John Fallon: Reasons why the international scene is the pinnacle of the game

Euros outlook bleak for goal-shy Ireland and Kennedy Cup takes centre stage.

INTERNATIONAL SCENE: Club football doesn’t compare to the collegiality a population can feel from one moment or result on such a stage, in this case the third biggest sporting event on the planet after the World Cup and Olympics. Pic: REUTERS/Michaela Stache/File Photo

ANDY WILLIAMS famously crooned about Christmas being the most wonderful time of the year but summer tournaments are just that for football fans.

The reasons for Ireland not being part of the extravaganza kicking off in Germany this Friday, or even securing a playoff for them, have been debated enough in these pages.