Irish international footballers, past and present, have used their platforms to champion a range of causes close to their hearts. These include infant mortality and stillbirth support, spina bifida and hydrocephalus, Down syndrome, gambling addiction, online racism and discrimination, cerebral palsy and equal gender pay in sport, head injuries and concussion-related dementia risk, congenital heart conditions, men’s mental health, autism and neurodiversity, alcoholism and grief, sexual abuse survivorship, bowel and other cancers, guide dogs and visual impairment, child hospital care, and humanitarian causes including support for Palestine. Together, their advocacy reflects how deeply personal experience, whether through family, loss, or their own struggles, has driven some of Ireland’s most recognisable sporting figures to give back well beyond the pitch.
If you would prefer to view a video summary of these players and the social issues that they advocate for then please view this video
Harry Arter
International Caps: 19 (2017–2018)
Who they advocate for: Infant mortality
Harry Arter established himself as a tenacious central midfielder, most notably during a highly successful decade-long stint with AFC Bournemouth. He joined the club in 2010 when they were in League One and played a crucial role in their historic rise through the divisions, culminating in promotion to the Premier League in 2015. Arter went on to make over 200 league appearances for the Cherries before embarking on loan spells at Cardiff City and Fulham, and later moving to Nottingham Forest. Internationally, he qualified for the Republic of Ireland through his Sligo-born grandparents, making his senior debut in 2015. He earned 19 caps for his country between 2015 and 2021, featuring in major World Cup and European Championship qualifying campaigns.
Beyond the pitch, Arter has become a prominent and deeply respected advocate for families affected by stillbirth and infant mortality.
Following the heartbreaking loss of his stillborn daughter, Renée, in December 2015, he chose to speak openly about his grief to break the silence surrounding neonatal death and raise vital public awareness. He channelled his experience into active charitable work, collaborating with his teammates and the wider footballing community to raise thousands of pounds for neonatal services. His efforts funded specialised equipment, such as cuddle cots for a neonatal department, which provide grieving parents with precious time to spend with their babies. By sharing his personal tragedy, Arter has offered comfort to countless individuals facing similar losses and continues to support organisations dedicated to reducing infant mortality.
Packie Bonner
International Caps: 80 (1986–1997)
Who they advocate for: Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland
Packie Bonner is widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers in Irish football history, spending the vast majority of his illustrious club career with Celtic. Signed by the legendary Jock Stein in 1978, the Donegal native went on to make 642 appearances for the Bohys over nearly two decades, helping the club secure four Scottish League titles, three Scottish Cups, and one Scottish League Cup. On the international stage, Bonner was the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper during the golden era of the Republic of Ireland national team under Jack Charlton. Between 1986 and 1997, he earned 80 caps and played a pivotal role in Ireland’s historic campaigns at Euro 1988 and the 1990 and 1994 World Cups. He is immortalised in Irish sporting history for his iconic penalty save against Romania’s Daniel Timofte at Italia ’90, which propelled Ireland into the World Cup quarter-finals.
Since retiring from professional football, Bonner has used his high profile to support various charitable causes and community initiatives across Ireland and Scotland. He serves as a long-standing patron for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland, hosting the annual Packie Bonner Golf Classic fundraiser to help improve the quality of life for individuals living with these conditions. Bonner is also actively involved with the Marie Keating Foundation, spearheading health campaigns such as the “Don’t Ignore the Red” initiative to raise critical public awareness about the early symptoms of bladder cancer. Additionally, he has lent his time to civic organisations such as the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation, which promotes active citizenship and inclusivity among schoolchildren and continuously supports grassroots sports development initiatives across the country.
Lee Carsley
International Caps: 40 (1997–2004)
Who they advocate for: Down Syndrome
Lee Carsley enjoyed a distinguished playing career as a resilient and tactically astute defensive midfielder, making over 500 club appearances primarily in the top two tiers of English football. He is most remembered for his highly successful six-year spell with Everton, where he became a key figure in David Moyes’ midfield and helped the club secure a historic fourth-place Premier League finish in 2005. Carsley also enjoyed notable stints at Derby County, Blackburn Rovers, Coventry City, and Birmingham City, earning a reputation for his exceptional work rate and leadership. Internationally, he qualified for the Republic of Ireland through his grandmother, making his senior debut in 1997.
Over a seven-year international career, Carsley earned 40 caps for his country and was a member of the Irish squad that reached the knockout stages of the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. He is now a very highly respected coach and manager. Having been England’s Under-21 manager since 2021, he won the Under-21 European Championships in 2023. He briefly coached the England men’s international team as a caretaker manager in 2024.
Away from the pitch, Carsley has been a dedicated and passionate advocate for individuals with Down Syndrome, a cause that is deeply personal to him as his son, Connor, was born with the condition. He has worked tirelessly with Solihull Down Syndrome Support Group, a charity based in his local area, using his platform to raise funds, increase public understanding, and foster greater community inclusion. Carsley has frequently spoken about the importance of celebrating the achievements of people with Down Syndrome and ensuring they have access to the right educational and developmental opportunities. His advocacy extends to promoting disability sport, as he consistently champions the idea that football and other physical activities should be fully accessible and welcoming to children of all abilities.
Tony Cascarino
International Caps: 44 (1985–1995)
Who they advocate for: Gambling addiction
Tony Cascarino enjoyed a long and varied career as a physical, old-fashioned centre forward, turning out for numerous high-profile clubs across Britain and France. He first made his name at Gillingham and Millwall, forming a prolific goalscoring partnership with Teddy Sheringham at the latter, before moving on to spells with Aston Villa, Celtic, and Chelsea. Cascarino later enjoyed a highly successful late career renaissance in France, becoming a prolific fan favourite at Marseille and Nancy. On the international stage, he was a key fixture for the Republic of Ireland during the Jack Charlton era, making his debut in 1985. Over a fourteen-year international career that concluded in 1999, he represented Ireland at Euro 1988 as well as the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, ultimately accumulating 88 caps and scoring 19 goals for Ireland
Cascarino has been remarkably candid about his personal battles with gambling, using his media platform to raise crucial awareness about the dangers of betting addiction.
Following the publication of his brutally honest autobiography, Full Time: The Secret Life of Tony Cascarino, he became one of the earliest high-profile figures in football to openly discuss the destructive nature of the habit and how it can consume a player’s life both during and after their career. As a regular pundit and presenter on TalkSPORT, he frequently uses his voice to advocate for better support networks for athletes and the wider public struggling with identical issues. By sharing his own vulnerabilities and the harsh realities of the condition, Cascarino has consistently campaigned for a healthier relationship between sports and the betting industry, helping to destigmatise the conversation around addiction recovery.
Cyrus Christie
International Caps: 30 (2014–2020)
Who they advocate for: Online racist abuse
Cyrus Christie established himself as a dynamic and physical right-back, accumulating extensive experience across the top divisions of English football before joining Bolton Wanderers. He began his senior professional journey at Coventry City, where his impressive displays earned him a move to Derby County in 2014. Christie subsequently enjoyed impactful stints with Middlesbrough, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Swansea City, and Hull City, achieving notable success, including promotions to the Premier League. Internationally, he qualified to represent the Republic of Ireland through his maternal grandparents, making his senior debut in 2014. Throughout his international career, which extended to 2022, he earned 30 caps and scored two goals, consistently featuring in key European Championship and World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Christie is widely recognised as a powerful voice in the fight against racism and discrimination in football and wider society. Having personally endured severe online racist abuse, particularly in the wake of high-stakes international matches, he chose to speak out publicly to expose the toxic culture of social media harassment. Christie has consistently collaborated with anti-racism organisations, using his platform to demand greater accountability from tech giants and harsher penalties for perpetrators of hate speech. Through his courageous advocacy, educational campaigning, and media appearances, he continuously works to protect future generations of athletes and foster a more inclusive, supportive environment within sports.
Seamus Coleman
International Caps: 81, 2009 – Present
Who they advocate for: Cerebral Palsy and equal gender pay
Seamus Coleman established himself as one of the most reliable and loyal full-backs of his generation, enjoying an illustrious seventeen-year career with Everton. Moving to the Merseyside club from Sligo Rovers in 2009 for a legendary fee of just sixty thousand pounds, the dependable right-back went on to make over 430 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees. He eventually became the club captain and broke Everton’s record for the most Premier League appearances, cementing his status as a modern icon before announcing his departure from the club in May 2026. On the international stage, Coleman has been an equally influential figure for the Republic of Ireland since making his senior debut in 2011.
Appointed national team captain by Martin O’Neill in 2016, he led his country with distinction at Euro 2016 and has accumulated 81 caps while remaining a vital leader within the squad. Coleman is widely praised for his philanthropy and leadership on crucial social issues, particularly in his advocacy for cerebral palsy and support for equal gender pay in sports. He has been a passionate supporter of initiatives that foster inclusion and create better resources for individuals with Down Syndrome, frequently engaging with community programmes to raise awareness and funds. Furthermore, as the captain of the men’s national team, Coleman played a central and historic role in negotiating a landmark equal pay agreement with the Football Association of Ireland in 2021. Alongside women’s team captain Katie McCabe, he spearheaded the initiative that saw the men’s squad agree to reduce their international match fees so that the FAI could ensure complete pay parity for the women’s senior team. His commitment to fairness and equality has earned him immense respect across the global sporting community.
Kevin Doyle
International Caps: 62 (2006–2013)
Who they advocate for: Head injuries, repeated concussion, and dementia risk
Kevin Doyle built a stellar reputation as a hardworking and intelligent striker, most famously during his highly successful spells with Reading and Wolverhampton Wanderers. After a prolific start in the League of Ireland with St Patrick’s Athletic and Cork City, the Wexford native moved to Reading in 2005, where his clinical goalscoring fired the club to the Championship title with a record 106 points. He later joined Wolverhampton Wanderers for a club record fee of £6.5 million,, becoming a fan favourite over six seasons before concluding his playing days in Major League Soccer with Colorado Rapids. Internationally, Doyle was a vital component of the Republic of Ireland attack for over a decade, earning 62 caps and scoring 14 goals while representing his country at Euro 2012
Doyle has become a voice in raising awareness about head injuries, repeated concussions, and the long-term risk of dementia in football. His advocacy stems from a deeply personal experience, as he was forced to retire from professional football in 2017 following medical advice regarding the cumulative impact of multiple concussions. Since hanging up his boots, Doyle has spoken openly about the neurological symptoms he experienced, using his platform to urge football authorities to implement stricter concussion protocols and safer training guidelines, particularly regarding heading the ball. By sharing his story, he continues to campaign for better player welfare and long-term brain health protection across all levels of the sport.
Damien Duff
International Caps: 100 (1998–2012)
Who they advocate for: Ambassador, Heart Children Ireland
Damien Duff enjoyed a glittering career as one of the most talented and dynamic wingers, celebrated for his exceptional dribbling ability and work rate. He first rose to prominence with Blackburn Rovers before securing a high-profile move to Chelsea in 2003, where he played a pivotal role under José Mourinho in winning back-to-back Premier League titles and a League Cup. Duff later enjoyed successful spells with Newcastle United and Fulham, helping the latter reach the historic 2010 Europa League Final, before concluding his playing days with Melbourne City and Shamrock Rovers. On the international stage, he earned exactly 100 caps over a fourteen-year career. He was a standout performer at the 2002 World Cup, where his memorable goal celebration against Saudi Arabia became iconic, and he later captained his country at Euro 2012 before announcing his international retirement.
Duff is a long-standing ambassador for Heart Children Ireland. This cause is incredibly close to his heart, as his son, Woody, was born with a congenital heart defect and required life-saving open-heart surgery as an infant. Grateful for the care his family received. Duff has used his immense public profile to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity, which supports children and families affected by congenital heart conditions. He frequently spearheads major fundraising campaigns to purchase specialised medical equipment for hospitals, fund psychology services for affected families, and support the CHI at Crumlin Hospital. Through his dedicated advocacy, Duff continuously works to ensure that those working with children born with heart conditions across Ireland receive the best possible care and support networks.
Richard Dunne
International Caps: 80 (1996–2008)
Who they advocate for: The National Children’s Hospital Tallaght
Richard Dunne established himself as a resilient centre-back, most notably during an influential nine-year tenure with Manchester City. After beginning his senior professional career at Everton, the Dublin native moved to Manchester City in 2000, where he went on to make 352 appearances across all competitions and became a cornerstone of the club’s defence. His exceptional consistency and leadership earned him the club captaincy and a historic four consecutive Player of the Year awards between 2005 and 2008. Dunne later enjoyed successful top-flight spells with Aston Villa and Queens Park Rangers before retiring in 2015. On the international stage, he was a key figure for the Republic of Ireland, debuting in 2000 and earning 80 caps over a distinguished thirteen-year international career. He represented his country at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2012, with his legendary, iron-willed performance against Russia in Moscow in 2011 widely considered one of the greatest defensive displays in Irish football history.
Dunne has frequently engaged in charitable work, with one of his most famous gestures involving the donation of a unique piece of sporting history for a good cause.
Following that iconic 2011 match against Russia, where he suffered a facial injury and had to wear a spare shirt with his number five drawn on the back in permanent marker, he chose to auction the legendary, match-worn garment to raise vital funds. The auction proceeds went directly to Barretstown and the National Children’s Hospital in Tallaght, helping to support seriously ill children and their families. Over the years, Dunne has consistently backed various community and youth development initiatives, and his jerseys from major games have frequently been donated to raffles and charity events, including campaigns supporting the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.
Shay Given
International Caps: 134 (1996–2016)
Who they advocate for: Cancer Research
Shay Given is widely celebrated as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Premier League and Irish football history, enjoying a career that spanned over two decades. Inspired by his fellow Donegal man, Packie Bonner, he came through Celtic’s Youth Academy before joining Blackburn’s first team. He is most famously associated with Newcastle United, where he made 462 appearances over twelve years, becoming a legendary figure and earning a place in the PFA Team of the Year on two occasions. He later enjoyed successful spells with Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Stoke City, consistently praised for his incredible shot-stopping ability and longevity at the highest level. A true icon for the Republic of Ireland, he made his senior debut in 1996 and accumulated 134 caps over a twenty-year international career. He was the undisputed number one for his country at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2012, and he stands as Ireland’s second most-capped player of all time.
Given has been a tireless and deeply committed fundraiser for cancer charities, a cause that has been profoundly close to his heart since losing his mother, Agnes, to the disease when he was just four years old. He has used his high profile to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for various oncology organisations, most notably Macmillan Cancer Support and the Marie Keating Foundation. Given has spearheaded numerous high-profile fundraising events, including celebrity golf classics and charity fashion shows, to fund vital cancer research and support services for patients and their families. Additionally, he has consistently donated rare sporting memorabilia and match-worn shirts to auctions, ensuring that his legacy extends far beyond his achievements between the posts by offering hope and practical aid to those affected by cancer.
Roy Keane
International Caps: 67 (1991–2005)
Who they advocate for: Guide Dogs Ireland
Roy Keane is arguably one of Ireland’s greatest players, defining an era of unprecedented success as the captain of Manchester United. After emerging at Cobh Ramblers and Nottingham Forest, the Cork native moved to Old Trafford in 1993 for a British record fee, going on to win seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the Champions League in 1999. Known for his fierce competitive drive, tactical intelligence, and demanding leadership, Keane made 480 appearances for United before finishing his playing career at Celtic. For the Republic of Ireland, he was a talismanic figure from his debut in 1991 until his international retirement in 2005, earning 67 caps. He was a driving force behind Ireland’s qualification for the 1994 World Cup and the 2002 World Cup, though his tournament in Japan and South Korea was famously cut short after a public fallout with management in Saipan.
Away from the intense spotlight of football, Keane has dedicated over two decades of quiet, passionate support to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, serving as one of the charity’s most high-profile and effective ambassadors.. This partnership stems from his deep affection for dogs, which he has frequently described as vital companions throughout his high-pressure career. Keane has spearheaded numerous major fundraising campaigns, made extensive media appearances to raise public awareness, and regularly visited the charity’s training centre in Cork to meet breeders and visually impaired individuals. His involvement went a step further when he took on the responsibility of puppy walking, helping to socialise a future guide dog named Izzy in his own home. Through his long-standing advocacy and personal commitment, Keane has helped raise hundreds of thousands of euros to provide independence, mobility, and companionship to blind and visually impaired people, as well as children with autism, across Ireland.
Kevin Kilbane
International Caps: 103 (1997–2011)
Who they advocate for: Down Syndrome
Kevin Kilbane enjoyed a remarkably consistent and durable playing career, earning a reputation as an exceptionally hardworking and versatile left-sided player who could operate as a winger or full-back. He made over 500 club appearances across the top flights of English football, with highly successful spells at West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland, Everton, and Wigan Athletic. Renowned for his incredible stamina and professionalism, Kilbane became a legendary figure for the Republic of Ireland national team after making his senior debut in 1997. He earned 103 caps for his country and was a key member of the squad that reached the knockout stages of the 2002 World Cup. Remarkably, he set an Irish record by playing in 66 consecutive competitive international matches, cementing his status as one of the most reliable servants in the history of Irish football.
Kilbane has become a prominent, articulate, and deeply passionate advocate for individuals with Down Syndrome, a cause that is incredibly close to his heart as his eldest daughter, Elsie, was born with the condition. He serves as a proud patron for Down’s Syndrome Association in the UK and actively supports Down Syndrome Ireland, using his media presence and public platform to challenge stereotypes and promote genuine inclusion. Kilbane has raised substantial funds for these organisations through various endurance challenges, including running the London Marathon, and he frequently speaks at public events to educate communities on the importance of providing equal opportunities in education, employment, and sport.
Jason McAteer
International Caps: 52 (1994–2003)
Who they advocate for: Men’s mental health
Jason McAteer enjoyed a highly successful playing career as a dynamic and versatile midfielder and wing-back, most famously associated with Bolton Wanderers and Liverpool. He first burst onto the scene at Bolton, helping them secure promotion to the Premier League and reach the 1995 League Cup Final, which earned him a high-profile move to his boyhood club, Liverpool, later that year. McAteer made over 100 appearances for them as part of the famous “Spice Boys” era before continuing his club career with impactful spells at Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland. Internationally, he was a key figure for the Republic of Ireland, making his senior debut in 1994. Over a nine-year international career, he earned 52 caps and represented his country at both the 1994 and 2002 World Cups, writing his name into Irish folklore by scoring the iconic winning goal against the Netherlands at Lansdowne Road to secure qualification for a play-off for the 2002 tournament.
Since retiring from professional football, McAteer has become a prominent and courageous advocate for men’s mental health, speaking openly about his personal battles with severe depression. Following his transition out of the game, he experienced a profound loss of identity that led to suicidal thoughts, a journey he laid bare in his autobiography, Blood, Sweat and Terry’s Chocolate Oranges, and the raw documentary, Jason McAteer: Loneliness of the Long Distance Footballer. By using his platform to dismantle the “tough guy” stigma often found in traditional sporting cultures, he has worked closely with charities like Match Fit and the PFA to encourage young men and retired athletes to speak openly about their emotional struggles. McAteer frequently visits clubs and participates in public forums to campaign for better mental health infrastructure within football, urging society to treat mental fitness with the same seriousness as physical wellbeing.
James McClean
International Caps: 47 (2012–2023 )
Who they advocate for: Autism and Neurodiversity
James McClean established himself as a dynamic, deeply passionate, and incredibly durable winger, achieving the rare and prestigious milestone of entering the century club for the Republic of Ireland. After starting his senior professional career in the League of Ireland at Derry City, the Derry native moved to English football with Sunderland in 2011. He went on to enjoy a substantial career in the English leagues, featuring prominently for Wigan Athletic, West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City, and Wrexham, earning respect everywhere for his relentless work rate and direct playing style. Internationally, McClean made the decision to represent the Republic of Ireland at the senior level, making his debut in 2012. He accumulated an extraordinary 103 caps and scored 11 goals over an eleven-year international career that concluded with his retirement from international football in late 2023. He represented his country at both Euro 2012 and Euro 2016, with his memorable winning goal against Austria in Vienna in 2016 standing out as a true high point of his international service.
McClean has become a prominent and highly respected voice for autism awareness and neurodiversity, a cause that is deeply personal to his family. After his daughter, Willow-Ivy, was diagnosed with autism, McClean and his wife, Erin, dedicated themselves to educating the public and breaking down the stigma associated with the condition. His advocacy took a remarkably profound turn in 2023 when, at the age of 33, McClean chose to undergo an autism assessment himself after recognising identical traits in his own life, subsequently receiving his own diagnosis. By sharing his personal journey so publicly, he has provided immense comfort and inspiration to neurodivergent individuals and parents worldwide. McClean consistently works with local and national autism organisations to champion early intervention support, campaign for better educational adaptations, and foster a world where neurodiversity is fully understood and celebrated. Such as unveiling the Sensory Room in Aviva Stadium in 2022.
Paul McGrath
International Caps: 33 (1985–1995)
Who they advocate for: Various
We now come to personally, my favourite player on the list. Paul McGrath is universally acclaimed as one of the greatest and most naturally gifted defenders in the history of Irish football. He began his professional career with St Patrick’s Athletic before securing a move to Manchester United in 1982, where he won an FA Cup in 1985 and established himself as an elite, exceptionally composed centre-back. In 1989, McGrath transferred to Aston Villa, where his career reached legendary heights; despite suffering from severe, chronic knee injuries that prevented him from training, his extraordinary reading of the game led Villa to two League Cups and earned him the prestigious PFA Players’ Player of the Year award in 1993.
On the international stage, McGrath was the talismanic heartbeat of the Republic of Ireland team during the Jack Charlton era, making his senior debut in 1985. Over a twelve-year international career, he accumulated 83 caps and scored eight goals, representing his country at Euro 1988, Italia ’90, and USA ’94. His heroic, iron-willed defensive masterclass against Italy at Giants Stadium in 1994 remains immortalised as arguably the finest individual performance in Irish sporting history.
Known as one of the nicest men in football, McGrath has channelled his personal experiences and immense public popularity into supporting various critical charitable causes across Ireland. Having been remarkably open about his own public battles with severe alcoholism and mental health struggles in his award-winning autobiography, Back from the Brink, he has consistently used his platform to destigmatise addiction. He serves as a prominent ambassador and fundraiser for Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, frequently spearheading wellness campaigns such as the “Step Up” challenge to raise vital funds for rehabilitation services. Additionally, McGrath is a dedicated supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Ireland and has recently partnered with Movember and Pringles to champion men’s mental health, actively encouraging open conversations to combat the isolation often experienced by young men. Through his humility and tireless charitable work, he remains a deeply cherished figure who continues to make a social impact off the pitch.
Chiedozie Ogbene
International Caps: 35 (2019 to present)
Who do they advocate for: First African-born international (noting representation/diversity; public stance against racism)
Chiedozie Ogbene has built a reputation as an exceptionally fast and dynamic winger, navigating a unique path through the ranks of Irish and English football. Born in Nigeria, he moved to Cork with his family at a young age and began his professional career in the League of Ireland, winning the FAI Cup with Cork City before enjoying a standout season at Limerick. His explosive pace and work rate earned him a move to England with Brentford, followed by a highly successful four-year stint at Rotherham United, where he won the EFL Trophy and achieved promotion to the Championship. Ogbene later made a significant impact in the Premier League with Luton Town and subsequently joined Ipswich Town, spent a loan spell with Sheffield United, and continued to showcase his top-tier credentials. On the international stage, he made history by making his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland in 2021, establishing himself as a vital attacking threat for the national team and accumulating 35 caps.
Ogbene occupies a significant place in modern Irish sporting history as the first African-born player to represent the Republic of Ireland senior men’s national team. He has embraced this historic milestone with immense pride, using his high profile to champion cultural diversity, representation, and inclusion across the country. Ogbene has been a courageous voice against racism in sport, publicly addressing the modern challenges of discrimination and calling for stronger education and accountability to protect athletes. By sharing his personal journey of growing up in Cork and finding community through sport, he has become an inspirational role model for young people from diverse backgrounds across Ireland, continuously demonstrating how football can serve as a powerful force for unity and positive social change.
John O’Shea
International Caps: 118 (2001–2013)
Who they advocate for: Manchester United Foundation
John O’Shea enjoyed a glittering and highly decorated playing career, cementing his status as one of the most successful and versatile Irish footballers of the modern era. After coming through the youth academy at Manchester United, the Waterford man went on to spend over a decade at Old Trafford, making 393 appearances and winning five Premier League titles, an FA Cup, three League Cups, and the Champions League in 2008. Renowned for his tactical intelligence and willingness to play in any position, including emergency stints in goal, once saving a penalty, O’Shea later moved to Sunderland, where he spent seven seasons as club captain before concluding his career at Reading. On the international stage, he is an undisputed legend for the Republic of Ireland, making his senior debut in 2001.
Over a seventeen-year international career that concluded in 2018, O’Shea earned 118 caps, making him Ireland’s third most capped player of all time, and captained his country at both Euro 2012 and Euro 2016. Since retiring from the game, O’Shea has gone into coaching, first with Reading, before joining Stephen Kenny’s backroom as the Assistant national team manager. He continued this role under Heimir Hallgrímsson..
O’Shea has maintained a deep and lasting commitment to community development and youth empowerment, serving as a dedicated ambassador for the Manchester United Foundation. Throughout his playing days and long after his retirement, he has consistently supported the charity’s mission to use football to educate, motivate, and inspire young people across Greater Manchester and beyond. O’Shea frequently participates in foundation initiatives, visiting local schools and community hubs to deliver positive messages around physical health, mental resilience, and social inclusion. In addition to his work with the foundation, he has lent his high profile to global humanitarian causes, serving as an ambassador for UNICEF Ireland and travelling to developing regions to raise critical awareness and funds for children affected by poverty and conflict.
Niall Quinn
International Caps: 92 (1986–2002)
Who they advocate for: Crumlin Hospital
Niall Quinn was one of the most prolific and beloved strikers in modern Irish football history, celebrated for his aerial ability and intelligent link-up play. After beginning his senior professional career at Arsenal, where he won a League Cup, the towering frontman moved to Manchester City in 1990, scoring 78 goals over six highly successful seasons. He later enjoyed a legendary partnership with Kevin Phillips at Sunderland, scoring 69 goals, helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League, and later returning to serve the Black Cats as both chairman and manager. Internationally, Quinn was a talismanic figure for the Republic of Ireland, making his senior debut in 1986. Over a sixteen-year international career, he earned 92 caps and scored 21 goals, representing his country at Euro 1988, Italia ’90, and the 2002 World Cup, and retiring as Ireland’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Just some of Quinn’s philanthropy includes his decision to donate the entire proceeds of his 2002 testimonial match to charity. The match between Sunderland and the Republic of Ireland raised over one million pounds, with the vast majority of the funds directly benefiting Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin. His donation helped fund the construction of a state-of-the-art accommodation unit for parents of long-term hospital patients, ensuring families could stay together during difficult treatments. A long-standing patron of the hospital, Quinn has consistently used his public platform to advocate for sick children, spearheading numerous fundraising campaigns and making regular visits to the wards
Andy Reid
International Caps: 29 (2000–2007)
Who they advocate for: Grief, alcohol use, and mental health after personal bereavements
Andy Reid was one of the most technically gifted and creative midfielders of his generation, celebrated for his exceptional passing range and lethal left foot. (Personally, I feel he was one of the most underrated players of his generation, too). The Dublin man began his senior professional career at Nottingham Forest, where his performances earned him a high-profile move to the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur in 2005. Reid went on to showcase his top-flight quality during impactful spells with Charlton Athletic, Sunderland, and Blackpool, before returning to his beloved Nottingham Forest in 2011 to conclude his playing days and transition into coaching. On the international stage, Reid made his senior debut in 2003. Over an international career that spanned a decade, he accumulated 29 caps and scored four goals.
Since retiring from professional football, Reid has become an advocate for mental health awareness, speaking candidly about his personal struggles with grief and alcohol use following devastating personal bereavements. After experiencing the profound loss of his parents, Reid opened up about how the overwhelming weight of grief led him to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism during a highly vulnerable period in his life. By sharing his journey with immense honesty, he has worked to dismantle the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health struggles, particularly among men and retired athletes who often face a loss of identity after sport. Reid consistently collaborates with mental health charities and support networks across Ireland and the UK, using his platform to promote the importance of early intervention, professional counselling, and fostering open, compassionate conversations around grief and emotional well-being.
Richard Sadlier
International Caps: 7 (2000–2002)
Who they advocate for: Mental health, addiction recovery, and sexual abuse survivor advocacy
Richard Sadlier was an exceptionally promising and technically gifted centre-forward whose professional playing career was tragically cut short just as he was reaching his peak. The Dublin native spent his entire professional club career at Millwall, joining the London club in 1996. He became a vital component of the side that won the Second Division title in 2001 and excelled in the First Division the following year, scoring 34 goals in 103 starts for the Lions. Leading to a senior international debut for the Republic of Ireland against Russia at Lansdowne Road in February 2002. Widely tipped to make Mick McCarthy’s final 23-man squad for the 2002 World Cup, Sadlier was instead dealt a devastating blow when a severe, degenerative hip injury forced him to withdraw from the tournament. Despite numerous comeback attempts, the injury ultimately compelled him to retire from professional football in 2003 at the young age of 24.
Following the abrupt and painful end to his sporting dreams, Sadlier navigated a profound personal crisis to reinvent himself as one of Ireland’s most articulate, impactful, and courageous voices in public life.
After undergoing personal therapy to process the loss of his identity, he went on to earn a master’s degree in psychotherapy and now runs a successful practice specialising in adolescent development, relationship issues, and sexual trauma. In his raw, critically acclaimed autobiography, Recovering, which won the 2019 Irish Sports Book of the Year, Sadlier broke long-standing taboos by speaking openly about his own battles with depression and alcohol addiction, as well as revealing that he was a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. By combining his high profile as a prominent sports pundit with his professional expertise as a therapist, he has become a leading advocate for mental health and addiction recovery. Through his tireless work in schools, media appearances, and his insightful podcasting, Sadlier continuously campaigns to dismantle toxic masculinity, encourage emotional openness, and provide vital support networks for survivors of trauma across the country.
Jon Walters
International Caps: 54
Who they advocate for: Cancer
Jonathan Walters built a reputation as a physical forward who became a vital component of Tony Pulis’s successful Stoke City era. After a nomadic early career that included spells at Bolton Wanderers, Hull City, and Chester City, the Merseyside-born attacker found his feet at Ipswich Town before moving to Stoke in 2010. Over a seven-year tenure with the Potters, Walters made 269 appearances across all competitions, scoring 62 goals and notably helping the club reach the 2011 FA Cup Final. Renowned for his exceptional durability and selfless team play, he later featured for Burnley and Ipswich Town before retiring in 2019. On the international stage, Walters was a powerful asset and a passionate leader for the Republic of Ireland, making his senior debut in 2010.
Over an international career that spanned eight years, he accumulated 54 caps and scored 14 goals, playing a pivotal role in Ireland’s qualification for Euro 2012 and Euro 2016, famously scoring both goals in the playoff second-leg victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina to secure a place at the latter tournament.
Since retiring, Walters has used his public platform to become a deeply courageous and impactful advocate for bowel cancer awareness and early screening. This mission is profoundly close to his heart, as his mother, Helen, tragically passed away from the disease at the age of 40 when Walters was just eleven years old. In 2019, he drew widespread praise for sharing a highly detailed, candid, and humorous account of his own journey undergoing a colonoscopy to debunk the fears surrounding the procedure and highlight the importance of regular checks for those with a family history. Partnering with organisations like Bowel Cancer UK, Walters has made numerous high-profile media appearances to encourage the public to recognise early symptoms and consult their doctors without shame. Through his raw openness about personal loss and medical prevention, he continuously campaigns to ensure that fewer families have to experience the devastating effects of the disease, emphasising that early diagnosis can be life-saving.
Manager: Brian Kerr
International Management: 1997-2003 Republic of Ireland Youth Team and 2003-2005 Republic of Ireland men’s team, Faroe Islands 2009-2011
Who they advocate for: Various, including support for Palestine
Brian Kerr is celebrated for his unparalleled success in developing young talent. The Dublin man first made his mark in the domestic game, guiding St Patrick’s Athletic to two League of Ireland titles against major financial odds before being appointed technical director of the Football Association of Ireland. In 1997, he took charge of the national youth setups, orchestrating an unprecedented golden era by leading the under-20 side to a historic bronze medal at the World Youth Championship in Malaysia. The following year, he achieved a feat unmatched in European football by winning both the Under-16 and Under-18 European Championships in the same year, nurturing future senior legends like Damien Duff and Robbie Keane. This phenomenal pedigree saw him appointed manager of the Republic of Ireland senior men’s national team in 2003, where he oversaw a highly competitive two-year period, losing just four of his 33 games in charge. He later managed the Faroe Islands, significantly elevating their international standing.
Away from the dugout, Kerr is highly respected for his principled stances on social justice and his extensive humanitarian advocacy, particularly his long-standing support for the Palestinian people.
Driven by a deep belief in the power of sport to provide hope amidst conflict, Kerr partnered with Gaza Action Ireland in 2014 to help launch the “Gaza Kids to Ireland” initiative, a cross-community project that successfully brought a team of young Palestinian children over to play football matches and experience respite from the blockade. A vocal champion for human rights, he has consistently used his prominent media platform to campaign against discrimination and injustice, adding his name to the high-profile “Stop the Game” initiative led by Irish Sport for Palestine to oppose international fixtures on moral grounds. Alongside his international advocacy, Kerr remains deeply rooted in grassroots community work across Dublin, continuously lobbying for better sports facilities for young people and women, and using his voice to support local boxing clubs and youth development programmes.