As Irish fans plan their arrangements for an invasion of France this summer, it time to take a look at how the boys in green are getting on for their clubs.
While the supporters that do make the journey will no doubt have a fantastic time regardless of what happens on the pitch, it would be really really nice if we didn't get easily brushed aside as we did at Euro 2012, so with an idea of players in and around Martin O'Neill's likely squad for the tournament, who is setting the standard at club level?
This is not a list of Ireland's best players, these are ten players who have shown either a rise or a dip in form as the gaffer will be starting to shape his final squad. If a player is not listed, just take it that they are ticking along nicely and doing what is expected, although special mention must go to Shane Long, Jon Walters, Brady and Hoolahan at Norwich, and Jeff Hendrick who have been impressing recently.
Star Pupils:
Alan Judge - Brentford
Dubbed 'The Irish Messi' by fans of Brentford, Alan Judge is forcing his way into O'Neill's plans with consistent, excellent performances, and now is the subject of a bidding war by other clubs in the Championship who want him winning matches for them instead of Brentford.
Easily Ireland's best performing player this season, as a winger with an actual end product it is vital that Judge is on the plane to France.
Glenn Whelan - Stoke City
One of the most divisive Irish players ever, even Glenn Whelan's detractors (of which there are many) must admit that he's been playing very well for Stoke since the turn of the year.
Recently the subject of a spotlight on Match Of The Day for his thankless role in the Stoke midfield, one of O'Neill's favourites is cementing his place in the starting lineup. Keep it up Glenn.
Harry Arter - Bournemouth
Bournemouth are playing above expectations in the Premier League this season, and the same can be said for Irish midfielder Harry Arter, who will run Whelan, McCarthy, and Hendrick close for a starting place in France given his recent performances.
A goal scoring man of the match against West Ham recently, Arter is proving that he belongs in the Premier League.
Shane Duffy - Blackburn Rovers
One of the standout defenders in the Championship this season, at 22 years of age former Everton defender Shane Duffy looks to have a bright future ahead of him both at club and international level.
Considering how few defenders we seem to have playing regularly, let alone playing really well, he should be on the plane to France if he keeps this form up.
James McClean - West Brom
Tony Pulis has been great for James McClean. Now a regular Premier League player having been relegated from the Championship with Wigan last year, McClean is thriving on the boos he gets up and down England and is popping up regularly with goals and assists.
It looked bad for McClean in the summer as it was not clear if he would get his game at WBA, but he's worked hard and is performing consistently.. He just needs to chill out on the dangerous tackles.
Stephen Ward - Burnley
Whisper it, but the much maligned Stephen Ward is starting for Burnley again.. And he's playing well.
He's played 90 minutes in Burnley's last five games, even grabbing a goal in a 2-1 win over Boro, and he's been solid throughout. Good news considering how light we are at left back, and that he will almost certainly go to France.
Cause For Concern:
Marc Wilson - Stoke City
He's lost his place in the Stoke side, and when he has started he has been very poor.
A shocking error that resulted in a goal against Watford has seen Mark Hughes lose confidence in the Antrim man, and he'll need to work hard to get back in the team.
Seamus Coleman - Everton
Certainly not as bad as the others in this section recently, but we're used to seeing him perform better.
This isn't a knee-jerk reaction to his shocking miss with the last kick of the game that could have rescued a draw against Swansea, rather an acknowledgement that Seamus has not been himself in a struggling Everton defence in recent times. We're not seeing him bomb forward as much as we're used to, and when he does, he's leaving gaps at the back, most evident in Stoke City's carving apart of the Toffees just before the new year.
He's arguably our best player, and he's guaranteed to start in France if fit, but we'd like to see him back to his best before then.
Ciaran Clark - Aston Villa
Not getting his game for an absolutely awful Aston Villa side, Ciaran Clark should be worried for his place on the plane.
One of the recipients of fierce abuse from the Aston Villa fans after their FA Cup draw with Wycombe, Clark has not earned the trust of Remi Garde and may not play much between now and May.
David Forde - Millwall
Poor Dave Forde. His loyalty to Millwall will cost him his place at Euro 2016, as after going down to League One with the club, he since lost his place and when he has played, it hasn't gone well.
Forde dropped an absolute howler live on Sky Sports recently, and looked totally shot of confidence. With Randolph winning the love of the fans at the tail end of the campaign, and Rob Elliot playing in the Premier League, there looks to be one more spot for a goalkeeper.. But it likely will not be Forde.
We'll be checking back in regularly until the Euro 2016 squad is confirmed to inform you how the boys in green are getting on in the run up to the tournament.
