It was Budget Day in Ireland and despite the illusion of largesse down the road in Government buildings, there was still a sense amongst people that things will be no better tomorrow than they were yesterday.

Ireland’s U-21s missed the chance to qualify for a first major tournament, suffering a heart-breaking penalty shoot-out defeat to Israel in their Euro 2023 play-off.

A last-minute penalty, scored against an outraged and angered nine-man side, means that Stephen Kenny and the Ireland set-up can at least try to enjoy the end of the Nations League campaign.

FOR those who subscribe to the theory that results are all that matter, then the madness of this second half must have presented a test of the philosophy.

Title-chasing Shamrock Rovers have scored just twice in their last four matches, but manager Stephen Bradley isn’t concerned about his side’s recent struggles in front of goal.

A stunning first-half volley from Benjamin Sesko helped Slovenia secure a 1-1 draw away to Sweden in Nations League B Group 4 on Tuesday, a result that relegated the hosts after a dismal campaign that featured four defeats in six games.

Armenian boss Joaquín Caparrós railed against another perceived injustice as his side came so close to causing a second major upset against Stephen Kenny’s Ireland.

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke hailed his side for taking the next step in their ongoing progress - and vowed they would not stop.

Six years have torpedoed by at the velocity of a TGV bullet train surging out of Gare-de-Lyon since his French adventure took Robbie Brady to the apex of football achievement.

Here’s how Stephen Kenny’s side rated in the Nations League win over Armenia.