McCarthy out the door

MICK McCARTHY walked away from the Irish job last night, as he always said he would, with his head high and chest out believing it was the right time.

After weeks of frenzied speculation, McCarthy faced his end in the dignified manner he approached the job. His decision, he said, was simply based on what was best of the team. His only regret, that he was leaving no European Championship points for his successor to build on.

"It was a tough decision, but it was the right decision, completely and accurately. And it was my decision, I was not pushed," McCarthy said, referring to suggestions moves were afoot in Merrion Square to remove him from his post.