St Patrick's Day | Swans and Irishmen

17th March
First team

We mark St Patrick's Day by looking at a handful of players who represented the Swans and the Republic of Ireland.

Noel Dwyer

Dublin-born Dwyer began his career with spells at Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United before joining the Swans in 1960.

The goalkeeper went on to achieve cult hero status with the Jack Army following his man-of-the-match display in the memorable 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the 1964 FA Cup quarter-final.

Overall, he made 166 appearances for the Swans in all competitions before departing for Plymouth Argyle.

Dwyer, who ended his 12-year senior career with a brief spell at Charlton Athletic, represented the Republic of Ireland between 1959 and 1964, earning 14 caps.

Ryan Casey

After progressing through the youth ranks with the Swans, Casey made his senior debut against Leyton Orient in October 1996.

The left-back went on to play 11 times during the 1999-2000 season as the Swans gained promotion as Third Division champions.

Overall, he made 87 appearances in all competitions in South Wales, scoring three goals.

Also, along with the likes of Robbie Keane and Richard Dunne, Casey was part of the Republic of Ireland side that won the European Under-18 Championship in 1998, while he also featured in the following year’s FIFA World Youth Cup.

Thomas Butler

Butler signed with the Swans following his departure from Hartlepool United in 2006.

The midfielder, who would make 144 appearances in all competitions, went on to help the club gain promotion to the Championship two years later, although a battle with long-term injuries marred his time in South Wales.

However, he will always be fondly remembered for scoring twice and earning a penalty in the Swans’ 3-0 victory over Premier League side Sheffield United in the 2007 FA Cup.

Butler was also capped twice by the Republic of Ireland in 2002, while he played 13 times at under-21 level.

Terry Phelan

Phelan joined the Swans after being released by Leeds United in July 1986.

He missed just one game in the Fourth Division during the following season with his performances earning him a place in the PFA team of the year.

Overall, Phelan played 53 times for the Swans in all competitions before top-flight Wimbledon came calling less than a year after he arrived in South Wales.

The left-back, who subsequently won the 1988 FA Cup with the Crazy Gang, also earned 42 caps for the Republic of Ireland between 1991 and 2000 – representing the Green Army at the 1994 World Cup.