The Boys in Green are missing from Euro 2020, the continent’s football extravaganza which kicks off this evening in Rome.
But there has been lots of iconic Irish moments as the team and supporters have lit up previous tournaments in 1988, 2012 and 2016.
Reporter Trevor Quinn takes a nostalgic look back, in no particular order, at some special Euros memories on and off the pitch.
What: Ray Houghton’s magical goal as Ireland beat England in Stuttgart Euros debut
When: June 12, 1988 in Stuttgart
Who put the ball in the English net? He did, he did.
It’s only been almost 33 years, but few can forget the immortal moment Ireland legend Ray Houghton rattled the English net at Euro ‘88.
Christy Moore famously sang about it and when Joxer went to Stuttgart, he wasn’t disappointed as Jack Charlton’s men grabbed the famous victory.
What: Ronnie Whelan’s screamer against the USSR
When: June 15, 1988 in Hannover
The Dubliner scored one of the great Irish goals with his left boot - a stunning volley against the USSR as the teams drew 1-1 at Euro 88.
The Boys in Green put in a magnificent performance and were unlucky to concede a late equaliser, but there are more than a few Ireland fans who will fondly remember Whelan making fine use of his left peg.
What: Robbie Brady’s late winner against Italy sends Ireland into last 16
When: June 22, 2016 in Lille
The Boys in Green were faced with a win or bust tie against Italy in the 2016 European Championships.
But in the 85th minutes came a moment to rival the great Irish sporting moments of the past.
Wes Hoolahan crossed the ball and Robbie Brady headed into the net past Italian goalkeeper Sirigu to send Irish fans into raptures as Ireland famously won 1-0.
What: Brady scores amazing early penalty against France to give Boys in Green hope
When: June 26, 2016 in Lyon
Robbie Brady sent Ireland into dreamland by converting a second minute penalty in their last-16 clash against France -the quickest penalty scored in open play at a European Championships game EVER!
No-one gave the Boys In Green a hope in hell in their knockout game and France eventually won 2-1, but after the Dubliner netted it gave hordes of Irish fans - hope.
What: St Ledger’s goal against Croatia in Euro 2012 opener
When: June 10, 2012 in Poznan
Jubilant Irish fans travelled to Poland ready to party after a decade away from major football championships.
The opening match against the technically gifted Croats and the tournament as a whole didn’t go to plan, but Sean St Ledger’s first half goal did provide some excitement and brief hope for the Green Army.
What: Irish and Swedish fans sing together
When: June 13, 2016
Ireland and Sweden drew 1-1 at Euro 2016 in a cagey opener, but the real memorable moments took place off the Stade de France pitch in Paris.
Irish and Swedish fans united to belt out Abba’s ‘Dancing Queen’ ahead of their group E game.
Also, who could forget Irish fans amusingly singing “Go home to your sexy wives” to their Swedish counterparts to the tune of “Go West” by the Pet Shop Boys.
What: Ireland fans sing ‘Fields of Athenry’ against Spain
When: June 14, 2012
The Irish supporters’ remarkable rendition of the ‘Fields of Athenry’ left most people with goosebumps as they ralled behind the team at Euro 2012.
The supporters did the country proud and despite a 4-0 hammering against Spain in Gdansk the raucous singing during the match and tournament will live long in the memory.
