Career
Ireland, who came to Collingwood from Ivanhoe, started his career as a forward and kicked 17 goals in his debut season before moving into defence. He represented Victoria in an interstate match against Tasmania in 1978. Following his premature retirement at the age of 27 Ireland went into football administration and from 1990 to 2001 was the Chief Executive Officer of the Brisbane Bears/Lions.
He also served as the Director of Football at the Sydney Swans.
