With the 2014 World Cup kicking off today and Ireland missing from the line-up in Brazil, we asked some well-known Irish faces to share their favourite World Cup memories from over the years so that we can all relive the action...
Pat Shortt (Comedian)
Who are you supporting in the World Cup?
I am not a huge soccer fan but my son is and as a result I take him to as many of the Limerick City games as I can when I am in Ireland. As you probably know I am in NYC at the moment and watched my son on TV in New York carry the Irish flag out in front of the Irish team last month in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Very proud moment.
Anyway, He is following Belgium. He rates their players well and think that they might create a shock at the cup. So I will be shouting them on with him.
What's your best memory of the World Cup?
My best memory of watching the world cup was of course the penalty shoot out with Romania, when Packie Bonner saved the goal and put us through to the quarter finals. Not alone was it a huge surprise but we went on to think that we actually had a chance of winning the World Cup. How innocent we all were.
Who do you think will win the 2014 World Cup?
Again I am no expert but I do think Germany have been playing very well of late and my money is on them.
Niamh Fahey (Arsenal Ladies Footballer)
Who are you supporting in the World Cup?
Spain, simply because I picked them out of a hat for a competition at work! Also I have to support England, because my mam is English and she's usually the only one shouting for them in our house.
What's your best memory of the World Cup?Probably Korea Japan 2002 and Ireland losing on penalties to Spain. Ireland did brilliantly despite being without Roy Keane.
Who do you think will win the 2014 World Cup?
I think Brazil will win. They have a really strong squad with world class players in all positions. Also the fact that a South American team has always won when the World Cup has been hosted in South America. Colombia/Uruguay are my outside favourites.
Paddy Courtney (actor/writer)
Who are you supporting in the World Cup?
I shall be supporting Argentina in the World Cup, because I would l've to see Messi change the views of his home fans. They don't seem to like him much.
What's your best memory of the World Cup?
My best memory of the World Cup has to be Ireland's penalty shoot-out against Romania in 1990. My girlfriend at the time had collapsed and was in hospital, but I couldn't leave the TV screen until that momentous save by Bonner, which broke Daniel Timofte's heart! He was probably taken out and shot after that.
Who do you think will win the 2014 World Cup?
I think Brazil will win the whole thing, as it's very difficult for a northern hemisphere team to win down there.
Niall O’Brien (Ireland cricketer)
Who are you supporting in the World Cup?
I will be supporting Italy.
What’s your best memory of the World Cup?
Best memory is Packie Bonner saving Romania’s penalties at Italia 90.
Who do you think will win the 2014 World Cup?Spain or Belgium to win it.
David Caffrey (Love/Hate director)
Who are you supporting in the World Cup?
When Ireland are not involved I always support the underdog. My wife is English so there'll be plenty of cheering for England in our house. Also any country with Arsenal players.
What's your best memory of the World Cup?
When I lived in a flat in Willesden Green, I had no TV and there was a recently widowed auld fella called Len in the flat upstairs who was in the early stages of dementia.
I used go upstairs and watch TV with him and we watched the Ireland v Romania, last 16, Italia 90 match together. When David O'Leary scored the winning penalty, I started to leap around the room, Len being a true cockney looked at me non plussed and said 'F**k off, I miss me Duchess'.
Who do you think will win the 2014 World Cup?
Germany
Tomas O’Leary – London Irish rugby player
Who are you supporting in the World Cup?
I will be supporting Holland.
What's your best memory of the World Cup?Watching Italia 90 when I was a kid. Penalty shootout v Romania!!
Who do you think will win the 2014 World Cup?Argentina to win it!!
Oisin Leech (The Lost Brothers - musician)
Who are you supporting in the World Cup?
When Ireland are not playing I usually just watch in awe at the skill of whatever team is on fire. I always love the smaller nations coming through and surprising everyone.
What's your best memory of the World Cup?
Ray Houghton scoring against Italy in 1994. I was only a kid but I remember it vividly.
Who do you think will win the 2014 World Cup?
No idea. Are Spain the best? Brazil always show some magic. I think Stevey Gerrard if a great footballer so I will cheer on England in their games. But since Ireland are not playing its more of a "popcorn and let the races begin" affair for me.
