Tommy Martin: Are you going to see Ireland or Cristiano Ronaldo?

Ronaldo’s celebrity looms over Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Portugal like a giant blimp made of abs and hair gel

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo gives a thumbs up after the Euro 2016 final between Portugal and France at the Stade de France. Photo: Miguel Medina/AFP via Getty Images

Excuse me, can I ask you a question? Ireland or Ronaldo, who are you here for? Take your time. Both? You sure? Okay, I’ll put you down for both. Sure now? Final answer?

Imagine such a survey Thursday night outside the sold-out Aviva Stadium. Not to doubt the genuine enthusiasm for this Ireland team among those heading down Lansdowne way. After all, Stephen Kenny’s boys are the ugly duckling shaking off its feathers all stubby and brown. The promise of October has yielded palpable optimism. You would go and see them, absolutely. Not least because it still feels good to get out of the house.