Healy 1 England 0: BBC documentary revisits Northern Ireland’s football miracle

Former Northern Ireland footballers Stephen Craigan and David Healy

(Image Credit: Chris Mills and Lewis Mason)

Northern Ireland’s greatest footballing night is set to be relived in a new BBC Northern Ireland documentary marking the 20th anniversary of David Healy’s unforgettable winner against England.

True North: Healy 1 England 0: A Football Miracle will air on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer at 10.40pm on Monday 1 September, revisiting the extraordinary story of how the “boys in green” went from international embarrassment to football folklore in just two years.

In autumn 2003, Northern Ireland were ranked 124th in the FIFA world rankings, without a manager and on a 13-game scoreless run. But by September 2005, under Lawrie Sanchez, they produced one of the greatest shocks in modern football by defeating a star-studded England side at Windsor Park.

The match, remembered for Healy’s iconic strike in the 73rd minute, is described in the film as a sporting miracle. England’s squad that night was valued at nearly £200 million more than their opponents and featured global stars including David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher – the latter offering fresh analysis in the documentary.

Reflecting on the match, goal scorer David Healy and teammate Stephen Craigan recall the electric atmosphere and what the victory meant for Northern Irish football fans across the country.

Narrated by presenter Colin Murray, the documentary also includes contributions from Sanchez, former Irish FA president Jim Boyce, Baroness Kate Hoey, sports editor Steve Beacom, and lifelong supporters Heidi and Ray, who share their memories of the historic night.

The programme, produced by NPE Media, revisits not only the match itself but also the wider significance of the victory – a moment that united a nation and reinvigorated belief in Northern Ireland football.

True North: Healy 1 England 0: A Football Miracle airs on Monday 1 September at 10.40pm on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer.