The Irish in Britain, including those of Irish descent, make up a significant part of the UK population. Here, you will find news, entertainment, events, sports and features from the local Irish Post newspaper.

By Trevor O ’Sullivan

Ireland’s soccer heroes are set to follow their GAA counterparts into the world of computer games.

The move comes after the initial success of a Gaelic football game which allowed Irish GAA fans to imagine themselves as Colt Cooper portraying his prodigious talent for Kerry.

The game will give the Irish Football League a much-needed marketing boost by making its video game debut.

While the international team and stars such as Roy Keane and Damien Duff has been a mainstay of the FIFA football series over the past decade, the national League has been conspicuous by its absence from the in-depth franchise.

But that is all about to change with the FAI confirming that the Eircom League will feature in FIFA 08, which will be released later this year.

Irish second-generation soccer enthusiast Neville Reilly from Hornsey in London thinks the time is right for Irish soccer to finally be represented.

He said: “I am a big fan of the Premier League but also a big fan of the Irish Leagues and this has been like manna from heaven for fans like me.

“I have been waiting so many years and now it has finally arrived. I have got to take my hat off to the team at EA who make FIFA 08.

“Seeing as my team is Shamrock Rovers I can’t wait to give teams like Cork City and others a good hiding.”

Director of the FAI Eircom League of Ireland Fran Gamin expressed his delight at the League is finally getting recognition.

He said: “We are thrilled to be working with Electronic Arts (EA) to bring our League to a worldwide audience of millions.

“Having the Eircom League of Ireland included in FIFA 08 is very exciting for supporters of the League and it will also enable people around the world to play FAI Eircom League of Ireland fixtures on their computer consoles.”

FIFA 08 will include 620 licensed teams and more than 15,000 players including those who star in the Eircom Premier Division.

Ireland marketing manager for Electronic Arts Craig Auld said he was pleased Irish fans were finally being catered for.

He said: “EA is delighted that Irish football will be proudly represented in the world-renowned FIFA franchise this year.

“It’s a really exciting time for the FAI Eircom League of Ireland, and we look forward to giving Irish football fans the opportunity to play the game as their favourite home-grown teams for the first time.”