Ireland must resurrect the ‘bit of madness’

THERE are so many talking points since the commencement of the World Cup that it is difficult to know where to begin.

The opening night went so well for the tournament organisers at Eden Park that they were entitled to feel delighted with their efforts. That was until news filtered through about the chaos with the transport service and the gross overcrowding down at Auckland’s famous waterfront.

The opening ceremony was breathtaking. As a symbol of just how far the tournament has come in 24 years, it could not have been more graphic. Back in 1987 the pre tournament festivities featured children from 16 schools marching around the field holding little banners with the names of the participating teams. It resembled a scene from the old Community Games in Mosney. This time round the spectacle would have done justice to the Olympic Games.