Keane would not return while McCarthy stayed on

1997, 15 November - After finishing 10 points behind Romania in their World Cup qualifying group, McCarthy's side go out 3-2 on aggregate to Belgium in the play-offs.

1999, 10 October - A place at Euro 2000 is just 12 seconds away when Goran Stavrevski equalises for Macedonia in Skopje, and the Republic are consigned to the play-offs.

After drawing 1-1 with Turkey in Dublin, an ill-tempered 0-0 draw in Bursa sees McCarthy's men knocked out.

2000, 8 October -The World Cup campaign begins well as a Matt Holland equaliser in Lisbon gives the Republic a 1-1 draw against Portugal, following a 2-2 draw against Holland in Amsterdam.

2001, 1 September - A play-off place is virtually guaranteed with a magnificent 1-0 win over Holland in Dublin.

2001, 15 November - The Republic seal a place at the World Cup finals with a 1-0 loss against Iran in Tehran, after winning the first leg 2-0 in Dublin.

2002, 5 January - McCarthy is named Irish Sports Personality of the Year.

Niall Quinn backed his boss at the World Cup

2002, 12 February - Roy Keane welcomes the FAI's decision to offer McCarthy a new contra ct.

"All the players are pleased he has decided to stay on for two more years and hopefully we can have another successful qualifying campaign when the European Championship begins," said Keane.

2002, 17 May - The FAI are "delighted" to announce that McCarthy will stay on as coach for at least another two years.

2002, 23 May - Keane is sent home from Japan after falling out with manager Mick McCarthy in a clear-the-air meeting with the whole squad.

"I cannot and will not tolerate being spoken to with that level of abuse being thrown at me, so I sent him home," said McCarthy.

2002, 16 June - The Republic go out of the World Cup on penalties against Spain in the last 16.

2002, 18 June - McCarthy and his team receive a heroes' welcome from around 100,000 people on their return to Dublin.

2002, 7 September - The Euro 2004 campaign begins badly with a 4-2 defeat to Russia in Moscow.

2002, 16 October - A shock 2-1 defeat to Switzerland ends the Republic's run of 18 matches unbetaen at home, and heaps further pressure on McCarthy.

2002, 5 November - McCarthy quits following talks with the FAI.