The Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland are tonight holding their awards show for 2017. The guest of honour? Martin O'Neill, of course.
After a few days in which the Republic of Ireland manager has chosen not to refute allegations that he was set to join Stoke City, he is clearly in no mood to talk to the gathered journalists tonight.
Subject of back page is a guest of press at press awards night, does not talk to press.
Not a Waterford Whispers News headline. Martin O'Neill tonight.— Owen Cowzer (@OCowzer) January 12, 2018
Always aware that media get worked up about stuff that public don’t care about but pretty poor form for Martin O’Neill to turn up to @SWAInews awards and blank journalists who, not unreasonably, might have a question or two to pose over what’s happened this week.
— Neil O'Riordan (@noriordan) January 12, 2018
His argument, apparently, is that it’s not a press event. He’s here as Ireland manager to an event hosted by the press. We normally leave him alone but jaysus week that’s in it...
— Neil O'Riordan (@noriordan) January 12, 2018
The smug look on Roy Keane's face as he led Martin O'Neill through a group of journalists who wanted to ask him a few questions at their own awards night was something to behold. You'd despair.
— Michael Scully (@mikescully1) January 12, 2018
No comment from Martin O’Neill on his way into the @SWAInews awards and doesn’t sound like there will be this evening. If there is I’ll be sure to bring some more high quality video pic.twitter.com/XKdtgEv0zD
— Nathan Murphy (@nathanmurf) January 12, 2018
News of O'Neill and Roy Keane's decision to join tonight's festivities was late coming.
Martin O’Neill, Roy Keane and the rest of his backroom staff will attend the @SSEAirtricityLg @SWAInews annual banquet in Dublin this evening. No word on whether Quique Sanchez Flores will be there.
— Neil O'Riordan (@noriordan) January 12, 2018
Yet, while it would appear that O'Neill (and by extension, Keane) have been overlooked for the Stoke City job in favour of Quique Sánchez Flores, there was an unquestionable desire amongst the gathered journalists that the Irish manager may share a word or two about what was going on.
Feeding into an arguement Eamon Dunphy made regarding the "disrespectful" attitude O'Neill and the FAI has shown toward Irish football fans, certain figures are hardly surprised that O'Neill decided to remain quiet this evening.
Is anyone really surprised that Martin O'Neill is not wanting to speak with Media tonight? 🤔
— Stephen Elliott (@SleevesElliott) January 12, 2018
Where O'Neill and Ireland go from here remains to be seen. While many will suggest that in showing such contempt for the role he has made his position untenable, it remains that he has a contract there should he wish to sign it.
With no competitive fixtures ahead for the foreseeable future, this is a story that is likely to run and run.
