State Papers: Ireland asked US to be flexible on World Cup visas for 'Jackie Charlton's army' 

Jack Charlton and the Republic of Ireland bench celebrate Ray Houghton's goal against Italy at Giants Stadium in New York during the 1994 Fifa World Cup. Irish authorities had raised concerns about fans facing difficulties getting US visas.  Picture: Eddie O'Hare

The government was concerned that a large number of Irish fans travelling to the 1994 Fifa World Cup in America being refused visas by the US embassy could create a major political headache.

Files released by the National Archives under the 30-year rule show that then tánaiste and foreign affairs minister Dick Spring urged a senior member of the US administration in advance of the tournament to show “as much flexibility and sensitivity as possible” in processing visa applications by Irish football supporters.

The Labour leader told the US assistant secretary of state for consular affairs, Mary Ryan, at a meeting in Dublin in December 1993 that the average refusal rate of holiday visas of 4% could results in some 800 Irish soccer fans having their visa applications rejected, based on an estimate of 20,000 supporters following Jack Charlton’s team to the US.

“This might seem tiny in US terms but would have a hugely negative impact in Ireland,” Mr Spring observed.

June 19, 1994: Republic of Ireland World Cup stars Denis Irwin and Roy Keane read about their own exploits in a special Sunday edition of the 'Examiner' the day after they had beaten Italy 1-0 in New York. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

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Irish ambassador in Washington, Dermot Gallagher, had also warned US officials the previous month about the government’s concern that the 4% of fans who might be refused visas could be “very vocal and activate public opinion in a very negative way”.

The tánaiste claimed the biggest problem was likely to be with young, single people who had not planned a trip to the World Cup in advance and would want to travel at a late stage after getting “caught up in the euphoria”.

Mr Spring stressed his belief that less than 1% of Irish citizens travelling to the World Cup were likely to remain in the US.

He claimed the economic situation in America as well as employment assistance benefits in Ireland meant “many would be better off in Ireland”.

However, Ms Ryan said the refusal rate on visa applications from Ireland at the time was 4.3%.

While the US authorities wanted to be as lenient as possible, Ms Ryan said it was unlikely they would be able to do anything to reduce the rate of refusals.

She also gave a lukewarm response to suggestions made by the tánaiste of having a bond system or some other form of guarantee as being “too cumbersome” and which could only be considered “in a handful of cases”.

Mr Spring replied that major PR difficulties would be created if 400-500 people were refused visas to travel to the World Cup.

“If this was going to happen, the US should be prepared for the public opinion fallout,” he added.

The ambassador estimated that members of the Green Army would spend some $50m during their trip.