John Fallon: GAA upbringing implanted Kieran McKenna's fortitude to flourish

Dalymount game welcome respite for suppressed Palestine women's team and Final countdown for Uefa's return to Ireland's latest showcase.

UP THE TOWN: Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna during an open-top bus parade in Ipswich to celebrate promotion to the Premier League. Photo credit: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire.

SUCH IS HIS WONT, few know how Kieran McKenna celebrated his 38th birthday yesterday but it can be assumed it tallied with his understated nature.

Robbie Keane's growing candidature for the Ireland job despite his reputation being sullied by working in Israel crystalises the dearth of options available and yet the standout Irish performer on the managerial circuit never clocked a single minute of international football in his playing career.