Martin O’Neill: Irish courage and determination was rewarded with Euro 2016 qualification

As his players returned to the routine of their club careers yesterday, Martin O’Neill could finally allow the gravity of Ireland’s qualification feat sink in.

The nuances of being an international manager provide downtime for reflection and guiding his side to the Euros at the first attempt against the backdrop of some setbacks along the crusade provoked some revelations from the Derryman.

“I think everyone would have a picture of what it might be like if you qualified,” he began yesterday in his trademark monotone, “it’s always at the back of your mind during the course of qualification for any tournament, be it World Cup or European Championships, but I must admit I didn’t ever wish that picture too often just in case you start to let a lot of people down.