As the Republic of Ireland’s 2024 football campaign draws to a close, the mood surrounding the national team remains a mix of cautious optimism and lingering frustration. Last Sunday’s match at Wembley, while ultimately unimportant in terms of qualification, provided a snapshot of the current state of the team under manager Heimir Hallgrimsson.
In the away end, there was a palpable sense of hope during the first half as Ireland held England to a goalless draw, frustrating their hosts with solid defensive play. The Irish fans, though outnumbered, were in good spirits, buoyed by the team’s disciplined performance. Nathan Collins, often stationed in the defensive midfield role, impressed, and the Irish defense, reminiscent of Giovanni Trapattoni’s era, stood firm against England’s attacking efforts.
However, as the second half unfolded, the game took a sharp downturn for Ireland. A sending-off and penalty decision saw England surge ahead, and Ireland, already under pressure, struggled to cope with the momentum shift. The match, which had started with some promise, quickly became one-sided. By the time the final whistle blew, many Irish fans had already retreated to the pub, unable to endure what had become a one-sided affair.
This loss brought an end to a campaign that saw Ireland manage to hold on to their spot in Nations League B, despite a rocky path. The team’s performances have been inconsistent, with a series of underwhelming results that left supporters questioning the team’s direction. A goal difference of -9 was enough to keep Ireland from relegation, but securing survival for the fourth consecutive campaign will now depend on the team’s performance in upcoming matches against Bulgaria.
Hallgrimsson, who took over from Stephen Kenny in the summer, has been cautious in his approach, advocating for a rebuilding phase based on defensive stability and team confidence. While the former Iceland manager has avoided drastic changes, his tenure has lacked the spark many hoped for following Kenny’s underwhelming stint. Hallgrimsson’s emphasis has been on restoring a sense of resilience, seeking to reinvigorate the team’s fighting spirit—a quality that has been notably absent in recent years.
On the pitch, however, there have been positive developments. Goalkeeper CaoimhÃn Kelleher has emerged as a reliable figure, while young talents like Festy Ebosele, Troy Parrott, and Adam Idah have shown flashes of promise. Collins, too, has continued to grow as a leader in defense, providing hope for the future.
As 2024 comes to a close, the team is still in a rebuilding phase. Hallgrimsson’s steady hand and measured approach have brought some stability, but with the specter of missed opportunities hanging over them, Ireland’s true test will come in the next campaign. For now, fans can only hope that the green shoots of progress seen in some areas will develop into a more competitive team in the years to come.