O’Brien determined to grab second chance

All around Gannon Park in Malahide, the atmosphere is as serene and as low-key as you might expect of a training session for a forgettable pre-season friendly against Serbia.

Until, that is, Joey O’Brien starts talking. It’s difficult not to be immediately engrossed.

For everyone else, the game in Belgrade almost feels like an after-thought after the general summer of sport that was in it. Not for O’Brien though. And not for the usual reasons.