Ireland's final game of Euro 2012, a 2-0 group stage loss to Italy, was part of a tournament most fans would like erased from memory. Though, that game was a landmark in the career of Damien Duff - his 100th and final cap for his country.
It was nearly six months later that he was handed the cap which marked the occasion. He received it not to any fanfare - not that he wanted it any differently - but rather in a Heathrow pub sitting at a table with his father and John Delaney.
As Duff explained nearly four years ago, that was a chance meeting with Delaney. The FAI chief executive happened across Duff's path at the airport after failing to meet up with him in London.
In an excellent interview with Brian Kerr in the Irish Independent - though one which lacks in Kerrisms (swiz, swaz, hoop etc) - Duff recalled the moment.
And a quick shandy in Weatherspoons. Just John, myself and my dad, with the cap in its case, sitting there on a table.
The way it was done kind of suited me. I know other people think differently, but if they'd wanted to have a presentation, I wouldn't have wanted the fuss. Some people would want a picture and stuff, but that is not the way I roll.
Duff also disclosed that he received a special cap from UEFA to mark his 100th international appearance. Though, he did not receive it until just last month. Laughably, it had sat in an FAI drawer for the last five years.
Apparently it was sitting in a drawer somewhere. The way it was presented to me - by the U-15 team I help coach - after a game we had against Holland last month, was nice. It took five years for it to happen, mind you. Still to be fair, it's back in another drawer somewhere in my house.
Picture credit: UEFA via SPORTSFILE
