Savouring a century of memories

SO THEN, Shay Given is asked, would “shameful” be a word you’d use to describe Ireland’s performance against Italy?

“No,” says the Donegal man evenly, after just a small pause. “The only thing I would say is that it was a real kick in the teeth to concede in the last minute. We just need to be more professional. But shameful is not the word I would use.”

Criticism, deserved or not, Given suggests, is just something that comes with the territory.