I'd love it if Ireland did get into top form and get some luck too, but whether they succeed or fail, they will be Ireland-  they'll take us through an emotional roller-coaster, either going out narrowly in the group stages, or just about skimming though and getting much farther or maybe they'll be un-Ireland like and play all their games the way they can play! - that I'd love to see. Still don't think they're good enough to win but it feels like a repeat of 2003 could be on the cards - they might struggle, but if they get some luck they could go all the way. That's why the bookies can't write them off and keep them at about 35-1 to win it. It's not a bad bet IMO, but unlikely nonetheless.