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Competition: Win a Copy of 'Ireland's First Real World Cup' by David Needham

Post date: Jun 10, 2012 10:44:4 PM

This competition is now closed. The first correct answer drawn came from Co. Waterford. The correct answer of course was Bulgaria. Thank you to everyone who participated. Copies of David Needham's account of Ireland's First Real World Cup are still available to buy from our Online Bookshop. It is a mighty good read.

The result in Poznan wasn't exactly the start Ireland desired to its Euro 2012 campaign. Our chances of progressing further in the tournament have taken a blow; unless they can pull off something extraordinary against Spain and Italy. In a bid to lift the mood of the country - and get us all behind the team for the important matches coming up - we are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a copy of David Needham's fascinating account of Ireland's First Real World Cup, published by The Manuscript Publisher.

As well as unearthing the historical record of the Irish team that competed in the football tournament at the 1924 Paris Olympic Games, David's book is also a trawl through the history of association football in Ireland. When the Football Association of Ireland was founded in 1921, they encountered difficulty in organising international fixtures. Other football associations were reluctant to play against a team fielded by what was regarded as a breakaway organisation. Consequently, between 1926 and 1931, the FAI Ireland team played only seven full internationals, involving just three countries - two of whom were Italy and Spain.

However, while not regarded by the FAI as full internationals, the matches played in Paris in 1924 amounted to the first occasion that FAI Ireland fielded a representative side. To win a copy of Ireland's First Real World Cup we want you to answer this question:

Who were Ireland's opponents on the occasion of our opening match at the Paris Olympics in 1924?

You can e-mail your answers to competition@themanuscriptpublisher.com or submit your entry using the online form below. Don't forget to include a full postal address. The first correct answer drawn will receive a copy of this highly readable, immensely enjoyable history of a most important occasion in Irish sport. The competition will remain open until Ireland's participation at Euro 2012 comes to an end - which hopefully won't be anytime soon. The lucky winner will be notified shortly thereafter.

Ireland's First Real World Cup by David Needham is published by The Manuscript Publisher and is available to buy online, as well as in all good bookshops. Price €14.99 plus P&P.