Opinion

Disappointing week for Irish sport

It has been a frustrating week for Irish sport, with both of our international teams failing at the play-off stage for soccer's World Cup and the official rejection of our bid to stage rugby's counterpart in 2023.

The Northern Ireland side was hugely unfortunate to miss out against Switzerland due to the now notorious refereeing mistake over a penalty, while the Republic, after a promising draw away to Denmark, dramatically collapsed during the return leg in Dublin.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment was the confirmation by the rugby authorities yesterday that Ireland, having initially been installed as favourites, would not be given the chance to host what would have been by far the biggest tournament ever to come to these shores.

Legitimate criticisms can be made of the judging process, and there will be a widespread hope that Irish officials have learned enough from the experience to put in an even more compelling application on a future occasion.