EVEN before Harry Wilson’s

free-kick (above) flew past Darren Randolph last Tuesday, October 16 was already an inauspicious date in Irish football. As was pointed out in the match programme, it was on October 16, 2002 that Mick McCarthy’s reign as manager came to an end with a dismal 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in the Euro 2004 qualifiers.

And on the same date 27 years ago, Ireland conceded two late goals to Poland in Poznan to turn a commanding lead into a 3-3 draw which had a major bearing on Jack Charlton’s side missing out on Euro ’92.

Last Tuesday’s turgid display against the Welsh is just in keeping with custom on that date, it seems.