At one with their supporters.
Euro 2012 was an awful way to exit a tournament. When Ireland played in Poland four years ago, the effort was there but our side were totally outclassed by Croatia, Spain and Italy. Irish supporters were dejected, despondent and depressed. Today’s 2-1 defeat to France hurts, it really hurts, but on reflection, our Euro 2016 campaign couldn’t be any different from four years ago.
The Belgium match aside, Ireland were energetic, imaginative and brave in possession throughout the campaign in France and as always, our fans did us proud.
We’ve all seen the various clips of Irish fans having fun and enjoying themselves but it’s nice to see that at the team’s lowest moment, our supporters – every single one of them – have stayed behind in the Stade de Lyon to give the boys in green a deserved round of applause.
We’ve a tough group to navigate on the road to World Cup 2018 with Wales, Austria and Serbia to be faced, but on the evidence of this tournament and the support, we’re more than ready for the challenge.
C.O.Y.B.I.G!
Beautiful moment as Irish players and staff observe the fans belting out Fields of Athenry to them.#COYBIG pic.twitter.com/LIm86noQJm
— Conán Doherty (@ConanDoherty) June 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/Sportdec/status/747084933923995648
At one with their people pic.twitter.com/ikAZ03KjN1
— Vincent Hogan (@Vincent_Hogan) June 26, 2016
Irish players just standing and looking at the fans serenading them. Quite a scene. They don't want to leave. pic.twitter.com/w2go6NAL0s
— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) June 26, 2016
