In election week, John O’Shea is definitely in campaign mode. independent.ie/sport/soccer/i…

If the FAI's decision makers can be swayed by a June friendly, they probably need new decision makers

A welcome win but O'Shea analysis has to go beyond the result

Piece from tonight

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“Ireland had two chances and they scored both of them. Two more crosses in the box, nothing special” - Hungary coach Marco Rossi feels they were a little unlucky tonight

Shades of Scotland as Troy Parrott bursts through on goal. Not entirely convinced that finish was any more assertive but it got the job done.

Jake O'Brien and Liam Scales coming into the back three. Seamus Coleman to wing back. Looks like O'Shea in a position where he feels result is important for getting job so went with the older players - another product of his weird situation. We'll probably learn a bit more now.

1-1 HT. Typically erratic June friendly. Dangerous to read too much into them (and shouldn't be reason for appointing/not appointing a manager) - great from Smallbone & Idah for goal but there's no real sense that experienced defence are making Ireland harder to play against.

Beware rash statements about the crowd at an Ireland game until it’s 15 minutes old but just a low key vibe in general around this window - apart from the PA system which is booming like it’s the World Cup final

Change of fixtures hasn’t worked out too badly for Virgin in the drama stakes. Mad game developing at Richmond Park - Stephen Kenny 3-1 down to his former club before the half hour mark with the manager he replaced in opposition

‘Dundalk is a special place, I have great love for it’ – Stephen Kenny spoke about the strange feelings around this evening especially with his son in the opposition dressing room
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‘I’m a grass cutter, not a caddy’ - this is the definition of a feel-good story

John Caulfield believes the League of Ireland clubs need to break away from the 'tainted’ FAI

Some strong quotes from Galway United manager (who also addresses Seani Maguire chat) ⬇️
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Stephen Kenny indicates he has spoken to players who want to join St Patrick's Athletic at the end of the season - and says the best training facilities in the country will help his recruitment plans

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Video review of another night that threw up a shock or two

Report from Richmond. Galway United's unbeaten run comes to an end as Stephen Kenny's reunion with Caulfield gives him a taste of coming out on the right side of a game that could have swung either way

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Full time at Richmond and Stephen Kenny is back in the winning groove. They had to endure some difficult spells but the home crowd not too bothered about that now. Galway United are a very difficult team to beat.

2-1 to St Pat's! Galway the stronger side since equalising and Pat's have rode their luck a couple of times but brilliant play from Kian Leavy and some casual defending allows his fellow sub Alex Nolan to score. Galway strike the bar from the restart.

Galway level at Richmond - and deservedly so. After a couple of missed chances, Caulfield turned to bench and called for Patrick Hickey to be brought on immediately. His header at the back post is turned in by Francely Lomboto. Big ask for Pat's now against team that won't fade

Galway United clearance lands on top of the Pat's dugout and smashes the top of it. Goalkeeping coach Pat Jennings had to go down the tunnel briefly for treatment as he was caught by a loose piece

Pat's take the lead at Richmond - giving Galway United a taste of their own medicine by doing them on a set piece. Conor Keeley and Cian Kavanagh win headers before Mason Melia gets the final touch over the line. Galway had started the game reasonably well.

Our regular live blog is here with updates from the various games - sightings of various Irish squad and staff members around the grounds although there's a shortage of them in Inchicore

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