John Fallon: Government funding allows Ireland to dream of regular finals qualification

10 YEARS AGO: Republic of Ireland's Shane Long celebrates scoring the famous winner against World Champions Germany. Pic: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy.
Ten years ago today, Ireland shocked the world champions to accelerate a major tournament appearance. Today’s the day Ireland can finally contemplate qualification on a regular basis.
It will take years, potentially a decade, for that status to materialise but at long last, through an unintended consequence of Brexit, the Government are devoting funds to producing home-grown talent.