poor campaign and were eliminated after losing all three of their Group C fixtures. Whelan won his 50th Irish cap on 14 August 2013 against Wales. He was branded a "terrible" player by RTÉ pundit and former Republic of Ireland international Eamon Dunphy in the aftermath of a poor performance in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Sweden. Whelan hit back at Dunphy stating that he is nothing more than a "media bully". Represented the national team at 2016 Euro, where they lost to France in round of 16. Whelan earned his 90th cap against Switzerland in October 2019 making him the ninth most capped Irish player of all time. Coaching Career In October 2022, Whelan was a part of the Republic of Ireland Under-16s coaching team at the Victory Shield competition. Personal life Whelan grew up in Dublin as a Liverpool supporter; however, he cites Paul McGrath as his hero. Whilst living in Dublin, Whelan attended matches at League of Ireland side St Patrick's Athletic and cites Paul Osam as his favourite St Pat's player, stating Osam was the player that inspired him to play football. Whelan is married to Karren, with whom he has a daughter, Abbie and a son Jack. The couple live in Wilmslow, Cheshire. In January 2022, Whelan avoided a driving ban due to mitigating circumstances of needing to be able to drive to and from matches. Career statistics Club International Scores and results list Republic of Ireland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Whelan goal. Honours Sheffield Wednesday Football League One play-offs: 2005 Stoke City Football League Championship runner-up: 2007–08 FA Cup runner-up: 2010–11 Aston Villa EFL Championship play-offs: 2019 Bristol Rovers EFL League Two third-place promotion: 2021–22 Republic of Ireland Nations Cup: 2011 Individual Sheffield Wednesday Player of the Year: 2007 FAI Under 21 International Player of the Year: 2004 References External links Profile at the Aston Villa F.C. website 1984 births Living people Association footballers from Dublin (city) Republic of Ireland association footballers Republic of Ireland under-21 international footballers Republic of Ireland youth international footballers Republic of Ireland B international footballers Republic of Ireland international footballers Association football midfielders Cherry Orchard F.C. players Manchester City F.C. players Bury F.C. players Sheffield Wednesday F.C. players Stoke City F.C. players Aston Villa F.C. players Heart of Midlothian F.C. players Fleetwood Town F.C. players Wythenshawe Amateurs F.C. players Bristol Rovers