A poll of 1,000 Irish football fans has named the top 20 Republic of Ireland footballers of all time - with two Keanes and a McGrath making the top three
Rich Jenkins
09:00, 15 Aug 2025
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Roy Keane, Robbie Keane and Paul McGrath have been crowned the greatest Republic of Ireland footballers of all time. Liam Brady and Shay Given also secured spots in the top five.
However, the survey of 1,000 Irish football supporters revealed that Kevin 'Zinedine' Kilbane - who consistently commanded respect for his tireless commitment on the field - was ranked just outside the top 20.
Newcastle United and Man City legend Given wasn't the sole goalkeeper to feature on the list, with Pat Bonner also claiming seventh position. It comes after Man Utd flop is ordered to change name on back of his shirt after joining new club.
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Meanwhile, Roy Keane's adversary Mick McCarthy found himself languishing at number 17, considerably distant from his old foe.
A spokesperson for Lottoland.ie, which commissioned the research, said: "Ireland's produced players the equal of any across the globe.
"Roy Keane is just one who would have graced the midfield of any side on the planet, across any era, while Paul McGrath is one of the most naturally gifted players ever to kick a ball.
"Of course, there were some incredible players from Northern Ireland as well – you might have heard of one named George Best."
The research also discovered that 62% believe certain Irish players would have lifted the World Cup - had they been born with different nationality.
Additional iconic figures voted into the top 10 included Damien Duff (27%) and Denis Irwin (26%). Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy's explosive 2002 World Cup confrontation was judged the most unforgettable Irish footballing moment.
Meanwhile, 48% recalled with disappointment Thierry Henry's obvious handball against Ireland in a World Cup playoff, which denied the nation qualification.
Regarding individual players, 49% believed natural ability and technical prowess are most crucial when determining who constitutes a genuine 'great'. Meanwhile, 45% credit it to dedication and perseverance, whilst 25% prize loyalty - whether to club or nation.
More than nine in 10 (93%) believed a truly exceptional player can excel even within a mediocre team, and 72% stated a player's collection of trophies isn't the finest indicator of greatness.
Among current stars, Evan Ferguson is considered the player with the greatest potential to become a legend of Irish men's football.
He was followed narrowly by Caoimhín Kelleher, Nathan Collins and Michael Obafemi, according to the OnePoll.com research.
Regarding the veteran figures, Jack Charlton was selected as the manager who made the most significant impact on the Republic of Ireland men's national squad.
With Italia '90 being the tournament supporters were most proud of their team's performance, as Charlton steered his squad to the quarter-finals, suffering a narrow defeat to Italy.
Lottoland.ie's spokesperson added: "When you look at the history of football, it's remarkable just how many players from the Republic of Ireland have gone on to have extraordinary careers on the biggest stages. For a relatively small nation, the contribution to the game has been nothing short of immense.
"Irish footballers have long been known for their tenacity, heart, and work ethic - but what often gets overlooked is the sheer talent.
"From local pitches to European finals and World Cups, they've consistently shown they can go toe-to-toe with the very best."
THE 20 BEST ROI PLAYERS OF ALL TIME:
- Roy Keane
- Robbie Keane
- Paul McGrath
- Liam Brady
- Shay Given
- Damien Duff
- Packie Bonner
- Denis Irwin
- John O'Shea
- John Giles
- Niall Quinn
- Ray Houghton
- Seamus Coleman
- Ronnie Whelan
- John Aldridge
- James McClean
- Mick McCarthy
- Steve Staunton
- Richard Dunne
- Andy Townsend