Ed Leahy

RTÉ Sport journalist

5 September 2025; Ryan Manning during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Preview: Hungary opener to test Ireland's growth

"It feels like the jersey is too heavy for some players," said Heimir Hallgrimsson, following Ireland's 2-0 home defeat to Greece 12 months ago. That's not the case any more, as the Boys in Green head into a new campaign with genuine belief.

Soccer • 06 Sep

5 September 2025; Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

'He's electric' - Hallgrimsson swayed by training form

"He's electric," pondered Heimir Hallgrimsson, during one of the squad training sessions in the build up to the opening World Cup qualifier against Hungary.

Soccer • 06 Sep

5 September 2025; Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson and Nathan Collins during a Republic of Ireland media conference at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

'It looks like they are taller today' - Hallgrimsson

The energy is coming, leaders are emerging; Heimir Hallgrimsson believes that the players have responded well to the clear and coherent instruction coming from the coaching staff, and the manager has also maintained that level of consistency when it comes to speaking about World Cup qualification.

Soccer • 05 Sep

3 September 2025; Assistant coach Paddy McCarthy during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Ireland on the cusp of something special - McCarthy

"My expectation is we're going to be in America next year." Words from Ireland assistant coach Paddy McCarthy, uttered with absolute sincerity and belief on the eve of the World Cup qualifying campaign.

Soccer • 05 Sep

3 September 2025; Chiedozie Ogbene during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Ogbene's Achilles odyssey offered new life perspective

Chiedozie Ogbene is back in the Ireland squad following an extended stay on the sidelines due to an injury that accounted for the majority of the 2024-25 Premier League season.

Soccer • 05 Sep

3 September 2025; Ryan Manning during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Set-piece maestro Manning ready to take aim at Hungary

Repetition, repetition, repetition; a Ryan Manning mantra when it comes to practising free-kicks back at his club, Southampton.

Soccer • 05 Sep

3 September 2025; Assistant head coach John O'Shea and assistant coach Paddy McCarthy, right, during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Players primed to step up and enjoy fast start - O'Shea

John O'Shea is expecting a freshness to the Ireland performance as they open their World Cup qualifying campaign against Hungary on Saturday.

Soccer • 03 Sep

2 September 2025; Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher during Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Next step is to qualify for major tournament - Kelleher

Caoimhín Kelleher is confident that the current Ireland squad have what it takes to to qualify for a major tournament.

Soccer • 03 Sep

1 September 2025; Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson arrives for a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Hallgrimsson hoping for magical night to start campaign

Heimir Hallgrimsson wants his side to send out a message to their Group F rivals as they open their World Cup campaign against Hungary on Saturday evening at Aviva Stadium.

Soccer • 03 Sep

2 September 2025; Bosun Lawal during a Republic of Ireland media conference at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Lawal keeping the faith and eyeing Ireland involvement

Bosun Lawal has urged his international team-mates to dream big as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.

Soccer • 02 Sep