Nothing became Italia ’90 like Ireland’s leaving of it and the affection that we came to hold for the man who ended the dream.

Going by Georgia’s experience, Ireland is about ten years away from competing at the top level of international football again, but only if we start doing the right things now. But then we knew that.

The game is really about things like book value, amortisation and pure profit.

Minister for Sport Thomas Byrne's remarks will act as a reality check for soccer people hoping they might see the game put on a healthy footing in this country

But the Premier League is really not that bad for you... in moderation. 

The main area of responsibility left with Premier League managers is being the scapegoat when things go wrong.

After doing amazing things this past fortnight, Irish athletes have referenced their own well-being as being at the heart of their achievements.

The rest of us might need to see him raise Sam Maguire again, but for them, that name has always been something to believe in.

Sure, the competitors have dedicated their lives to fulfilling their dreams but you and me learning the rules of 32 different sports in the space of a fortnight is the real gold medal achievement.

Hallgrimsson has cut a charming figure, speaking with candour and ease in his various media engagements, a welcome relief from the tortured management-speak employed by his new bosses throughout the process to find him.