Richard Dunne v Russia

Moscow, September 2011 – Having been beaten by Russia 3-2 at Lansdowne Road in October 2010, Euro 2012 qualification hinged on a positive result away to Dick Advocaat’s side at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Step forward Richard Dunne.

Then plying his trade at Aston Villa, Dunne put in one of the most memorable defensive performance in an Irish jersey since Paul McGrath’s iconic performance against Italy at USA 94′.

Between his goal line clearance, head hopping off the ground where pitch meets running track, to the ensuing blood soaked jersey change that had its number etched-on in marker. It was a defensive display that went down in Irish footballing folklore.

Ronnie Whelan v USSR

Hannover, June 1988 – Having qualified for their first ever major tournament and beaten England in their opening game, the boys in green were on a high and next up was a talented Soviet Union side. Knowing a win could potentially send them through to the next round, Jack Charlton’s men played some uncharacteristically attractive football..

This aesthetically pleasing attacking football was encapsulated by Ronnie Whelan’s beautifully acrobatic effort, to put the Irish 1-0 up and the fans into raptures.

Sean St. Ledger v Croatia

Poznan, June 2012 – With Ireland having conceded in the third minute to a Mario Mandzukic goal, the 24 year wait for European cup football took an early set-back.

On 19 minutes the Irish rallied, Aiden McGeady’s free-kick reached St Ledger who had shaken-off his man at the back post and nodded past Stipe Pletikosa. The Miejski stadium erupted into a bouncing sea of green.

For 24 minutes a nation believed the heroics of 88′, 90′ and 94′ would be repeated, sadly expectations would fall miles short.

Ray Houghton v England

Stuttgart, June 1988 – Probably best remembered for his winner against Italy at Giants Stadium in USA 94′, Ray Houghton caused similar scenes when Ireland took on their next door neighbours in their opening game of Euro 88′.

Not content with just being underdogs, Jack Charlton and his men went about causing the competition’s biggest upset.

They did so with a customary long ball into the mixer, which caused havoc among the English defence, John Aldrige combined with Houghton, to leave Peter Shilton with his hands on his hips and Big Jack with his hands on his head in disbelief.

Irish supporters in Gdansk

Gdansk, June 2012 – While Ireland failed to win any plaudits on the pitch during Euro 2012, the Irish supporters won hearts and minds off it.

Having been battered by Spain for 87 minutes, shipping four goals in the process, it was murder on Gdansk floor. Ireland were bottom of the group and on their way home.

In response, the Irish fans took it upon themselves to show their unwavering support for their team, with a belting rendition of The Fields of Athenry.

Sadly, having the best fans doesn’t win you football tournaments.