It all really begins and ends with coaches. If you look at developed countries versus non developed countries (I am talking about the likes of say Ireland versus Cameroon or even Paraguay or Chile). Ireland would be considered to have more economic clout (well not now maybe but you get the idea) than either of the other three.

Yet the players they produce are light years ahead of ours when it comes to technical ability. We (as a rule) get the ball, and treat it like a hot potato. They get the ball and seek to do something creative with it. THey have all the time in the world because they are comfortable on the ball and no that no matter what they do, they will not lose the ball. Worst case scenario is they’ll be forced to pass, but they’ll at least hold onto possession.

We on the other hand hoof the ball from the back to a forward who is surrounded by three or four defenders. You can guess the result.

You’re right. Unless something changes Ireland will win nothing.

And the most annoying thing is – we have seen for decades that our methods don’t work yet we persist with them. While the likes of Germany, as you say, and Holland (a country of eight million) identify the problem and then fix it.

We need more of our kids to get away from English football and move to the European leagues.

I like and agree with absolutely everything you say in your article but the simple answer to your question is simple. NO!!!!
Nothing to do with population size, the detriment of the EPL on Irish football or lack of technique or talent. I think you forget who runs football in this country. The FAI. They would never be willing to make such an investment in underage soccer but would rather pile money into failed unproven projects that were due to line their own pockets or curry favour with high powered acquaintances. Absolutely inept bunch of muppets led by the supreme moronic narcissist John Delaney who tries to buy the love of the nation with token gestures of goodwill considering the size of his over inflated salary in times of recession.