A Ball in the Hand…

… is Worth Two in the Bush — the African Bush That Is

Don’t talk to me about luck of the Irish. Because we didn’t have too much of it a couple weeks ago. So if you’re anything like me you’re probably still very bitter, but trying finally to put that bloody double handball larky from Thierry Henry behind you, and again awake from that deep depression while coming to terms with the fact that Ireland will not be bound for South Africa next year.

Unfortunate as it is I know, I was still unable to resist the calling from my TV set the other day and before I knew it I found myself cozied down in front with the clicker in hand to watch the draw for the 2010 World Cup. And then sure enough… here come the if only’s again!

If only Damien Duff had scored while on the break with just the keeper to beat but couldn’t (though in fairness it was with his right foot and not his favored left). If only John O’Shea hadn’t blasted the ball over the cross bar from five yards out (settle down lad, you’ve got plenty of time). If only the great Robbie Keane had managed to maneuver the ball in and around the keeper with a wee bit more control while at the left post, instead of having the ball get away from him like it did (I know sir, we do expect so much from you but you are our best player). And then last but not least, the biggest blunder of all — if only the ref and seen what ever body else on the planet with a pair of eyeballs had seen, then, then… breathe Ciaran, just breathe.

Ahhhh lads, if only? I couldn’t help but think of what surely should have been.

But the fact of the matter is though that we did have our chances in that game and plenty of them. It reminded me so much of the final 16 match at the 2002 World Cup against Spain when we were also all over them but unfortunately again could not take advantage of the many chances that we had and eventually got put out on penalties. Ah well what ya gonna do.

Anyway, I’ve heard some of the Irish protesting the handball are boycotting some of the French products which I did get a chuckle out of. So for me, here’s what I’m going to do to join in on the movement. From now on there’s absolutely no more French kisses for the wife. That’s it, sorry honey, I’ve made up my mind!

On a quick poker note: Congratulations (again) to James Akenhead for winning the Poker Million. What an unbelievable year the young man has had… well done indeed James, you’re on some roll lad!

Ciaran.