O’Donoghue heads for World Cup clash

The Government hopes an official presence at the national team’s next World Cup tie - against Spain in Suwon, South Korea, on Sunday - will help to spur them on to further success.

Newly-appointed Sports Minister John O’Donoghue will be at the match on behalf of soccer fan Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who is unable to make the trip.

Mr O’Donoghue, who was justice minister in the last Government, said last night he would be proud to represent the Government at the game.

Ireland qualified for the second round by beating Saudi Arabia in Yokohama, Japan, on Tuesday.