Ireland soccer heroes to grace Cork Opera House stage for Italia 90 celebration

The 35th anniversary of Italia 90 is to be celebrated with a special event at the Cork Opera House on March 16 next.

An event being run by Rebel Army Events will see Ireland’s footballing heroes from that memorable FIFA Football World Cup campaign descend on Leeside and share stories from that sensational time in Irish sporting history.

Players from that Ireland squad at Italia 90 set to be in attendance include Mick McCarthy, John Aldridge, Andy Townsend, Packie Bonner, David O’Leary, Kevin Sheedy, Ronnie Whelan, Niall Quinn, Tony Cascarino, Ray Houghton, Kevin Moran and Steve Staunton.

Pleasure

“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,” said McCarthy, who later would go on to become manager of the Irish national team.

“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 team mates and fans alike.”

These icons of Irish football will come together and reflect on their achievements under manager Jack Charlton and a unique chapter in Irish sporting history. Memories such as that memorable David O’Leary penalty against Romania and the Kevin Sheedy equalising against England are among the many great stories to be recalled.

Real thrill

Dermot Usher, of Rebel Army Events and owner of Cork City FC, said: “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 our endeavors to improve what we offer to our club and community at Cork City FC.”

Tickets, priced at €49, are available through the official Cork Opera House website: https://www.corkoperahouse.ie, with the event set to start at 8pm on the night.