A superb battling performance from the Boys in Green against Italy on Wednesday night left fans in pandemonium as a last 16 place was secured.
With the Azzuri already ensuring their safe passage with wins over Belgium and Sweden (who incidentally made their exit from the competition), Antonio Conte made eight changes to his side.
Fearless against their superior opposition, Ireland attacked from the outset. Whilst Italy came close on a couple of occasions, Ireland eventually found a winning goal after sub Wes Hoolahan sent in a perfect ball for Robbie Brady to head home.
Even after confirming his hardman credentials pre match by commenting that he’d be more than happy for Ireland to kick their opponents off the park, Roy Keane reluctantly showed his softer side when being brought to tears as the referee blew the final whistle.
He did however manage to hold himself together, a little, by giving match winner Brady a friendly strangle.
Congratulations, Roy Keane style… pic.twitter.com/Voco4gAcvp
— Matthew Stanger (@MatthewStanger) June 22, 2016
Even Buffon seemed overjoyed at the Irish’s achievements.
Gianluigi Buffon congratulates Roy Keane on #IRL‘s progress to the last 16. Class actpic.twitter.com/qnI4PAQVu8
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) June 22, 2016
Probably worth mentioning that Keono, miffed about a foul in the penalty area on James McClean, was his hard-arsed self mid match….
Scary….
Rep of Ireland now face hosts France in the last 16, no doubt with ‘that’ infamous Thierry Henry handball very much on their minds.