So, I’ve returned. Didn’t take long to fly from Dublin to Edinburgh. Took ages to get from Haymarket to Stirling. Sunday service indeed. Musn’t grumble.

The Spanish air crew delivered us safely. The Polish service staff at the hotel welcomed us openly. I was yet to hear a Dubliner! Welcome to the E.U. everybody. Late night Polish newsagents have to be embraced, surely they are the future?

Our hotel, O’dearymes, had a fine location, a grand breakfast, quite comfortable rooms and, eventually, hot water. Pricey, but that sums Dublin up. With the switch to the Euro, everything was rounded up then a bit added on, then converted from punts… leading to paying a lot… still people seem to do it, especially in Temple Bar. We didn’t really spend too much time or money there, preferring to strafe its borders. O’Neills, O’Briens, O’Nos, O’notagains, were all frequented, often. Brother Phil appeared (as now is custom), performing a morning, yep morning, DJ set in the official Wales Away (i.e. World in Motion) bar/venue. A prize draw was to be had, raising money for Gôl – a great charidee.

I managed to win a signed ball! Quality. Signed by the Wales team who played Romania in 1993. Yes, that night. Yes, Paul Bodin. Yes, we did miss out on a trip to USA ’94. Also managed to claim for an Aber boy, one, yes one, signed goalie glove from Jason Brown (strangely omitted from the squad.)

No supporters game this time, am desperate to increase my international caps! Not made an appearance since the surreal Austrian Allstars XI incident…

Match report to follow, when I’m not going to be as cutting…