Irish National Quidditch team

Irish National Quidditch Team
Quidditch team information
Robes	Green
Championships won	1994 Quidditch World Cup
Rival(s)	Bulgarian National Quidditch team
Known players	Captain: Darren O'Hare (Keeper) (mid-1900s) Beater: Connolly (1994) Beater: Quigley (1994) Chaser: Troy (1994) Chaser: Mullet (1994) Chaser: Moran (1994) Keeper: Barry Ryan (1994) Seeker: Aidan Lynch (1994)

"The Irish are another strong defensive team, especially against the run, and with Aiden [sic] Lynch in the air, the offence put as many points on the board as nearly every team in the World Cup. Their running game is suspect, but Lynch always seems to find a way to keep the chains moving. Bulgarians brace yourselves..."

— Description on promotional material for the 1994 Quidditch World Cup

The Irish National Quidditch Team was a national Quidditch team representing Ireland. They won the 1994 Quidditch World Cup, beating Bulgaria in the final. The mascots of the team were Leprechauns.

History

Mid-1900s

Darren O'Hare played as Keeper.

1993

In the summer of 1993, the Irish side placed an order in Quality Quidditch Supplies (where a prototype Firebolt was on display) for seven new Firebolt Broomsticks. They were favourites to win the next year's Quidditch World Cup.

1994

"Presenting – Connolly! Ryan! Troy! Mullet! Moran! Quigley! Aaaaaand – Lynch!"

— Ludovic Bagman introducing the Irish National Quidditch Team during the final match

The Irish team at the Quidditch World Cup in 1994

On 25 August, 1994, the team played in the final match of the 1994 Quidditch World Cup against the Bulgarian National Quidditch team. All of the members of the team were riding new Firebolts. The team was well-renowned for their superb Chasers, having apparently crushed the Peruvian National Quidditch team in the Semi-Finals before taking on the Bulgarian team.

Ireland's Leprechaun mascot

Troy scored the first goal of the match. After another two Irish goals, Bulgaria registered their opening score. Then Ireland's Seeker Aidan Lynch was fooled by Krum's Wronski Feint, but managed to continue play after the aid of some mediwizards. Fifteen minutes later Ireland had stretched their lead to 130-10, when their Chaser Mullet was fouled by the Bulgarian Keeper and was awarded a penalty. This led to anarchy, with another penalty being awarded to Ireland and referee Hassan Mostafa being distracted by Bulgaria's mascots, the Veela.

Quigley sent a Bludger towards Krum which broke his nose. Lynch then spotted the Snitch, but was beaten in the race for it by Krum. Despite this, Ireland still ran out the victors. The final score was 170-160.

The Irish team performed a lap of honour before being presented with the Quidditch World Cup in the stadium's Top Box, with Lynch having to be supported by Moran and Connolly. Troy and Quigley lifted the trophy.

2010s

During the Calamity, Irish National Team played against Scotland in the international Quidditch friendly. Entire team members were left-handed.

2014

Ireland failed to qualify for the 2014 Quidditch World Cup held in the Patagonian Desert.

Squads

Irish National Team
1994
Chasers
Mullet		Troy		Moran
Beaters
	Connolly		Quigley
	Keeper		Seeker
	Barry Ryan		Aidan Lynch

Behind the scenes

A hat worn by Irish fans at Quidditch World Cup

• J. K. Rowling once told fans that all the team members are named for people she has known. Moran, Troy, Quigley are good friends of the author.
• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire:
  • All seven players released fireworks to create the giant form of one Leprechaun, instead of having multiple real ones spelling words.
  • The Irish team wear predominantly green robes, but with a large proportion of white.
  • Harry appears to support Bulgaria; Ron appears to be wearing both colours (possibly as a split decision between the Irish "team" and the Bulgarian "seeker".)
    • However, in the book, Harry, along with all the others, supports Ireland.
• In both the film and book Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the Death Eaters were initially mistaken as Irish fans.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (First mentioned)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (First appearance)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game) (Mentioned only)
• Quidditch Through the Ages (2018 audio edition) (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter: Wizards Unite (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter: Magic Awakened (Mentioned in History of Magic classes)
• The Art of Harry Potter: Mini Book of Graphic Design