Ireland grounded after technical fault

THE plane carrying the Republic of Ireland soccer squad to San Marino for tomorrow night’s Euro 2008 qualifier was forced to return to Dublin airport due to a technical fault.

Minutes after the craft was airborne, the pilot informed passengers that he was unable to retract the landing gear and would be returning to Dublin.

He assured passengers the problem was not dangerous and that the decision to return was purely precautionary.

After circling off the east coast for over an hour the plane — a Czech Airlines charter- touched down safely at 6.30pm.

The Republic of Ireland senior squad, management, invited eircom league managers, media and supporters were on board the flight to Rimini which took off for the second time shortly after 7pm.