SADLY, no heroics from Shamrock Rovers on Irish football’s long-awaited debut in the group stages of European competition.

Shamrock Rovers 0 Rubin Kazan 1

Former Tottenham midfielder Rohan Ricketts was handed a start in Shamrock Rovers’ opening Europa League Group A clash with Rubin Kazan.

It was gut-wrenchingly tense at times but, thanks to a goal on his competitive debut by substitute Keith Fahey, Ireland came away from a hot and heavy night in Yerevan with a vital win in their opening Group B European Championship qualifier.

Republic of Ireland skipper Robbie Keane and experienced defender Richard Dunne were both able to start this evening’s opening Euro 2012 qualifier in Armenia after recovering from injury.