‘They don't make them like you anymore' hails ex-Ireland star as Paul McGrath & Kevin Moran reunite
Icon McGrath had shared the brilliant photo with his former Ireland centre-half partner to
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The pair look remarkably good for their age
Credit: @paulnumberfive
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McGrath is the younger of the two at 65
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While the former Dublin GAA star is 69
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The early years of Phelan's international career overlapped with both men
They've clearly remained close over the years as
Back in the here and now, McGrath captioned their most recent snap together: "Great to catch up with an 'old' friend today. He still blames me for getting him sent off in the FA Cup final."
Moran did earn the infamous distinction of becoming the first player ever to be dismissed during an FA Cup decider in
In the play in question, his fellow Dubliner landed him in deep trouble when McGrath's pass was intercepted at the halfway line.
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As the last man back, Moran made a desperate sliding tackle to try and win it back but was fractionally late - taking the legs out from under
All is mostly forgiven nowadays with the duo grinning from ear to ear in their latest rendezvous.
The social media post served as nostalgic gold for Irish football fans - as well as a few former players.
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42-times capped Phelan replied: "What a pair of central defenders.
"They don't make them like that anymore. I had the great privilege to play alongside them both. Fantastic times."
Forest Green Rovers Unveil World's First Fully Vegan Football Kit & Launch Mental Health Initiative
Times have of course grown leaner for the Boys in Green since their last World Cup qualification in 2002 and most recent Euros adventure in 2016.
Fans will at least learn whether that long wait for another World Cup outing will come to an end before the end of the year as the 2026 tournament qualifiers will be a short, sharp burst from September-November.
First up,
October 11 and 14 will bring an away tie with Portugal as well as the reverse fixture against Armenia.
On November 13 the Aviva Stadium will play host to
Like the 1994 edition that Moran and McGrath were at (though the former was a bit-part player at 38 by then), the 2026 competition
But unlike its predecessor, the US will be sharing hosting duties this time around with Canada and Mexico owing to the expanded 48-team format.
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