Paddy Duncan

Striker Paddy Duncan played in the historic first Republic of Ireland (then the Irish Free State) international football match against Bulgaria at the Paris Olympics on 28 May 1924. He also had the distinction of scoring Ireland’s first goal in international football in the 75th minute of the game. Duncan also played in the 2-1 extra-time defeat by Netherlands in the quarter-final, and in the friendly against Estonia the following day. Duncan also played in Ireland’s first historic home game against the USA at Dalymount Park, Dublin, on 14 June 1924 (although some sources incorrectly say 16 June), when he replaced the injured John Joe Dykes.

Duncan, known as “Dirty” Duncan, was a one-club-man with Dublin side St. James’s Gate. He joined them in 1910 and after 18 years his career was ended through injury at the age of 34. The club organised a testimonial match against Bohemians in honour of his service to them. The highlights of Duncan’s career came in the 1921/22 season when he won the Leinster Cup, as well as the inaugural Irish Free State (now the Football Association of Ireland) League and Cup competitions. Duncan won four Ireland international caps and scored two goals.