SFA predict World Cup spending spree

The Small Firms Association has welcomed Ireland’s progression to the second round of the World Cup finals, saying it should boost consumer spending by around €50m.

SFA director Pat Delaney said: "The next five or six days now will see an outbreak of spending by the Irish public," he said.

"In the past, going on World Cups in Italy and also in the US, consumer spending increases astronomically when Ireland qualify out of the group."