Trap Snaps: FAI eloquent on Madeleine
Diary rom the Algarve
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Tuesday May 20 2008
KEVIN DOYLE seemed somewhat surprised the other day when he was informed that the Irish team's Estrela da Luz base was just five minutes away from where Madeleine McCann went missing last year.
The McCanns were staying in Praia da Luz, and pictures of the young girl are still visible in some shop fronts and around the area.
That Doyle had to take a question on the topic was somewhat bizarre, but then such is the demand of news desks -- given that Maddie stories still sell -- then it was perhaps inevitable.
What was more bizarre, however, was an FAI press officer following up unprompted with quite an eloquent comment about the tragedy, before quickly stating that it was from Giovanni Trapattoni who seemingly was scheduled to be asked about the issue as well.
Doyle said he was going to take a stroll to the church where the McCanns famously prayed in the days after their daughter disappeared, and some other players have been spotted strolling around the area. Incidentally, this relatively tranquil town is set to be invaded by the world's media again in the next month, if a planned reconstruction of the events before her disappearance gets the go-ahead.
Clean living key in Trap era
When Steve Staunton took his Irish squad here two years ago at the beginning of his reign, the players had an opportunity to sample some of the nightlife, but there won't be any of that this week under Mr Trapattoni.
By and large, the players have been taking it easy at their complex, primarily resting and staying in their rooms, although they have been amusing themselves by playing a bit of snooker. Today, though, they are being let off the leash a little with the reward of a half day -- with a group game of golf on the agenda.
Givens' men frustrated
DON GIVENS' Ireland team endured a frustrating day at the U23 Intercontinental Cup tournament, however their 0-0 draw with Iraq means they should still qualify for the last four.
Ipswich striker Billy Clarke came closest to breaking the deadlock only for his volley to rebound off the crossbar to safety. Only a two goal victory for Iraq against tournament favourites Nigeria can now deny Givens's side qualification.
IRELAND - Redmond (N Forest); Nolan (Blackburn), Dennehy (Everton), Elebert (Hamilton),
Lowry (Aston Villa), Ryan (Shrewsbury), Berrett (Huddersfield), Collins (Huddersfield), Treacy
(Blackburn), Clarke (Ipswich) Ward (Wolves). Sub: Judge (Blackburn)Rfor Berrett (67 mins)
Number of defenders in the travelling party -- Kevin Foley, Paul McShane, Alex Bruce, Damien Delaney and Stephen Kelly. Richard Dunne, John O'Shea and Darren O'Dea are to join up with the rest in Dublin. The lack of options shows why the returns of Andy O'Brien and Steve Finnan are key.
Clarification: Dr Alan Byrne
In the Irish Independent of Friday, May 16, it was stated that FAI medical director Dr Alan Byrne was also doctor to Shamrock Rovers.
Dr Byrne has asked us to clarify that he is not the Shamrock Rovers club doctor but that he does see players from that, and other, clubs as a private sports medicine consultant.
Compiled by Daniel McDonnell
