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Denis Irwin: Ireland v England is always a big game

The former Manchester United defender reckons this game is much needed for the Boys in Green.

THERE’LL BE NO RTÉ panel to analyse Ireland’s game with England at Wembley tomorrow night.

But you will have ‘two good Cork lads’ — and former Ireland stars — to bring some context to the much-anticipated international friendly, according to Denis Irwin.

The former Manchester United defender will be part of Setanta’s coverage of the game against Roy Hodgson’s side in London. And Irwin’s new gig with the cable station puts him up against his old club and international team-mate, Roy Keane. The Mayfield man will take his place — as usual — on the ITV panel under Wembley’s arch.

“I do enjoy it,” Irwin told TheScore.ie when asked about his TV committments yesterday. “I do a lot of TV over with MUTV and that, but it’s nice.

“It’s a big game, Ireland and England will always s be a big game and obviously it’s their celebration year and that. I think it’s a good game for Ireland as well; for me too many of the players have had too long of a rest. The Championship ended the end of April, start of May so they’ve had the best part of three or four weeks off, so they’ll need a couple of games to get them up to standard. We have to beat Faroe Islands to keep it going.

“It’s not an ideal time for a footballer to play a game. Once the season finishes at club level you more or less want to get off and go on holidays. I don’t think it’s an ideal time but this game is important and the game against Georgia as well to make sure the preparation is right for the Faroe Islands game.”

Setanta Ireland’s live coverage of England v Rep. of Ireland begins at 7pm. Denis Irwin will be joined in studio by Brian Kerr and Stephen Hunt. Dave McIntyre will be joined by Gary Breen on commentary.  To subscribe to Setanta for half price call 0818 20 30 40 or visit www.setanta.com

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    Mute Raymond Doyle
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    May 28th 2013, 8:14 AM

    What? Are RTE not showing the game. What in the hell are we paying licence fees for when we have to pay a subscription to other channels too. Rip off republic

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    Mute David Keogh
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    May 28th 2013, 9:50 AM

    Raymond, for the last number of years RTE haven’t shown Ireland friendlies live. They have the licence to show competitive games live only.

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    Mute Efan Steffenberg
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    May 28th 2013, 9:40 PM

    Say hello David Keogh

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    Mute Noel Griffith
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    May 28th 2013, 10:32 AM

    great ad for setanta there journal…i think i shall watch it on ITV for FREE…

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    Mute alwaysrightokay
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    May 28th 2013, 8:18 AM

    Wouldn’t it be great to turn them over. England 0 Ireland 3. Wouldn’t give a crap about faroes game then.

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    Mute Ryan Doyle
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    May 28th 2013, 1:40 PM

    Why? There are no points to gain? Meaningless. Unless of course you are obsessed with England for some weird perferted reason.

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    Mute royston T justice
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    May 28th 2013, 8:13 AM

    A big game for Ireland, NOT England..

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    Mute Ryan Doyle
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    May 28th 2013, 1:38 PM

    Its an important game for both teams. Its not a BIG game for Ireland. Why would it.

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    Mute Denise Friary
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    May 28th 2013, 8:58 AM

    Good luck to Ireland but I hope Richard Dunne dont play after a year out he wont have much game time.

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    Mute Ann-Marie Wallis
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    May 28th 2013, 9:50 AM

    Would absolutely love a win for Ireland but it is a tall order, especially in the barn that is Wembley. Will be looking forward to the match regardless, it would make work the next day a bit more interesting if we snatch a win in North West London. COYBIG!

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    Mute Vincent Bickerstaffe
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    May 28th 2013, 8:23 AM

    Brian Kerr is a nightmare

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    Mute Phil Mc Donald
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    May 28th 2013, 12:57 PM

    Is that a chant?

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    Mute Damocles
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    May 28th 2013, 8:57 AM

    Come On England!

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    Mute mikeobrien4FM
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    May 28th 2013, 8:45 AM

    England 2 Ireland 0.

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    Mute royston T justice
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    May 28th 2013, 8:52 AM

    ..if we are lucky that’s all it will be! :D

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    Mute royston T justice
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    May 28th 2013, 8:19 AM

    Big game for Ireland, NOT England..

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    Mute Chris Kelly
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    May 28th 2013, 12:26 PM

    Idiot

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    Mute little willy
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    May 28th 2013, 12:01 PM

    I dont care who wins once there is no violence

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    Mute Luke
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    May 28th 2013, 12:17 PM

    My sentiments exactly. Heading over for it and chances of violence are at the forefront of my mind, which is a shame.

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    Mute little willy
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    May 28th 2013, 12:38 PM

    Since the Woolwich incident there is a lot of racial tension in London at the moment

    Hope you get back safely Luke …

    … hope the EDL or the BNP dont cause trouble

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    Mute Al S Macthomais
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    May 28th 2013, 4:59 PM

    England A v England B west Brit day out.Enda tory boy kenny and cohorts of FF and Lab will love going to the mainland to meet their fellow Brits.
    England A about 5-0 win.

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    Mute Eamonn
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    May 28th 2013, 7:44 PM

    Langer.

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