John Fallon: A challenging year for Irish soccer nears its end

Any desire Heimir Hallgrímsson harboured to leave behind the fraught scenes and words attached to the pair of matches against Israel has been dismantled by the continuance of legacy investigations.

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson during the UEFA Nations League B match against Israel in Bačka Topola. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

This month last year, the only message Heimir Hallgrímsson might have expected from An Taoiseach expected in 2026 were congratulations for World Cup qualification.

Events in Prague conspired against the Ireland manager ending the 24-year wait for participation at the biggest show Stateside but he did appreciate the backing of Micheál Martin in different circumstances.