THURSDAY was the eight anniversary of the last great moment in Irish football history – save for Robbie Brady’s goal vs Italy a week later.
The moment Wes Hoolahan put Ireland a goal up at Euro 2016 is often harked back to by supporters as there’s been little to celebrate ever since.
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On the eve of the 2024 edition kicking off between hosts Germany and Scotland, Glenn Whelan marked the date in amusing fashion.
Sharing a photo from a flare-up during the 1-1 draw, he tweeted a cheeky dig at the opposition’s most famous son.
He said: “This day 8 years ago the Irish Messi put us one up against the Swedes and big Zlatan s**t himself.”
Unfortunately there’s been precious little to delight in since that tournament under Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane.
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Jeff Hendrick and Brady were among the breakout stars that looked set to be leading lights for years to come.
But neither’s career has panned out as well as fans had hoped following their promising displays in France.
FOMO is likely to be the main emotion felt by Irish eyes watching on from their couches this summer.
That an estimated 200,000 Scots have taken over Germany and are having the time of their lives doesn’t help either as our Celtic cousins were for so long inferior to The Boys in Green.
The Tartan Army will still likely be who the bulk of neutral Irish observers get behind for the next month though.
Joyous Jocks reportedly drank Glasgow Airport dry of Tennents beer by 9am on Thursday.
Another report claimed that Aberdeen Airport had to change kegs at 5am.
It is not just in Scotland that the nation’s fans have been making themselves known.
Many flying from Manchester Airport have also been enjoying themselves.
The pub at the airport ran out of both Mahou and San Miguel at 10.33am.
One fan reacted on X by posting: “Never been so proud.”
A second commented: “Unbelievable. Some achievement that.”
Scotland face Germany on Friday evening at the Allianz Arena in the Euro 2024 curtain raiser.
Steve Clarke‘s team then face Switzerland and Hungary in the final two group games.