It is hard not to feel that Ireland are easing themselves into this World Cup

Just because Vera Pauw deserved a new contract, doesn’t mean she should have gotten one.

Such is the aura that surrounds the Glenties man, he could not have generated more fervour had he ridden into the Donegal GAA Centre of Excellence on a donkey, followed by a trail of newly healed lepers - or as we in Donegal like to call them, Tyrone people

This is a positive piece about the Irish squad as they prepare for le grands departs in just over three weeks’ time.

The Premier League remains sure of itself, there is just the slightest sense that the barbarians are – if not quite hammering at the gates – then at least knocking politely.

He will be judged to have made big, brave calls, none more so than allowing a fortysomething Stephen Cluxton to amble back into the dressing room after two years away.

Mind you, if actual retirement involves playing crazy golf in the rain and adjudicating between squabbling children, then we plan to keep working until a ripe old age.

In a year when putting games behind a paywall was often an act of mercy, it will be impossible to take your eyes off what happens next.

On many levels, tonight’s occasion, which speaks to the sunny future women’s football is set to enjoy, is also a reminder of the dark clouds that never seem too far away.

“This is the last time I will say it: I do not want to get into the politics,” said Keane at his Maccabi press conference.