Dublin football supporters woke up this morning clutching for maps and compasses with the news that they would be facing a first Championship away fixture in 9 years. But so much has changed to rural Ireland since that fateful trip to Pearse Park in 2006, we thought it would be helpful to provide a run-down on what's happened to the Ireland outside Dublin this past decade.
A filling station was erected in the honour of Barack Obama in Moneygall
Moneygall was just another obscure Irish townland before the 44th POTUS rescued it from obscurity during his presidential campaign in 2008. To honour him and his visit to the area, locals erected a filling station. The Barack Obama Plaza boasts the most impressive looking Supermacs you've ever seen.
Not only was there a recession in many parts of the country, there still is one
While foie gras toasties remain the lunch of choice for Metropolitans, those outside the country got it pretty tough in 2007. We have reached the stage where German newspapers are fretting about the price of houses in Dublin. They are not yet concerned about property prices in Portlaoise.
A Crystal Swing epidemic swept the towns and villages of boggy Ireland
This terrible disease ravaged countryfolk between the years of 2009-10 but thankfully is under control. If someone offers you the opportunity to hucklebuck on the trip to Nowlan Park next summer, just run. Run for your life.
The countryside is no longer full of commuter Dubs
In the late boom years, there was much talk of Dubs moving out of the city to either commute from Leitrim or pursue a country life. In most cases, it wasn't all they had hoped for. Messages like this on Daft.ie were commonplace.
The wealthy builders who helped get Bertie Ahern elected are no longer wealthy
The countryside is still dotted with their mansions. These guys had a rough few years after 2008. Some of them are in England. Others are back and waiting for the next boom cycle.
M50 toll bridge has gone automatic
An important consideration for Dubs.
Fianna Fail didn't die, it just moved
Fianna Fail had somewhere in the region of 80 TDs back in 2006, the bulk of them from the countryside. Now, they are down to 19. It should be pointed out that all of these currently sit in country constituencies, so Fianna Fail TDs remain a reality for people living in the country.
Sean Quinn became a folk hero
At the height of the above-mentioned recession, failed builder Sean Quinn became a folk hero. Despite the efforts of the Dublin media, many still venerate him for standing up to the government.
Queen Elizabeth starting shopping for fish in Cork
The English market remains Ireland's pre-eminent fish market, so much so that QE2 started buying her monkfish there.
