What a night for everyone at the Stadium of Light, and this was regardless of whether or not Roy turned up, it was still “A NIGHT WITH NIALL”.
Mick McCarthy could not give the answers to the waiting world as to why Roy didn’t turn up on the night. We later found out that he was in France receiving treatment on his injuries (hip, hamstring and the KNEE) from the football world’s top treatment people, frequented by Zidane and the likes. This explanation was given to the despairing Irish fans today (Weds 15 May).
Niall played the first half for the Black Cats, well twenty minutes to be precise. On the pitch Mark Kennedy seemed to dismiss concerns about his fitness, scoring a blinder in the 3rd minute. Training ground display with a left foot shot, with built up play between Lee Carsley and David Connolly. And remember these three players were the subjects of raised eyebrows, when the team was announced. David Connolly stepped into Ian Harte’s shoes for a 38th minute free kick that curled around the wall and settled in the back of the net.
Half Time 0- 2 to the Republic
McCarthy made lots of changes to the team for the second-half and the game, which looked like a walkover from our point of view in the first half, suddenly woke up along with the crowd. Quinn played in the green for the boys, and was substituted after twenty minutes too.
With ten minutes to go, again Kennedy whipped a cross in from the right flank and Kevin Kilbane polished that off from six yards with a glancing header. Final score: Sunderland 0 v Republic of Ireland 3. Quinn did a lap of honour to the tune of “Enrique Iglesias”, Hero”. Well it was a bit tacky now, but the man is a hero. Nialls generosity has brought to our attention another first in Football. The Niall Quinn Children’s Charity has now been officially recognised and is now registered, registration no:1091963. The first of its kind to come about as a direct result of a footballer’s benefit match. Quinny who played for both sides, is close to his target and has promised to make up any shortfall upon his return from the World Cup. A Hero, and a gentleman.
Republic of Ireland Squad
Given (Kiely 46), Finnan (Kelly 46), Staunton (Harte 46), Cunningham (Dunne 46), Breen (O'Brien 46), Carsley (Duff 46),Kennedy (Carsley 84), Kinsella (Holland 46), Morrison (Quinn 46 {Kilbane 60 (Connolly 84)}), Connolly (Keane 46), Kilbane (McAteer 46).
And on a sad note
Kennedy announced today, Wednesday 15th May 2002, that he would not be fit to travel to Japan. And this was a very brave decision by Mark, who has not risked letting the team, himself or the Irish Fans down. England's National football rehabilitation centre in Lilleshall will be Marks home from home during June in preparation for pre-season training in July.
Kennedy originally sustained the tear in March, and several attempts at a comeback ended in disappointment. However, after he made a brief substitute appearance in Wolves' ill-fated play-off semi-final against Norwich, Mick McCarthy decided to name him in his World Cup squad though he insisted that the player must prove his fitness against Sunderland and Nigeria to guarantee a place on the plane to Japan. Stephen Reid will now take Marks place in the midfield area. Kennedy, get yourself well again soon, Man!
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