It’s not often that Martin O’Neill lets his emotions show but the Ireland boss couldn’t hold back after his side beat Bosnia to qualify for the finals of the European Championships.
As recently as June it looked unlikely that Ireland would qualify after a stale home draw against Scotland left qualification in Gordon Strachan’s hands.
While Scotland wilted under pressure the Irish found the resolve to reel off three wins on the bounce and although they lost out on automatic qualification to Poland a play-off with Bosnia seemed winnable.
O’Neill and Roy Keane have taken centre stage through the campaign with both men using the international stage to recuperate after recent disappointments at club level.
In the euphoria of qualification the normally guarded O’Neill could barely hold back his feelings as a 15 month campaign came to a successful conclusion.
“I never once dared to dream about getting to France, never once because of the group that we were involved in, so that was special,” O’Neill claimed.
“I thought the Germany night last month was just wonderful, but I think it was eclipsed tonight. The atmosphere was fantastic. These are the nights that you live for.
“That moment when the referee blows the whistle and you are in France, it is just very, very special, very special indeed.
“It’s more special because it means so much to a lot of people, naturally the players first and foremost, but to the nation as a whole, the crowd that we will bring to France – and they have graced other tournaments when we have qualified – and it is really special.
“I was speaking to Richard Keogh and they are just indescribable feelings. It’s great for some of the lads who have not made it [before] – Seamus Coleman, who is a top-class player, an absolutely top-class player – and for some of the older members, who are roughly the same age as myself.
“It certainly will be the last tournament that they are involved in, so I am just pleased for everyone.”
Turning to his assistant O’Neill added: “I have had to make some big decisions for players during the natural course of management, but the biggest decision was bringing Roy Keane in and he has been absolutely phenomenal, phenomenal.
“I couldn’t be more delighted with him. He’s an iconic figure – sometimes he polarises opinion, certainly not in the dressing room – and we are all delighted with him.”
The draw for the group stage takes place in Paris on December 12.
Bit gutted scotland are the only home nation not to make it to france but congrats to martin oneill roy keane and ireland we slipped up and they took full advantage
Two O/Neils Martin and Michael both taking fitba teams to the finals ,summit no right about that,i thnk that isna right and that one should be disqualified and that Scotia should be givin a wildcard.