Some said Tuesday night’s defeat to Switzerland was a reality check for Republic of Ireland fans but how much more reality do they need? Well used to grim nights where their place in the order of things is reinforced, at this stage, in the immortal words of David St. Hubbins of Spinal Tap, it’s too much f**king perspective.
The modest hope that accompanied the draw with Belgium three days previously had led some to think a messiah walked among us in the genial shape of interim boss John O’Shea. He ambled into the vacuum left by the FAI’s unsuccessful manager hunt by dint of a week spent not making a hames of things.
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