For Mick has insisted he will see out the remaining two years of his contract and is aiming to ‘win’ the 2004 European Championships. Mick said today – “I want to take the team to Portugal. With the players we have I think we can win it. The lads were inconsolable last night, but they should be very proud. We had a wonderful World Cup and have left with our heads held high." And the news from FAI President “Milo Corcoran” is that of delight with Mick’s’ decision to stay with the Republic of Ireland.
Lets now briefly reflect on what’s to come. With the European Championship qualifiers just 82 days away, yes 82 days, we are now primed and ready to go in the hunt for a recognised trophy in Europe. Although Quinny has officially bowed out, Richard Sadlier is more than capable of stepping into his shoes. Sads has the height and same temperament as Quinny, and his ability to control the ball in tight situations is of a remarkable resemblance to that of how Quinny used to do it. McAteer may depart from the set up too, and there’s nobody more capable of stepping into his place that Stephen Reid. Stan, out most capped player (102) bowed out gracefully and defenders Andy O’Brien and Ritchie Dunne are waiting in the wings. Alan Kelly too announced today that he has quit the international scene for the republic of Ireland also. And with Dean Kiely as the number 2 to our man Shay, Hibernians Nicky Colgan has had a taste at Senior level as net minder for the Republic of Ireland. And very good shot stopping displays in our 3-0 demolishing of the Danes in Lansdowne March this year saw Colgan's first senior start. So there’s plenty of cover, and plenty of experience with Holland, Kinsella, Kilbane, Gay Kelly, Breen, Harte, Duffer, Keano and Given. And not forgetting others who have failed to make the grade in recent months. Southampton’s Rory Delap, newly promoted Blues Captain Jeff Kenna, Blackburn’s Alan Mahon and Coventry’s Keith O’Neill will all have a point to prove if they are to get back in to this wonderfully talented Irish Squad. Clinton Morrison, John O'Shea. Need we go on? And who could forget about Celtics Colin Healy? A tower of midfield strength, with superb tackling and striking abilities.
And Finally
The Boys are coming home tomorrow. A massive party to welcome home our heroes will take place tomorrow, Tuesday evening in Phoenix Park and everybody is invited. Or the “Phenor” as we call it at home. A crowd of 100,000 people is expected in Phoenix Park at 6:00 pm when Mick and the Boys will arrive at this venue. And it will be a chance for all of us to say Goodbye to our Heroes Stan, Niall Quinn and Alan Kelly who have all announced their departure from the Republic of Irelands International scene. The event is free and it kicks off at 6:00 pm and will go on long into the night with an entertainment packed show, though organisers are refusing to divulge the exact line-up.
The squad will take a chartered flight from Seoul to Dublin, arriving in Dublin airport around 4:30 pm. A private reception for the players, staff and their families will take place in the airport, before the team travels to Phoenix Park. Fans have been kindly asked not to travel to the airport because they will not get a chance to greet the team . But I don’t think that will stop some of them. Remarkably Dublin Bus will have special buses from Georges Quay to Phoenix Park costing €1 for a return trip, with gates opening at 4:00 pm. There will not be an open top bus. John Byrne of the FAI said: "It would have been great to have an open top bus through the city, but that was ruled out for insurance and security purposes." Phoenix Park will be closed to traffic from noon on Tuesday till 3:00 am on Wednesday
Back ot current news page Republic of Ireland Archive news Home
