1958: Born on May 5, less than a mile from Highbury in Stoke Newington, the son of Irish parents.

1961: Moves to Dublin with family.

1973: Joins Arsenal as an apprentice after two week trial with Manchester United.

1974: Makes senior Arsenal debut at age 17 in 3-3 First Division draw at Burnley, nearly a year before completing his apprenticeship and signing first full contract.

1976: Makes Republic of Ireland debut in 1-1 Wembley draw with England.

1978: Makes first FA Cup final appearance in Arsenal side which loses 1-0 to Ipswich.

1979: Wins FA Cup winners medal with Arsenal beating Manchester United 3-2 after a dramatic last-minute winner by Alan Sunderland.

1980: FA and European Cup Winners’ Cup runners-up against West Ham and Valencia respectively.

1981: Turns down a move to Manchester United and signs another four-year contract at Highbury.

1986: Collects estimated £100,000 from Highbury testimonial against Celtic to mark - a year late - his 10 years as an Arsenal professional.

1987: Wins Littlewoods Cup medal in 2-1 Wembley win over Liverpool.

1988: Recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad after two years in the international wilderness following a bust-up with manager Jack Charlton.

Misses Littlewoods Cup final defeat by Luton with an Achilles injury.

1989: Wins first Championship medal with Arsenal in dramatic win at Liverpool.

Breaks club appearance record of 550 matches.

1990: Scores the winner in a penalty shoot-out against Romania to put the Republic through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Italy.

1991: Wins second Championship with the Gunners.

1992: Sent off for the first time in his career - in a reserve game at QPR.

1993: Captains his country in his 68th and final international against Wales but is carried off injured after just two minutes.

Given a free transfer by Arsenal to take effect after completing his 20th year at the club.

Wins Coca-Cola League Cup medal with Arsenal in 2-1 Wembley win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Wins FA Cup winners medal as extra-time substitute in replayed final against Sheffield Wednesday in his 721st competitive game for the Gunners.

Moves to Leeds on a free transfer.