Ireland's soccer players may never have won the World Cup, but they have never been off the podium when it comes to the wit and eloquence of the banter that follows the game. In The Nation Holds Its Breath, Eoghan Corry celebrates the folklore of footlore, where the words of players, managers, referees, journalists and commentators are interspersed with the observations of some notable outsiders who have marvelled at the fact that, win or lose on the field, you will never beat the Irish.

'I don't think some of the people who come to Old Trafford can spell football, never mind understand it.' ROY KEANE

'And Bonner has gone 165 minutes of these championships without conceding a goal. Oh danger here' GEORGE HAMILTON