Ireland almost leave you wanting more as shadow boxing nears end

It’s two years since Ireland lost 2-1 to Greece and the team’s Euro 2024 qualifying hopes went south with six group games still to play. This was Ireland’s 20th game since then.

Ireland’s Kasey McAteer celebrates scoring against with Adam Idah and Robbie Brady. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

What’s rare isn’t always wonderful but Friday night’s friendly stalemate with Senegal in Ballsbridge, the Republic of Ireland men’s senior team’s first game against African opposition in just over 15 years, almost left you wanting more.

The Republic had played Celtic and a Tuscan XI since June of 2010. There had been seven meetings with Georgia, six with Gibraltar and Denmark. Even three games against the mighty Oman in the space of just six years. This kind of challenge was overdue.