Let's hope for some good European news

The flags are appearing on cars, windows and balconies. The streets will empty tonight as the country stays indoors to watch the match.

Ireland has finally qualified for a major tournament again - and what a welcome diversion it is from all the gloomy news and the crisis.

Giovanni Trapattoni's team are unlikely to thrill Europe with their flowing football, but grit, determination and no little skill and organisation got them through a ...