Analysis is pivotal for Ireland at the Euros

Getting to the knockout stages of the 2016 Euros may balance on a knife edge for Ireland. It was Benjamin Franklin who said "by failing to prepare, you preparing to fail' so each national squad is leaving no stone unturned in readying their squad.

Video analysis is now considered 'part of the furniture' in every squad setup as a key element of generating your own games plans, is analysing the opposition. Exposing your opponents weaknesses could yield the vital breakthrough.

The Irish coaching team and players had some interesting points to make on the use of video analysis during preparation at Fota Island.

Martin O’Neill on taking over the Irish team jokingly remarked that analyst Brian McCarthy had only given him eighteen videos to watch – to get him up to speed!

"I find it an invaluable part of coaching now, in the modern game," said Seamus McDonagh, Ireland's goalkeeping coach.

Ireland's video analysis solutions including software and analyst training is provided by Avenir Sports in Galway. They have been supporting the FAI for quite a few years now embracing both the Trapattoni and now the O'Neill eras at senior international level.

In addition, Ruud Dokter is ensuring that video analysis is an integral element of the coach education programmes being rolled out by the FAI throughout the length and breadth of the country.

It's opportune that the 2016 Euros coincide with Avenir Sports expanding their portfolio to include the Hudl solutions which will now be central to the FAI's analysis

"Avenir Sports has helped us tremendously well over the last few years and certainly leading into the European Championships which was a big, big help and we certainly appreciate that," according to Robbie Keane when the lads from Avenir spent a day with the squad at Fota Island.

Avenir's Tommy Conneely pointed out that the relationship with the FAI is long standing and "is taking on a new dimension with the inclusion of the Hudl solution as an integral element of the advanced coaching courses.

"We have been working closely with Ger Dunne since he took over the Senior Analysts role - we will be in Ireland's corner throughout the tournament"