THE FAI will formally recognise the 1924 Ireland fixtures as the first-ever official international matches.
Ireland competed at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris where the FAI sent a representative team that subsequently played two friendly games against Estonia and the USA that year.
But FIFA classified those Olympic Games as amateur in the 1960s which meant that the first official Ireland game was against Italy in 1926.
FIFA again changed its classification in 1999, and the FAI have now formally moved to recognise the 1924 games.
It means those players involved in the Paris Olympics against Bulgaria and the Netherlands, and the subsequent friendly games with Estonia and Paris will have caps awarded.
It follows historical research by a committee including Gary Spain, Tadhg Carey, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD, Paul Lennon and Gerry Farrell.
Living relatives of the players involved have been contacted, though the FAI has appealed for help in finding the families of Mick Farrell of St James’ Gate, Frank Collins of Jacobs and trainer Charlie Harris of Bohemians.
It also means that Paddy Duncan, who scored in the 1-0 win over Bulgaria in 1924, will now be recognised as Ireland’s first ever goal scorer.
FAI President Paul Cooke said: “This is a huge day in the history of the Football Association of Ireland and a proud moment as we formally re-classify and recognise the achievements of the 1924 side.
“To be able to pass this motion 100 years after the matches and in the same year as the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris gives the Association a great opportunity to recognise the importance these matches have in our shared history and a valued addition to the Irish footballing tradition.”