John Godkin, who saw Liam Brady make his international debut in 1974, says Ireland’s defeat to Armenia was ‘totally unacceptable’
John Godkin, pictured when he was North End United manager, celebrating following the FAI New Balance Junior Cup Final match between Pike Rovers and North End United at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin in May 2018. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
Tuesday night was arguably the worst for Irish football in its modern-day history. A 2-1 defeat, away to Armenia, effectively ended Ireland’s dream of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The next opportunity the team will have to represent their country at the pinnacle of world football will be in 2030. Nearly three decades since Mick McCarthy led Ireland to the World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
Wexford FC’s Head of Football Operations, John Godkin, watched the game. “I would never miss an Ireland game,” he says. “It is a low ebb, probably one of the lowest in a long time. When we thought we turned a corner, that results brings us right back.