Armed raid hits Irish team hotel

Irish manager Brian Kerr saw his side fail to qualify for Euro 2004

Armed raiders have struck a Dublin hotel where the Republic of Ireland football team were staying ahead of a friendly against Canada.

A shot was reportedly fired during the attack on the Portmarnock Golf and Country Club.

Irish police said two armed raiders in balaclavas entered the hotel reception and fired into the ceiling.

No-one was injured but the robbers got away with "a small amount of cash" and made off in a red car, possibly a BMW.

The hotel said the team members were in their rooms at the time of the raid.

Ireland play Canada in the international friendly on Tuesday - their first match since being beaten by Switzerland last month after failing to qualify for next year's European championship.