Stokes and O’Dea (and former Rangers IL defender) turn to twitter to share Ireland’s joy

Anthony Stokes and Darren O’Dea turned to twitter to share their joy as Ireland beat Bosnia to qualify for the European Championships in France.

Carlos Cuellar added his delight, thanking the manager that released him from Ibrox tweeting: “Congrats to @FAIreland for their qualification to @UEFAEURO and especially to Martin O’Neill, a top class manager”.

A double from Jon Walters was enough to see off the Bosnian’s to complete a testing campaign that opened up with a double from Aiden McGeady securing three crucial points away to Georgia 15 months ago.

It looks like their international careers are now in the past but that didn’t dilute the joy felt in Scotland and India as they looked on at the celebrations in Dublin.

“Amazing scenes! Well done to all the lads and back room staff at the @FAIreland! Ireland will drink the Guinness dry tonight, enjoy,” Stokes tweeted.

Over in India O’Dea stated: “Far from classy but Ireland have absolutely bullied the Bosnians in the first half! Front 4 haven’t given them a minutes peace!”

Not one for selfies after games but you can’t miss one with the president Michael D Higgins ?? have a bit of that! pic.twitter.com/R2EeobeEZZ

— Jonathan walters (@JonWalters19) November 16, 2015

Former Celt Daryl Murphy started the match while McGeady and Robbie Keane had to settle for a place on the bench despite starting the campaign at the centre of O’Neill’s plans.  

Amazing scenes! Well done to all the lads and back room staff at the @FAIreland! Ireland will drink the Guinness dry tonight, enjoy????????????????? — Anthony Stokes (@stoksey10) November 16, 2015

 

Far from classy but Ireland have absolutely bullied the Bosnians in the first half! Front 4 haven’t given them a minutes peace! #IREvBOS

— Darren O’Dea (@odea_darren) November 16, 2015

Qualification was a massive triumph for the management team of Martin O’Neill, Steve Walford and Roy Keane.   No other assistant manager/coach has had anything like the attention and publicity of Keane with his equivalent at England or Wales rarely in the spotlight.   It seemed a highly unlikely management team when they were paired together but in his moment of triumph O’Neill knew the significance of the triumph for the former Celtic and Manchester United midfielder.   “Bringing Roy Keane in is as good a decision as I’ve made in quite some time,” the Ireland boss said. “He’s been absolutely enormous for us. He’s not taking too many of the accolades, but he’s been fantastic for us, for myself, the backroom staff and the players.”   Looking at his squad he added: “I couldn’t be more proud (of the players), they’ve been absolutely fantastic right from the start (of qualifying).   “The esteem I hold these players in it couldn’t be higher. This is a special night. It is very, very special, it can’t be taken away from us.   “When I look back I’ll think this is a very, very proud moment.”  

Congrats to @FAIreland for their qualification to @UEFAEURO and especially to Martin O’Neill, a top class manager. pic.twitter.com/asnZL2q1tX — Carlos Cuellar (@Cuellar24) November 16, 2015