Ireland Home Shirt 2002

In 2002, the Republic of Ireland, managed by Mick McCarthy, reached the World Cup in Japan and South Korea after an impressive qualifying campaign. The build-up was overshadowed by the infamous Roy Keane fallout in Saipan, which saw the captain sent home after a row with McCarthy. Despite the drama, Ireland performed admirably. They drew 1–1 with Cameroon and Germany before beating Saudi Arabia 3–0 to reach the knockout stage. In the last 16, Robbie Keane’s late penalty forced extra time against Spain, but Ireland were eliminated on penalties. The campaign remains bittersweet—pride in performances but regret over Keane’s absence.