February 9, 2026, 5:54 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Ireland and soccer—two terms often associated with alcohol consumption. But there’s a special exception that proves the rule. Once developed by an Irish family, there’s a drink that comes without alcohol yet is accepted for celebrating soccer victories in place of, say, beer. Instead of alcohol, it impresses with what many call an unmistakable taste. How this is achieved remains a well-kept secret. In Donegal, every child knows it, and about 80 years after its invention, the cult soda is now conquering the entire country. TRAVELBOOK explores the possible reasons for this.
The Cult of “McDaid’s Football Special”
We’re talking about “McDaid’s Football Special.” Unfamiliar? No surprise: For many decades, this non-alcoholic refreshment was known only in County Donegal, one of Ireland’s most untouched regions. You probably haven’t visited the town. It was there that the “Football Special” was invented in the 1960s by the McDaid family, whose name it bears. Although the exact year of creation varies, with some citing the 1940s, the drink has been around for a long time, and recently, something is happening: The official soccer drink is gaining popularity beyond its hometown. According to a BBC article, sales of the soft drink have doubled in the past five years.
The author of the article was on-site and witnessed how deeply rooted this mysterious drink is in Donegal—locals say you can get it “anytime and anywhere, no matter where you go.” Why mysterious? First, because of its taste. Connoisseurs cautiously compare it to cola but also detect hints of vanilla, caramel, ginger, or licorice. It’s surprising that a non-alcoholic drink is so integrated into society. After all, beer is not only popular among soccer fans but is deeply embedded in Irish culture. Football Special was deliberately designed to resemble beer, including a thick foam when poured.
Invented to Celebrate Soccer Victories Soberly
Edward McDaid, who co-developed the drink, and his son Seamus—the current fourth-generation company owner—also share their insights. Football Special was invented with a clear goal: The players of the local soccer club Swilly Rovers FC should be able to toast victories with full cups without getting drunk. The fact that this idea still holds today is evident in the fact that the cult drink is now even available nationwide in Lidl stores.
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The Recipe: A Closely Guarded Family Secret
Of course, the McDaids would be ill-advised to reveal the recipe of their bestseller. From the start, they wisely kept the exact formula of the Irish drink a secret to deter imitators. “Many have tried to replicate its taste,” Edward McDaid told the BBC. But none of these copies has matched the complexity and distinctive flavor of the original. Only one detail is revealed: Football Special consists of seven different flavors, which remain the secret of Edward and Seamus McDaid for now.
Explaining the Sudden Hype Around the Irish Drink
The growing hype around the Irish cult drink can be explained by several factors. In Donegal, it has enjoyed cult status for decades, and the remote, scenic county attracts visitors eager to discover local specialties. Football Special is considered an authentic piece of home and a souvenir; its mysterious, hard-to-describe taste piques curiosity, and the non-alcoholic version fits the trend of consciously avoiding alcohol.
Now, the cult drink is available beyond Donegal’s borders in many local Irish shops and is served in cafes and pubs. Additionally, as mentioned, it is available in Irish Lidl stores and McDaid’s online shop. Those in Germany who want to try Football Special must order it from the manufacturer or through importers. Or, one could plan a trip to Donegal and try the drink at its origin. A visit is worthwhile anyway: The county is one of Ireland’s most unspoiled regions and has largely remained untouched by international tourism.