Hit-and-run raid on Irish team hotel

A shot is believed to have been fired during the raid on the Portmarnock Golf and Country Club in North Dublin where the squad is preparing for Tuesday’s match. Gardai said two armed raiders in balaclavas entered the reception area of the hotel and a shot was fired into the ceiling.

No one was injured in the incident and the squad is understood not to have witnessed the drama. A Garda spokesman said the robbers got away with “a small amount of cash”, later reported as €1,000 and made off in a red car, possibly a BMW.

The Republic, knocked out of Euro 2004, is playing the friendly against Canada at Lansdowne Road on Tuesday, ahead of next autumn's World Cup qualifying campaign. We will bring you further information when available.