For the first time in ten years, the Republic of Ireland enter the spring of a major competition year lining up friendlies to prepare for that summer's Finals. In 2002, Ireland faced and defeated Russia, Denmark and the USA before falling to Nigeria, a game that marked the beginning of Roy Keane's 23 months absence from the International team.

A decade on and Giovanni Trapatonni's charges will now start their Finals preparation against fellow Euro 2012 participants Czech Republic on the 29th February. To mark this occasion, the FAI have announced a reduced "celebration rate" of €20 for adults for the Upper level / South and North lower and €10 for children. Ticket prices for East/West Lower will be €35.  This will be welcome news for Irish fans especially ones facing into an expensive summer in Poland and the Ukraine.

A second home fixture prior to the tournament was also confirmed on Wednesday, with Ireland facing Bosnia, who are currently ranked 19^th in the world. The match will take place on May 26 in Aviva Stadium.

Season Ticket holders will also be rewarded for their loyalty ahead of the match against the Czech Republic on February 29, being offered the possibility to  purchase three additional general admission tickets for the price of two.

The FAI also confirmed that it is in final stages of agreeing to a pre training camp which is likely to be announced next week as Montecatini in Tuscany, Italy, from June 27 until June 3, followed by a match against Hungary in Budapest on June 4 before travelling to the EURO 2012 Polish base camp in Gdynia, Poland on June 5.

The discounted tickets go on general sale this Thursday from 9am for the Czech Republic match, and are available from www.ticketmaster.ie.

 For those travelling to Euro 2012, the National Consumer Association of Ireland have a Survival Kit to assist people budget for the trip.