THOUSANDS of Irish fans, among them many from Limerick, are in Prague for the Republic of Ireland’s massive World Cup semi-final qualifier against Czechia on Thursday (kick-off 7.45pm Irish time).
With only 1,200 tickets allocated to travelling supporters for the 20,000-seater Fortuna Arena, the majority will watch happenings from the centre of the Czech capital, which also happens to have more Irish pubs per capita than anywhere in the world.
Limerick’s Gary Spain is the Irish teams’ supporter liaison officer, a voluntary role he was appointed to three years ago.
On the ticket issue, he told RTÉ: “They’ve gone to the fans that have been to the most away games. So it’s those who have been to six of the last 10 undersubscribed away games who have been guaranteed a ticket, and those on five were in the ballot for tickets.”
- External Walls: Up to €8,000 Grant
- Attic: Up to €1,500 Grant
- Cavity Walls: Up to €1,700 Grant
- Internal Dry Lining: Up to €4,500 Grant
“They will definitely make their voices heard wherever you go; the Irish fans will always be heard.”
Ireland enter the contest as underdogs, but Spain is of the view that The Boys in Green can qualify for a first World Cup in over 20 years.
“I think we can,” he stated. “I mean, I’m really, really hoping we can. World Cups are just so special. I’m conscious of the younger fans that have never had the chance to see us in a World Cup. It would be absolutely massive. And I’m sure everyone will be dreaming of Guadalajara on June 11.”
The winners in Prague will be home to the winners of the other semi – Denmark v North Macedonia – next Tuesday.
Loyal Treaty United supporter Spain attended his first international way back in 1974 and has travelled to three World Cups and as many European Championships.