State Papers: Government was wary of 'exuberance' of Irish fans at 1994 World Cup

Roy Keane and Paul McGrath during the game against Italy at the 1994 World Cup in the US. Photo: INPHO/Allsport

Fears that the “exuberance” of Irish soccer fans might create negative publicity was one of the main reasons why the Government decided that Ireland’s qualification for the 1994 World Cup finals in the US should not be used to mount a campaign to promote the country.

Newly released files from the National Archives show there was concern among senior civil servants that the antics of “boisterous but well-behaved” supporters of Jack Charlton’s team might be misunderstood.