Ajax v Shelbourne: Irish players and clubs have long history of lessons from Dutch masters

Ajax hosted Shelbourne in a Uefa Conference League encounter at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Thursday, marking another chapter in the enduring relationship between the Dutch club and Irish football. The match, taking place in front of a capacity crowd of 55,000, saw the legacy of Ajax's influence on Irish football continue through generations of players and managers. The connection between the two sides dates back more than a century, rooted in historical ties that shaped both clubs' identities. The bond between Ajax and Irish football began in 1910 when John Kirwan, an Irish sportsman, became the first professional manager in the club’s history. Kirwan, known for his versatility and determination, had previously won an All-Ireland football championship with Dublin in 1894 after a controversial match against Cork was abandoned due to a brawl. Despite the disruption, his achievement stood as a testament to his resilience. Kirwan then transitioned to soccer, playing for Everton and later Tottenham Hotspur, where he witnessed one of the most unusual victories in English football history. In 1901, Tottenham, a non-league side, won the FA Cup after a replay that was completed under extraordinary circumstances. Upon retiring from playing, Kirwan was recruited to the Netherlands to manage Ajax, a decision that would prove transformative for the club. During his tenure, he guided Ajax to a second division title and secured their promotion to the top flight, a milestone requiring the club to alter its kit design to avoid duplication with Sparta Rotterdam. One of the most notable changes was the adoption of the iconic white jersey with a red vertical stripe, a symbol that has endured throughout Ajax’s storied history. The Irish connection with Ajax deepened further in 1987 when the club, under the legendary Johan Cruyff, signed Frank Stapleton as a replacement for Marco van Basten, who had moved to AC Milan. Stapleton, a Dublin-born player, joined Ajax amid intense competition for his services. Cruyff, however, admitted in his autobiography that he had originally sought to sign Cyrille Regis, a British-Guianan forward, but Regis became too costly after Coventry City’s unexpected FA Cup victory over Tottenham. Ultimately, Stapleton was chosen based on recommendations from former Ajax teammate Arnold Mühren, who noted that Stapleton had played alongside Cruyff at Manchester United and was still susceptible to injury, making him an economical signing. Stapleton’s brief spell at Ajax included a memorable performance in a European Cup Winners’ Cup tie against Dundalk. In the first leg at Amsterdam’s stadium, Dundalk held out in a scoreless first half while the home fans reportedly booed the Ajax players. However, Stapleton’s introduction as a substitute sparked a dramatic turnaround, with Ajax eventually winning 4-0. His contribution culminated in a goal against familiar opponents, adding to the significance of his appearance. The second leg, held at Dundalk’s Oriel Park, drew a modest crowd of 4,500, but Ajax comfortably advanced 6-0 on aggregate. Despite his limited appearances, Stapleton’s impact on Ajax and Irish football remains a footnote in the broader narrative of cross-border sporting collaboration. As Shelbourne prepares to face Ajax once again, the echoes of this rich history continue to shape the future of both clubs.