Dion Fanning: Victory allows Ireland to see the light, but darkness can quickly descend again

Ireland deserved their luck against Finland. To escape recent history, they may need to earn their luck again.

Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson celebrates after the win over Finland. Pic ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

In the build-up to Thursday night’s game in Helsinki, Heimir Hallgrímsson said he was surprised at the intensity of the coverage surrounding the Ireland team. He now has a weekend where perhaps he can enjoy that attention.

Irish football is in such a dark place that the tendency to look back at history for hopeful precedents is unavoidable. The underwhelming response to Hallgrímsson’s appointment? Remember the ‘Go Home Union Jack’ banner that was unfurled at Jack Charlton’s first game as manager? Anything can happen, no matter how unpromising the beginnings.