Date of birth September 20, 1921 Playing position Team Apps | Place of birth Cork, Ireland Years Team | |
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Full name John Francis O'Driscoll Died 1988, Swansea, United Kingdom | ||
John Francis O'Driscoll (September 20, 1921 in Cork, Ireland – March 11, 1988 in Swansea, Wales), commonly referred to as Jackie O'Driscoll, is a former Irish footballer who played as a winger for several teams in the League of Ireland. He also played for Swansea Town. O'Driscoll was a dual international and played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI.
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Irish international
When O'Driscoll began his international career in 1948 there were, in effect, two Ireland teams, chosen by two rival associations. Both associations, the Northern Ireland-based IFA and the Republic of Ireland-based FAI claimed jurisdiction over the whole of Ireland and selected players from the whole island. As a result several notable Irish players from this era, including O'Driscoll, played for both teams.
IFA XI
Between 1948 and 1949 O'Driscoll made 3 appearances for the IFA XI . On October 9, 1948 he made his international debut for the IFA XI in a 6-2 defeat against England. On November 17, 1948 he made his second appearance for the IFA XI in a 3-2 defeat against Scotland. He made his last appearance for the IFA XI against Wales on March 9, 1949 in a 2-0 defeat.
FAI XI
Between 1948 and 1949 O'Driscoll also made 3 appearances for the FAI XI. He won his first cap on December 5, 1948 in a 1-0 defeat in a friendly Switzerland at Dalymount Park. He also played for the FAI XI on April 24, 1949 in another friendly at Dalymount against Belgium. This time the FAI XI lost 2-0. He won his final FAI XI cap on June 2, 1949 a in 3-1 away defeat against Sweden, a qualifier for the 1950 FIFA World Cup.
Player
Waterford
Cork United
Swansea Town
Llanelli