dirceu; Jairzinho ; Valdomiro;
Manager: Mario Zagallo
Goalscorers:
All Ireland - Mick Martin; Derek Dougan; Terry Conroy Brazil - Paulo Cesar (2); Jarzinho; Valdomiro