FAI...New Manager is Heimir Hallgrimsson

[Gael80]

What a few days for Irish soccer, the country is buzzing.

Nothing against rugby, but the depth of international soccer especially in UEFA competitions makes this worth celebrating. The Play offs will be tough but we have a chance.

[Captain Obvious]

[Fogarty]

Will Evan Ferguson get his place back now?

[AustinPowers]

Will Evan Ferguson get his place back now?

Why would he , after Parrott's 5 goals in two  games?

[Capt Pat]

That was a fantastic finish to the game and not one I saw coming until it happened.

5 goals in 2 big games is some going for Parrott. It is world class goal scoring as well. If he keeps it up Ireland can go to the world cup.

I am not really worried about Italy or Poland or Turkey or anyone. I would rather play Italy than Norway who are a better team now. If Haaland had scored the goals Parrott got against the same opposution and circumstances everyone would be raving about him. I can't wait for March.

[dec]

I can't wait for March.

I realise that it has been known since the format was decided but having to wait until the end of March to plan a trip to the World Cup starting in June is not very fan friendly.

[An Watcher]

Lads, its a pot 2 or a pot 3 team in a one off match.  Will not be playing italy or the Billy boys.

I thought it was a draw to see who'd be at home but maybe if youre pot 2 you get home advantage.

After that game there'll be 8 teams and no seeding or home advantage until the draw takes place.  You could get through and have a home draw to get to the world cup

[Minus15]

The draw for the final happens on Thursday also.
Have to be Pot 2 for home semi but the final hosts are based on a predetermined draw.

[An Watcher]

I think we're very close between pots 2 and 3.  Big advantage to get pot 2 in a one off game

[thewobbler]

I can't wait for March.

I realise that it has been known since the format was decided but having to wait until the end of March to plan a trip to the World Cup starting in June is not very fan friendly.

It's in the USA. You'd not be able to plan anything until the group draws are done.

[seafoid]

The goals

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2025/1116/1544239-world-cup-qualifier-hungary-v-ireland-updates/

[seafoid]

The team was described as a shambles in September.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2025/09/12/fai-chiefs-cool-demeanour-was-at-odds-with-a-body-groaning-under-the-strain-of-debt/

And yet we all know the dire truth. We all know that the FAI is groaning under the weight of enormous debt, that the men's national team is a shambles, that the system for developing young footballers is chronically under-funded and under-developed. 
We know that the whole country sees the FAI as a byword for chaos, failure and incompetence.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2025/10/11/heimir-hallgrimsson-seems-like-more-of-a-bystander-than-the-actual-ireland-coach/

Ireland, who have qualified for the finals of six out of 38 (soon to be 39) tournaments in their history, are clearly not in this category. The Irish fan base is easy to please – eager to celebrate, grateful for anything. 

[shark]

Need North Mecedonia to get at least a draw v Wales , and for Austria to get at least a draw v Bosnia. Otherwise Pot 3

[Baile Brigín 2]

The team was described as a shambles in September.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2025/09/12/fai-chiefs-cool-demeanour-was-at-odds-with-a-body-groaning-under-the-strain-of-debt/

And yet we all know the dire truth. We all know that the FAI is groaning under the weight of enormous debt, that the men's national team is a shambles, that the system for developing young footballers is chronically under-funded and under-developed.
We know that the whole country sees the FAI as a byword for chaos, failure and incompetence.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2025/10/11/heimir-hallgrimsson-seems-like-more-of-a-bystander-than-the-actual-ireland-coach/

Ireland, who have qualified for the finals of six out of 38 (soon to be 39) tournaments in their history, are clearly not in this category. The Irish fan base is easy to please – eager to celebrate, grateful for anything.

The very fact that the Times give Ken Early a column proves they aren't interested in football. And Cummisky doesn't seem to be plugged in to the FAI.

[tonto1888]

That was brilliant. Still buzzing. Roll on March