When Roy Keane's departure from Saipan was confirmed, most Irish sports fans feared the death of Ireland's 2002 World Cup campaign.
Keane had dragged Ireland by the scruff of the neck and dragged them towards World Cup qualification, and although it wasn't a one man show, optimism was low heading into the opening game of the tournament against Cameroon.
However, Keane's absence did provide a stage for a truly beautiful partnership to blossom. Ireland fans had already known of the stunning symmetry that Holland and Kinsella could offer, as the two played together whenever Roy was injured, but finally the World could see two of the most solid and dependable men on Earth do their thing side by side.
Long after most players had left training, Matt and Mark complete their 12,000th lap of the pitch to conclude the first of four 12,000 lap sets for a Tuesday afternoon.
Breaks between sets consisted of 30 seconds of synchronized sitting.
Both men mastered the art of pointing, an essential trait for a top midfielder.
Sitting beside each other in team photos increased their telepathy.
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They always gave it socks when their partner scored.
Poor Duffer could only watch on in envy.
The perfect midfield axis.
