…I’m still quite emotional at it all. There’s so much pride, and there’s so much disappointment.

Just prove me wrong lads. That’s all we want.

Today’s the day. As Eugene said, it’s go time. There’s nothing else to say. The live blog starts 15 minutes before kickoff.
Ireland vs. France – UEFA World Cup Playoff, Leg 1

…no more chat, no more backbiting, no more rubbish in the media. Just go time.

You know what I hate? Stupid, ill-informed, disrespectful comments about any team when it’s unfounded, especially a team who was one of five to go through their qualifying group unbeaten. Rant over.

…because their situation is truly rubbish.

A dead rubber it might be, but an entirely worthwhile one, given the circumstances.

…it’s still hurting quite a lot today.

Ah, comments in the heat of the moment. Lovely stuff.

…I would apologise for not putting anything up recently, but any complaints should be directed towards the University of Sussex, Mark Mazower and Eric Hobsbawn. Not my fault, guv….