C’mon you boys in green

Before the end of 2012, I would like to express thanks to three greats of Irish soccer – Shay Given and Damien Duff, who retired this year, and Richard Dunne who has been plagued by injury.

Through splendid goalkeeping and defending, Given and Dunne kept Ireland alive in matches where we really had no right to be. Duff has given us footballing pleasure in a measure equalled only by the torment that he visited on defenders unfortunate enough to face him. To Shay and Damien: thanks for the memories. And Richard, get well soon and here’s hoping to see you back in a green shirt again.

Donal O’Leary