This film is part of Free
Wales v Ireland at Wrexham (1906)
International football action in front of an enthusiastic home crowd in Wrexham.
Overview
In what may be the earliest International football match recorded on film, Wales play Ireland in a Home Championship fixture at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground. Wales (in the darker kit) are cheered on by a lively home crowd. Two cameras cover the action, with edited shots showing the build up to two of the Welsh goals and drama in the penalty area. This was a high-scoring game, ending in a 4-4 draw.
Sadly, the filmmakers weren't able to catch Welsh star Billy Meredith in action. Meredith was serving a season-long ban for alleged bribery following a bad-tempered First Division game between his club, Manchester City, and Aston Villa. Believing himself a fall-guy for his club's practices, Meredith left City for local rivals Manchester United in May 1906.
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