Another struggle on rocky road to Euros

Mick and Seamus had done their bit to temper the giddiness. Coach and captain had held up Ireland’s struggles against Gibraltar two months ago as reason for caution ahead of this latest European qualifier, but there was always the sense that the audience were nodding heads out of respect rather than agreement.

The Rock in March, with its plastic pitch and uncooperative winds, was a long way removed from the pristine turf and balmy breeze that accompanied last night’s repeat at Lansdowne Road. It was hard not to think big. Or bigger, at least.