Jack McCarthy

Full-back Jack McCarthy 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 played in the 2-1 extra-time defeat by Netherlands in the quarter-final, and in the friendly against Estonia the following day. McCarthy was then selected to play in the Ireland’s first home international against the USA at Dalymount Park, Dublin, on 14 June 1924 (although some sources incorrectly say 16 June), but his place was taken by Tommy Murphy at the last minute.

McCarthy was born in London, where his soldier father was stationed at the time. His early childhood was spent in Kerry before moving to Dublin at the age of five. As a footballer, McCarthy remained an amateur throughout his playing career with the Dublin sides Olympia and Bohemians, and won both the Leinster Senior and Junior Cups with Olympia in 1917/18. He went on to win the FAI League title with Bohemians in 1924 and was a member of their team that won the Leinster Cup and the FAI League and Cup double in 1928. He collected a third League title in 1930. McCarthy’s younger brother Stephen also played for the “Bohs”.

In February 1928 McCarthy got married and interrupted his honeymoon so he could play for Ireland against Belgium in Liège. He was honoured with the captaincy of the team as Ireland made a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down at half-time to win 4-2. McCarthy won six Republic of Ireland caps between 1924-30.