Miguel Delaney: Credit Martin O’Neill’s persistence for inflating this bubble

So, Ireland save the best until last.

It is a fitting conclusion to a qualification campaign that brings a brilliant sixth qualification, as all the finest traits of this admirable and spirited side came together to offer the most complete performance of this campaign.

That deserves huge credit, and offers huge proof for Martin O’Neill’s persistent reassurance that he was building something with this team, that there was always something bubbling away.