After a turbulent eight-day period, where are Ireland at and what happens next

We won’t know for certain until the groups conclude in November whether Ireland are offered a lifetime to enter a semi-final and final series with three rivals in a subgroup.

WHERE IRELAND STAND: Stephen Kenny will remain as Ireland manager. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Seasonal changes as the light fades tends to spell trouble for Ireland managers.

Every manager since Jack Charlton has lost their job during the busiest time of the year, that 10-week blitz of three international windows between September and November.