In Prague, we experienced a heartbreaking illustration of who we are

Our misery now has an identifiable form in the shape of a fixture on Tuesday against North Macedonia, a fixture that could be considered cruel and unusual punishment for a team that deserved a lot more

DEJECTION: A familiar feeling of disappointment for Ireland as they fail to qualify for the World Cup after a penalty shootout loss to Czechia. Pic: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

“JUST PAIN, We only feel pain,” Heimir Hallgrimsson said after the World Cup play-off penalty shoot out defeat in Prague. The wise – as well as those who post inspirational quotes on Instagram – will tell you that pain is inevitable, but misery? Well, that is optional, they say. The wise clearly have avoided the inevitability of supporting the Irish football team for many years.

Misery follows Irish football around to such an extent that nobody would suggest it is something that can ever be avoided. If it isn’t present right at this moment, it is just lurking round the corner, ready to make itself known in an instant. Nobody should ever be complacent because we know neither the day nor the hour when misery will present itself again to the Irish football fan.