Kieran Shannon: Israel again as Ireland play the hidden game

When Ireland played Israel in Riga in February in a Eurobasket qualifier, it commanded the world’s attention. Sunday's rematch has slipped under the radar. 

The Ireland team stand by their bench as they stand for their national anthem before the FIBA Women's EuroBasket Championship Qualifier match between Israel and Ireland at the Rimi Olympic Centre in Riga, Latvia. Photo by Oksana Dzadan/Sportsfile

It is the game everyone seems to have forgotten about. This time round it has become the hidden game.

When Ireland played Israel in Riga back in February in a FIBA women’s Eurobasket qualifier, it commanded not just the national media spotlight but the world’s.