It felt like the Republic of Ireland were only just coming to terms with the reality that not every Euro 2016 fairy tale can come true for every nation that craves its moment of joy when Robbie Brady interrupted with a winning goal that no-one who was there will ever forget.

Brady’s header, five minutes from time, sends Ireland into the second round to face the hosts France, and it gives Martin O’Neill’s generation of players a night to compare with those years when the Irish did this kind of thing on a regular basis. Ireland beat a great Italy team in the World Cup finals of 1994 and 22 years later they beat one of much inferior vintage, but you suspect this win will mean no less for a new generation and a new era.

They will play France in the second round in Lyon on Sunday, a remarkable achievement, and it means the Irish advance with all three of the home nations rather than being the only ones on their way back across the Channel. They were denied a penalty for James McClean in the first half but it was the miss from the substitute Wes Hoolahan just minutes before Brady’s winner that felt like the moment the Irish were out of the European championships.

And make sure you check back soon for live coverage of all of the Round of 16 matches. In the meantime, see you for brunch round Ronan's!