Real benefits to All-Ireland team: Sports Minister

SPORTS Minister Carol Ní Chuilín says there would be real benefits in amalgamating the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland international soccer teams but it’s a matter for the IFA, the FAI and FIFA.

She made the comments when asked if she had any plans to meet with the IFA or FAI to discuss the establishment of an all-Ireland soccer team.

She stated: “I have no plans, at present, to meet with the IFA or the FAI to discuss the establishment of an all-Ireland soccer team.

“The establishment of such a team is not a matter for me but wholly a matter for the two governing bodies together with FIFA.

“Both the IFA and the FAI are, however, aware of my personal views on this matter and my belief that there would be real benefits for football in having an all-Ireland soccer team.”