Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane were appointed to lead the Republic of Ireland to the European Championship Finals and they have done exactly that. The 'Dream Team' has delivered, and from kick off in the second leg of the play off against Bosnia Herzegovina, it was never really in doubt.
Jon Walters has been a colossus in the campaign and having served a ban, the Stoke City player scored both goals in the 2-0 win on the night, ensuring the national team's passage to the finals on a 3-1 aggregate scoreline.
There were dark days in the campaign, with the draw at home to Scotland in June leaving the Boys in Green in fourth place in the Group table. O'Neill knew his players needed to thread the needle. Georgia did us a favour by sinking Scotland, and Walters scored a crucial goal in September, as Ireland edged Georgia in front of a paltry 27,000 at the Aviva Stadium.
The Germany game changed everything, like a flick of a switch. Riding their luck, Ireland gained in confidence against the World Champions and Shane Long's second half goal made history. Victory over Germany made the players and supporters believe a little more and it's all come together. Despite the Polish setback, there was a resolution and determination about this Irish team which was evident in the 180 minutes against Bosnia.
It's only the sixth time an Irish team has qualified for a major finals. It may have been easier for this crop to secure passage, with the tournament extended from 16 to 24 teams, but there is an exuberance, a fight in this team reflective of O'Neill that is distinct from the functional Giovanni Trappatoni era. Qualification is also worth millions to the FAI.
The draw for Euro 2016 takes place on December 12th, with the Republic of Ireland likely to join Northern Ireland in the fourth pot of seeds. The tournament will run from June 10th until July 10th.
After the disappointment of the Rugby World Cup, it's something to really look forward to. So search for that Pocket French Dictionary and ring the Credit Union. It's on. Allez Les Verts!
