How the Irish put Cherries on top

Barring a miracle of epic proportions on Saturday, Ireland’s strong historical connections with Bournemouth will be enhanced in the Premier League next season.

From the 80s when Sean O’Driscoll and Gary Howlett were regulars to loan spells in their formative years for John O’Shea and Marc Wilson and up to the present cohort led by Harry Arter, a green hue has coloured the Cherries.

Dubliner Shaun Maher, who spent the majority of his career at Dean Court between 2001-2007, was chuffed on Tuesday night to see his former team-mate Eddie Howe spearhead the club to heights he felt were unreachable.