John Fallon: Belt up for the belated rush of Irish football activity

Peamount and UCD fly European flag for Irish while Cork City take to the stage in Podcast festival.

ONLY WAY IS UP: Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson with members of the media, from left, John Fallon of The Irish Examiner, Philip Quinn of The Irish Daily Mail and Tony O'Donoghue of RTÉ. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

AS whatever heat the summer generated fades, the Irish football year is only starting to warm up.

Non-qualification in a tournament year relegates a national team’s role to that of supporting cast for friendly opposition. Combined with the gap year for the women’s and U21 Euros, it contributes to the sense of slowness.