It's difficult to believe it's a month since Ireland reached the Last 16 of the Euros on that famous night in Lille.
Robbie Brady's goal did for Italy what Houghton's had the same opposition 22 years prior, and the nation once more lost its collective shit as Ireland came from the brink to earn a shot at host nation France the following Sunday. An unforgettable moment, and for the younger legions of Irish football fans, a mini-Italia '90 of sorts. We might have gotten a little bit carried away with our player ratings.
It seems rude not to reflect on such a wonderful night a month later, and what better way to start with the international takes on Robbie Brady's goal, with ESPN in Mexico seemingly celebrating as wildly as Irish fans as soon as Wes Hoolahan's cross reached the area.
El centro del Hoolaa-GOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLL!!!
And if Brady wasn't already a hero for his goal, his emotional post-match interview with RTÉ's Tony O'Donoghue - fresh off a wonderful celebration with his family and girlfriend in the stands - cemented his place in the hearts of Irish fans forever more.
Robbie Brady said he dreamed of a moment like THAT goal. @corktod https://t.co/GpvveXksc6
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 22, 2016
Shortly afterwards, it was James McClean's turn to endear himself to the nation with a near-poetic interview in the tunnel.
We just thought, "Look, we'll leave it to the last few minutes, and then we'll score as we always do and build up the atmosphere,"
said the West Brom winger. Pure cheek. Great stuff.
James McClean: We did it for "this country, for those fans, for ourselves and our families." https://t.co/y1OKItPBiEhttps://t.co/8burLO1Fgm
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 22, 2016
Following the game, Apres Match ripped the piss out of TV3 - who gallantly presented the comparatively dour and subsequently irrelevant Belgium vs Sweden game from Ireland's group.
And now...we get reaction...from TV3...courtesy of Aprés Match! #IRL #ITA https://t.co/XzhIVEEKeR
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 22, 2016
The final word must go to Newstalk's Off The Ball, however, whose mini-montage of the day's event brought a tear to the eyes of many. Godammit, 'Home Again' by Delorentos. Every time.
An unforgettable night for Irish football.
