It was a good afternoon in the Gibson Hotel for the FAI, as they unveiled their new manager and showman Martin O' Neill to the Irish media. John Delaney beamed happily for the whole of the press conference and laughed broadly at every one of Martin O'Neill's many jokes and sarcastic asides. All the luminaries were in attendance, Milo Corcoran, David Blood, household names all of them.
O'Neill discussed his motivation for picking Keane as assistant.
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O'Neill discusses the ability of the Irish players and touches on the 'style of play' issue
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Here are a couple rules for covering an FAI Press conference and some of the main lessons learned.
1. When you see the sandwiches and croissants on the table you must look to the person beside you and make an obligatory prawn sandwich joke.
2. As soon as you think of a question get your hand up in the air or else Tony O Donoghue will nip in and ask it. That Enda Kenny-All-Ireland question was going to be mine.
3. A few years ago, Dublin GAA accused Leinster rugby of copying them by appropriating the colour 'blue.' Apparently Dublin had the patent on the colour. Will the FAI get it in the neck for using the Dubs' hotel behind the Point?
4. When Miriam Lord is in attendance you know we've crossed over into major news story. Here's a photo of the back of her head. I should work for Sportsfile
5. Apparently Liam Brady's son is "gorgeous." This vital information was garnered from eavesdropping on one of the women who works for the FAI.
O' Neill offers some glowing praise for his successor at Sunderland.
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O'Neill expands upon how he sees Roy's role.
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