When the Republic of Ireland beat Estonia in a two-legged playoff to qualify for the 2012 European Championship Finals for the first time in 24 years, there was a real sense that the team would ‘shake a few people up’ as Shay Given put it, in the tournament being held in Poland and Ukraine.
However, once the draw was made and Giovanni Trapattoni’s team were grouped with Italy, Croatia and reigning World and European Champions Spain, only the most optimistic fans felt Ireland had a chance to progess.
Over 30,000 Irish fans made their way to Poland on planes, trains and automobiles, and some even cycled, as the cities of Poznan and Gdansk welcomed the thirsty travellers with open arms. After defeat to Croatia in the opening match it soon became apparent that this tournament was all about the Irish fans, determined to enjoy themselves off the pitch, as events on the pitch were uninspiring. A thrashing by Spain in the second match confirmed an early exit, but the final 7 minutes of the game will be remembered for the defiant Irish fans rendition of the Fields of Athenry, which didn’t go down too well with Roy Keane!
The inevitable loss to Italy in the final game meant that Ireland finished the tournament with no points but UEFA did present a special award to Irish fans for their behaviour.
EURO ‘12: You’ll Never Beat The Irish? looks back at the tournament in Poland through the eyes of fans who made the journey and football experts and commentators.
“Looking back at 2012 it’s a chapter in Irish international football that’s quite possibly best left unread.” George Hamilton (Commentator)
“It was a party…like this Irish Fiesta…the conga line from Dublin to Poznan.” Zbyszek Zalinski (RTÉ Radio)
“I think something had gone awry with the players and the manager before they got out there.” Ronnie Whelan
“Ups and downs, sin saol an football fan!” Phelim Warren (Irish Fan)
Presenter/Reporter: Garry Mac Donncha
Producer/Director: Frank Hand