In the modern football world there is no such thing as a close season. The eircom League of Ireland is, as Bill O’Herlihy might say – 'right back after this short break.'
To those of you who missed the first half of the season may I, in the immortal words of the great Billo, say: 'Welcome back if you just joined us!'
The European Championships are hurtling towards a dramatic finish and I think it's fair to say (God, I can’t get Bill out of my head now) the tournament has been the most exciting Euros since 1988 and all that.
That particular tournament had a particular resonance for Ireland, after all you can never have a second first time! As football virgins Ireland will never forget the joy of Stuttgart and the rush of confidence and pride that went with continental achievement.
If the oft promoted theory that Ireland’s economic boom had something to do with our soccer success in Euro '88, Italia '90 and USA '94 then Trap listen up… 'Right now, more than ever, your (new) country needs you.'
The European Championships are special, not least for the wonderfully unexpected achievements of the likes of Denmark in 1992 and Greece last time out.
The quality of the football is good and the format of the event lends itself to quickly capturing the imagination. Although Ireland would have a better chance of making it to an expanded thirty two team finals I would be opposed to changing what has been a winning formula for UEFA.
One thing is clear though from watching the drama unfold in Austria and Switzerland. Ireland should feel capable of competing with the best that Europe has to offer, certainly in qualification competition.
In recent years we have come up against Germany, France, Holland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, Turkey, Switzerland etc and if our younger players have learnt anything it's that none of these side has really outclassed us.
It's not too great a leap of the imagination to think that we could start getting better results against the bigger nations, beginning against Italy and Bulgaria in the forthcoming World Cup qualifying group.
Of course Trapattoni's isn't the only senior Republic of Ireland side looking to qualify for a major tournament. Noel King's Women's team have put themselves in a great position for a play off for their European Championships and a point against Sweden, home or away, will guarantee just that.
The women's game continues to grow and deserves coverage 
and respect. Players like Emma Byrne, Ciara Grant, Olivia O'Toole and Katie Taylor should be household names in Ireland. Despite the achievements of the Arsenal girls (including Yvonne Treacy who thankfully has fully recovered from serious injury) most people have never heard of an Irish female soccer star.
Katie Taylor's extraordinary boxing achievements have given her a modicum of fame and notoriety beyond a fairly tight football community but if the 'Girls in Green' were to qualify for Europe it would be the biggest boost to women's sport in this country since the glory days of Sonia O'Sullivan.
The 'Soccer Sisters' are on the move and if, like me, you are the proud father of an eleven year old daughter, you will understand just how important it is for the better half of our population to have their role models too.
And speaking of role models it was marvellous to see the ability, performance and attitude of Cork City striker Dave Mooney last Friday.
The former Longford man set up two goals and nabbed a brace for himself against Cobh Ramblers at Turners Cross last Friday bringing his season tally to nine so far. Who would bet against him crashing past the twenty goal barrier for City this season?
Mooney, to my mind, just gets better and better and to see him running with his head up, aware of all around him and ready to bring Kearney and O'Flynn into the play is an example to all prospective strikers everywhere.
He plays on his toes and his movement off the ball is exemplary. Last season’s leading goalscorer for Cork, Roy O'Donovan, was among the crowd at the Cross along with the man that brought him to the Stadium of Light this time last year, Roy Keane.
Keane may well have gone to support his former club, Cobh Ramblers, or to cast his eye over players who have already gone over to Sunderland on trial, Graham Cummins, Davin O' Neill and Brian McCarthy.
However it would be most surprising if he wasn’t impressed by Mooney’s performance and character, not least following his two goals and his subsequent celebration.
Each time he tucked the ball away he peeled off in search of his buddy and lifelong Cork City fan Gary MacSweeney. Gary may be wheelchair bound but that doesn’t prevent him moving closer to the goal he hopes Cork will score into each half.
Mooney is new to Cork but he will have met Gary from his earliest training sessions at Bishopstown and will have seen him at the Cross and at most away venues in time for each match day warm up.
To see the affection in which Gary is held by the new Leeside legend is heartwarming, an affection which, I'm sure, is reciprocated.
Tony O’ Donoghue is Group Football Correspondent for RTE.
