 The League of Ireland XI played the Scottish League XI for the first time on St. Patrick's Day, 1939.The Scottish team was billed as a team of all-stars and had a combined valuation estimated to be £60,000.In front of a crowd of 35,000 at Dalymount Park, the League of Ireland XI defeated the Scottish League XI with Johnny Johnstone and Paddy Bradshaw scoring the goals in the 2–1 win


The League of Ireland XI has always enjoyed a close relationship with the senior Republic of Ireland national team.