Ed Leahy

RTÉ Sport journalist

Robbie Brady celebrates the winning goal in Helsinki

Hallgrimsson targets Greece game to build on victory

Heimir Hallgrimsson is expecting his side to be brimming with confidence after their come-from-behind victory over Finland as they take on the group leaders Greece at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on Sunday.

Soccer • 11 Oct 24

Festy Ebosele's cameo was a major plus point from the 2-1 win in Helsinki

Hallgrimsson wants more Jekyll, less Hyde in Athens

Granted it was the first step of Heimir Hallgrimsson's journey with the national side, however, getting a first competitive win, away from home, coming from behind, in what was only his third game in charge, seems significant, writes Ed Leahy

Soccer • 12 Oct 24

Heimir Hallgrimsson watching on during the game in Helsinki

Great character to battle back for win - Hallgrimsson

It was a case of third time lucky as Ireland's Nations League campaign finally got going following a hard-fought, come-from-behind 2-1 victory against Finland in Helsinki.

Soccer • 11 Oct 24

Republic of Ireland players celebrate Robbie Brady's winner

Away day joy as battling Ireland find way past Finns

Ireland battled back from a shocking start to beat Finland 2-1 in tonight's Nations League encounter at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki.

Soccer • 11 Oct 24

Nathan Collins captains the side in Helsinki

Four changes as Ferguson and Azaz start in Helsinki

Heimir Hallgrimsson has made four changes for tonight's clash at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki with Finn Azaz, Evan Ferguson, Liam Scales and Josh Cullen coming into the starting eleven as Ireland take on Finland.

Soccer • 10 Oct 24

Helsinki Cathedral, complete with strategically placed city signage to show tourists the best place for a photo opportunity

Helsinki Postcard: Echoes of past lift dreary present

Ed Leahy reports from Finland's capital city, where the rain has finally relented ahead of an important fixture for Heimir Hallgrimsson's side at the Olympic Stadium.

Soccer • 11 Oct 24

Nathan Collins surveys the scene at the Olympic Stadium on the eve of the game where he will captain Ireland against Finland

'Time to step up' – Collins eager to get results

Nathan Collins is ready to step up into a leadership role with Ireland for tomorrow night's Nations League clash with Finland, and the Brentford defender said that many more within the squad are also primed to take the team forward.

Soccer • 10 Oct 24

Will Troy Parrott lead the line in Helsinki?

Preview: Ireland desperate to find form in Finland

Heimir Hallgrimsson has been compiling Ireland's best bits from September's games as a tool to motivate and educate the players, however, whether there were enough positives from the double defeat to conjure a result in Helsinki tonight remains to be seen.

Soccer • 10 Oct 24

Heimir Hallgrimsson on the pitch at the Olympic Stadium on the eve of the game

Hallgrimsson determined to get best from Szmodics

Heimir Hallgrimsson took an immediate shine to Sammie Szmodics, and while the manager admits that he has not yet found his perfect position, he is adamant that he will keep exploring.

Soccer • 10 Oct 24

Finland head coach Markku Kanerva speaking at the pre-match press conference

Kanerva confident of bounce back to beat Ireland

Striking similarities existed during the press conference of Finland head coach Markku Kanerva as with Ireland counterpart Heimir Hallgrimsson on the eve of their Nations League encounter at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki.

Soccer • 10 Oct 24