Record ticket sales proves that Irish football is on the rise

Seán O’Connor reports from FAI HQ in Abbottstown.

There has possibly never been more excitement around Irish football than right now.

Ireland’s season ticket sales hit a record high this month, with over 18,500 fans securing their seat at the Aviva for 2022. Even a year with no qualifiers, it’s clear that the public are backing Stephen Kenny’s men.

Saturday’s friendly against Belgium has sold over 48,000 tickets so far and the FAI expect the game to sell out. The Boys in Green host Lithuania three days later, with around 33,000 tickets sold to date. The FAI are hopeful that it reaches the 40,000 mark.

Vera Pauw’s side have also been drawing thousands to Tallaght Stadium in recent months, as the Girls in Green aim to qualify for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Th

The opening weeks of the domestic season has seen sell-out crowds across the country also. This month’s Dublin derby between Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians was a sell-out at Tallaght Stadium, while Drogheda, Derry City, St. Pat’s, and others have had sell outs too. 4984 fans packed into Turners Cross earlier this month to see Cork City take on Galway United, a fantastic crowd for a First Division game.

It should also be said that last November’s FAI Cup final drew over 37,000 to the Aviva, the largest crowd for an FAI Cup final since 1968. St Patrick’s Athletic lifted their first cup since 2014 after beating Dublin rivals Bohemians on penalties. A record 3,053 fans attended last year’s women’s FAI Cup Final too, as Wexford Youths beat league champions Shelbourne 3-1.

There is a growing sense that Irish football, both domestic and international, is on the up. Ireland goalkeeper Mark Travers agreed, speaking to extratime.com at FAI HQ on Monday.

“You can really feel the momentum building and that makes such a big difference to us players,” Travers said.

“We’ve had a really good run of games now with some great results along the way. With 48,000 tickets sold for Saturday’s game against Belgium, it's a really exciting time and we really appreciate all the fans supporting us. It gives the excitement to go out there on Saturday and put on a good performance for everyone.”



Although Travers lost his starting place to Gavin Bazunu a year ago this week, the 22-year-old says that it’s healthy competition between him, Bazunu and Caoimhín Kelleher. All three have had excellent seasons at club level this year.

Travers has kept 14 clean sheets in 35 Championship appearances for Bournemouth, while Bazunu has kept 15 clean sheets in 36 starts for Portsmouth in League One. While Kelleher has had fewer starts at Liverpool this season, he has kept seven clean sheets in eight starts, and helped his side win the League Cup against Chelsea last month.

“I love representing my country,” Travers said.

“To come into every camp is a great honour and that will never change no matter what position I'm playing. We are all different goalkeepers in our own ways. It's about learning from each other and helping each other develop. We’re all still at a really young age and have so much to learn. It's an unusual situation to have everyone so young. It'll be an interesting few years ahead. It's really exciting for Irish goalkeeping. We've got a really healthy competition here and have some great keepers to work with.”

Travers last started for Ireland a year ago this week, in a 3-2 defeat away to Serbia. The 22-year-old hasn't started for his country since then but will be hoping to add to his three caps as Ireland host Belgium on Saturday and Lithuania on Tuesday.

“The competition is really strong,” he adds.



“I just have to come in here and train as best I can. I'll always be confident in my own ability.”

“We just keep pushing each other every time we meet up. They're doing great things at their clubs. It's always a good challenge to have this at international level. I'll just keep working hard and do the best I can.”

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