12/06/2003
N. Ireland's footballing matadors tame Spanish bull
Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy was full of praise today for his "young lions" following last night's remarkable 0-0 draw with footballing giants Spain in Belfast.
McIlroy's team, made up of premiership, lower division and part-time players, gave the likes of Raul and Morientes the fright of their lives in what many supporters are calling the best Northern Ireland performance in years.
Close to 12,000 fans turned Windsor Park into a fortress of noise as Sammy's men harassed and cajoled their Spanish counterparts with tight defending, aggressive tackles and some swift counter attacks.
In fact Northern Ireland had the best chance of the game when striker David Healy went one-on-one with goalkeeper Casillas but his shot was brilliantly saved.
Spain themselves had numerous chances to score but some fine saves from an outstanding Maik Taylor in goals, and a little bit of luck, gave Northern Ireland a moral victory they most certainly deserved.
Boss McIlroy, who had his name chanted by fans throughout the game, was full of praise for his team.
He said: "The effort, commitment and passion was as good as I have ever seen it either as a player of manager.
''I thought that Maik Taylor had a stormer. When you are put under the cosh you need a goalkeeper who can make vital stops.
"My back four were also outstanding. I have said I want George McCartney and Aaron Hughes to be my pairing in the centre and they can play at this level for a at least another 10 years."
McIlroy was also pleased at the performance of Glentoran's Andy Smith, playing in only his second match for his country.
He added: ''Andy's fitness for an Irish league player is quite unbelievable. He has courage and endeavour and I'm sure clubs will be queuing up to sign him if they're watching this type of match."
While many journalists reminded Sammy of the fact that Northern Ireland have now gone 972 minutes without a goal, it won't have bothered him. His side rattled the Spanish bull with a performance that is sure to spur them on in their next matches against Ukraine and Armenia in September.
(MB)
McIlroy's team, made up of premiership, lower division and part-time players, gave the likes of Raul and Morientes the fright of their lives in what many supporters are calling the best Northern Ireland performance in years.
Close to 12,000 fans turned Windsor Park into a fortress of noise as Sammy's men harassed and cajoled their Spanish counterparts with tight defending, aggressive tackles and some swift counter attacks.
In fact Northern Ireland had the best chance of the game when striker David Healy went one-on-one with goalkeeper Casillas but his shot was brilliantly saved.
Spain themselves had numerous chances to score but some fine saves from an outstanding Maik Taylor in goals, and a little bit of luck, gave Northern Ireland a moral victory they most certainly deserved.
Boss McIlroy, who had his name chanted by fans throughout the game, was full of praise for his team.
He said: "The effort, commitment and passion was as good as I have ever seen it either as a player of manager.
''I thought that Maik Taylor had a stormer. When you are put under the cosh you need a goalkeeper who can make vital stops.
"My back four were also outstanding. I have said I want George McCartney and Aaron Hughes to be my pairing in the centre and they can play at this level for a at least another 10 years."
McIlroy was also pleased at the performance of Glentoran's Andy Smith, playing in only his second match for his country.
He added: ''Andy's fitness for an Irish league player is quite unbelievable. He has courage and endeavour and I'm sure clubs will be queuing up to sign him if they're watching this type of match."
While many journalists reminded Sammy of the fact that Northern Ireland have now gone 972 minutes without a goal, it won't have bothered him. His side rattled the Spanish bull with a performance that is sure to spur them on in their next matches against Ukraine and Armenia in September.
(MB)
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03 April 2003
McIlroy's job in question following Greek defeat
Sammy McIlroy's job as Northern Ireland manager was in doubt today following last night's 2-0 defeat by Greece in Belfast. Although Sammy's team had two men sent off thanks to what the crowd considered to be some dubious refereeing decisions, it is now 792 playing minutes since Northern Ireland scored a goal and 17 months since the side won.
McIlroy's job in question following Greek defeat
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19 March 2026
Easy Trips from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland
Let’s be honest, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to a quick getaway. Living in Northern Ireland means that a proper change of scenery is never more than a couple of hours away, and heading down south for a few days has become the default setting for a stress-free break.
Easy Trips from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland
Let’s be honest, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to a quick getaway. Living in Northern Ireland means that a proper change of scenery is never more than a couple of hours away, and heading down south for a few days has become the default setting for a stress-free break.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
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11 September 2003
NI goal drought continues
Northern Ireland football was brought back down to earth last night after the national side lost 1-0 to Armenia at Windsor Park. Following positive 0-0 draws with Spain and Ukraine in their last two competitive games, Northern Ireland again failed to find the net in what turned out to be a miserable night for Sammy McIlroy's goal-shy side.
NI goal drought continues
Northern Ireland football was brought back down to earth last night after the national side lost 1-0 to Armenia at Windsor Park. Following positive 0-0 draws with Spain and Ukraine in their last two competitive games, Northern Ireland again failed to find the net in what turned out to be a miserable night for Sammy McIlroy's goal-shy side.
10 September 2003
Kennedy out of Armenia game
Sammy McIlroy will be without defender Peter Kennedy for tonight's visit of Armenia to Windsor Park after the Wigan full-back came down with a stomach bug. Kennedy is likely to be replaced by up and coming star Grant McCann of Cheltenham. McCann should know all about the Armenian's having played in 1-0 defeat away in Yerevan in March.
Kennedy out of Armenia game
Sammy McIlroy will be without defender Peter Kennedy for tonight's visit of Armenia to Windsor Park after the Wigan full-back came down with a stomach bug. Kennedy is likely to be replaced by up and coming star Grant McCann of Cheltenham. McCann should know all about the Armenian's having played in 1-0 defeat away in Yerevan in March.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy start to the day but staying mainly dry with some bright spells developing. A few light showers are possible over northern counties later in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:A largely dry evening with just the odd light shower around. Mainly dry with clear spells overnight but some showers will spread southwards later. Minimum temperature 5 °C.