Republic of Ireland will not be playing at Euro 2024 this summer following a dismal qualifying campaign.
The Boys in Green missed out on the tournament after finishing second-bottom of their group with only six points from eight games.
Stephen Kenny’s side only won two of their qualifiers and they both came against 203rd-ranked in the world Gibraltar.
Their hopes of booking a place in Germany came to an end early on and they ended their campaign with a 1-0 loss to the Netherlands.
The failure to qualify was playing on manager Kenny’s mind after that game and he admitted his job was at risk with his contract running out.
He said: “It would be a dream to carry on and manage the team, but my instinct is that’s not going to happen.
“The evidence suggests that probably won’t happen, so I respect that as well.
“It’s been a privilege in that regard, the greatest honour you can have. Whatever you did in life, it would be a step-down, no matter what you did, but that’s the way it is.
“We have had a lot of setbacks and I suppose that’s why I’m not getting a new contract if that’s the case.
“International football is ruthless, that’s the nature of it. I know that, I understood that, but that’s the way it is.”
2
And Kenny was right, as he was not offered a new contract following the Republic of Ireland’s failure to reach Euro 2024.
The FAI released a statement soon after the end of qualifying, saying: “Stephen Kenny’s contract as Manager of the Ireland senior men’s national team will not be renewed following the conclusion of the UEFA EURO 2024 qualification process.
“The Board agrees that now is the right time for change ahead of the friendly matches in March and June 2024 and the next Nations League campaign starting in September 2024.”
Since then, former Manchester United defender John O’Shea has taken the reigns for his country.
And he now will be sat at home this summer hoping that he will be on the touchline at the Euros the next time it comes around.