The Van (1992)

This is not really a soccer movie, but is the story of two friend, Bimbo and Larry, who open a fish and chips truck; a chipper.

The hurry to get the chipper ready for the start of the 1990 World Cup in which Ireland is trying to qualify.

Bimbo asks Larry to be his partner, and Larry agrees. Washing, painting ... they slowly get the van in to shape. They try different recipes as they try to get the best chips. When the van is ready they pull it behind their car. They park it near a bar which is showing the 1990 World Cup live and then go in to watch the game. Ireland makes a goal and ties up England 1 - 1 and the game ends in a tie. The Irish goal was scored by Kevin Sheedy.

After the game they hooked up the van to the car's battery and opened for business. As the bar emptied out they got very busy. The Ireland drew with Holland and Egypt and qualified for the next round. Business got so good they ran out of food.

Now it's Ireland against Romania. It comes down to penalty kicks. Packie Bonner made the save on the last Romanian kiccker and in one of the best moments in Irish soccer David O’Leary made his shot as the Republic of Ireland progressed to the quarter-finals of the 1990 World Cup Finals.

In the next game Ireland got beat by Italy 1 - 0 and it was over. It was still one of Ireland;s finest moments in soccer.

This was the third installment of Irish author Roddy Doyle's 'Barrytown Trilogy', following 'The Commitments' and 'The Snapper'. It was very well done and needs to be seen by all Irish football fans.