Ahern ray of hope for fans

WHETHER or not a more level pitch is going to be provided for Ireland's home international soccer matches, still has to be decided and will be on the agenda for the Cabinet meeting next Wednesday.

What may be interpreted from yesterday's meeting between Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and the executive of the Football Association of Ireland, is that the air of pessimism permeating the country's soccer supporters may eventually be lifted.

The Cabinet still has to discuss the implications of the 7.5 million deal done between the FAI and Sky for the rights of the home matches, but a chink of light would appear to come from rather a late appraisal of an EU directive.