Damien Costello, St Fintan's High School, Sutton, Dublin

Last week we watched as the World Cup draw took place in France, and unfortunately Ireland was not involved after the defeat in Brussels. Given the team's heroics in reaching Italia '90 and USA '94, failing to qualify was a bitter blow. In my opinion it was not only sad because we failed to reach the finals but for other reasons as well: it is probably the last time we will see Tony Cascarino and Ray Houghton in the green jersey. In Brussels it was ironic that once again, against all odds, Ray Houghton popped up and nearly saved us. Let us not blame Mick McCarthy for the failure. When it counted, as against Macedonia away, and Lithuania and Iceland at home, it was the players who failed. However, there should be a bright future for the team. So for now it is goodbye to the old heroes like Townsend, Houghton and Cascarino and hello to the young stars like Kennedy, Duff and, of course, Robbie Keane.

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