Paul Rouse: Government's hospital pass to Ireland players in game of political football

The lack of political leadership left Irish footballers stuck in a Hungarian hotel, pressured from all sides.

Troy Parrott during the Republic of Ireland training session on Wednesday. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

There was a pop-up museum under the stands of Tolka Park in Dublin last week. It told the history of soccer in Ireland.

It could not have been a more timely reminder of its importance in modern Ireland.