Move to professionalism in crossborder women’s league should act as a jolt

Can you name the last Irish player before Caoimhín Kelleher’s start against Chelsea on Sunday to be involved in a Premier League match between the big five?

Covid-19 enforced postponements have given Irish players stuck in a rut that extra bit of headspace to ponder their future as the escape window looms on January 1.

In a barren year for Irish football in terms of senior tournaments, their biggest “meaningful” game of 2022 might be played out off the pitch

The suspicion that this latest manoeuvring is designed to preserve the age-old institution that is the U14 Kennedy Cup has merit, especially considering a team from outside of the FAI’s jurisdiction won the tournament on Sunday

At 50, Keane is still happy in his own skin, knowing what to say and when to say it, albeit he feels that approach has cost him a route back into the managerial career he desires

Marc Bircham’s colourfulness wasn’t restricted to the trademark dyed hair of his playing days; his passionate outlook embraced as a welcome contrast to the rigid demeanour of his predecessor

Kenny came into the job in April 2020 bound by a twin mantra of revolutionising the style of play and delivering success

Brian Kerr is deserving of a role in the rebuild but Fleming, a disciple of his methods possessing a consistent track record at the cutting edge of coaching and management, is the right man in this context

Leaving Helsinki’s storied stadium last Tuesday, there was a real inkling that Ireland’s women had used the venue to embark on their own piece of history.