John Giles, Liam Brady, and Niall Quinn, veterans of 223 caps between them and storied club careers, will be ‘Talking Proper Football’ at Vicar Street on Monday, 28 April 2025.

The legends are coming together to support the Irish Professional Footballers Benevolent Association (IPFBA), established by ex-players to assist former professionals facing health and financial challenges.

Quinn was a replacement for Eamon Dunphy, who withdrew from the event after it was initially promoted.

“I was only too happy to commit myself to this night of what promises to be great craic and full of football tales,” the former Arsenal, Manchester City, and Sunderland striker said.

“The establishment of the Irish Professional Footballers Benevolent Association is long overdue, and it’s great that the generation of players who created the game that it is today will now have a most valuable financial resource to call upon if needed.”

“Niall didn’t hesitate to agree to join John and Liam, which says everything about his commitment to Irish footballers’ welfare,” stated Harry McCue, Chair of the Association.

“It’s going to be a fantastic evening and I urge all football supporters to come along and help those who previously played the game and gave us so much joy, but who require assistance.”

There will undoubtedly be more than a hint of nostalgia surrounding the event, though Giles is a regular contributor to Off The Ball, so he is not a stranger to the sport.

An appearance on the Late Late Show to promote this gig held out the hope that there would be a few laughs and some great stories.

Whether it will dive into the modern game or look wistfully back remains to be seen.

Ironically, three sell-out shows, looking back on Phil Lynott’s life, took place at Vicar Street recently and will do so again in June.

The Boys are Back in Town indeed.

 

Further Reading for Sport for Business members:

Benevolent Association Launched for Former Footballers

 

SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

The modern footballer lives in a rarefied financial world, but those who went before did not.  There was a good life, living the dream of playing football, but for only a small few would it ever have been life-changing from a financial perspective.  Dunphy’s absence suggests he has lost none of the spark that brought his trio to life under the guidance of the much-missed Bill O’Herlihy.  The passing of time.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

Tickets are on sale for the event through Ticketmaster.

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