The coalition was worried that an attempt to promote Ireland at the 1994 US World Cup finals could prove an own goal given potential fan behaviour. Confidential files released as part of the State Papers by the National Archives revealed the Government was concerned about the potential negative publicity that might be attracted by the “exuberance” of Irish fans while attending matches. One file referred to the potential antics of “boisterous but well-behaved” supporters – though others highlighted the potential for the consumption of large quantities of alcohol by fans and the resultant negative perception that might be generated.
Consultants strongly recommended against using the USA 1994 World Cup finals “as a vehicle for the promotion of Ireland”. As an alternative, they argued for Ireland to use the tournament instead for targeted corporate entertainment opportunities, especially for US and other executives that might be key to assisting Ireland or Irish firms in the future. Irish Ambassador in Washington Dermot Gallagher noted arguments against a major promotion of Ireland pegged to the World Cup included that the tournament would have relatively little impact on the US in general.
Mr Gallagher pointed out that matches would not receive a high level of TV coverage. “While Irish soccer fans may be the best in the world, their (for us, normal) ‘exuberance’ could possibly attract some negative coverage from the US media,” he advised. Ireland’s winnin.
