Poland invaded

What a wonderful contrast to the dismal weather and even more dismal economy the great party atmosphere generated by Ireland’s first involvement in the finals of soccer’s European Championships since 1988 is — and that even before a ball was kicked.

An enthusiastic 20,000 fans are expected to travel to this year’s tournament. Most are already on their way and most of those will be in Poznan, whether they have a ticket or not, for tomorrow’s date with Croatia.

There is always a certain romance involved when sports’ Davids get to mix it with their particular Goliaths and — as it was this morning when Ireland took on the All Blacks in New Zealand — the occasion is made all the more exciting by the eternal belief, the permanent mantra, that anything is possible if the gods would only smile on our efforts. If they so deign — and why wouldn’t they? — then Trapattoni’s team is as well placed as any to take advantage.