A night of heartbreak and pain in Prague

‘Heartbroken’ - one of the most common words used in this country over the last four days.

A day after my journey home from Prague, which included an eternity-like layover in London before heading home through Knock Airport, I am trying to process how Ireland lost a game of football.

Tonight, the Boys in Green should be gearing up to play a play-off final for a place at the World Cup, but instead, Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side will host North Macedonia in one of the most bleak international friendlies ever to be played.

I could write endless lines on how things didn’t go Ireland’s way when they let a two-goal advantage slip, or what went wrong during the penalty shootout defeat to Czechia, but it’s the week itself that deserves the attention.

Last Tuesday morning, I landed in the Czech capital with thousands of fans following through routes across central Europe and beyond. The Irish had truly taken over the city of Prague.

The build-up to a play-off semi-final was like no other. In my 20 years of supporting the Boys in Green, it was definitely the most talked-about game amongst the Irish public and the national media.

Fan interviews galore, the scramble for both away and home end tickets, and a three-day sing-song that echoed through the streets of the city’s Old Town. These are the moments you live for as a supporter.

But now, unfortunately, it has vanished, like a popped balloon. The 24-year wait goes on - Ireland will not be going to yet another World Cup. That is very difficult to comprehend as someone who has yet to see the Boys in Green play on the world stage.

To go from the euphoria of Budapest to the devastation of Prague is the toughest of pills to swallow.

Alas, being present in away sections of stadiums will always provide vivid memories. As the final Czech spot kick was scored, a feeling of agony filled my body. A nightmare had unfolded; it’s difficult to describe the emotion, but it was the most extreme opposite of what Budapest brought.

As the home end of the stadium erupted, I was only able to look around the Irish crowd. Tears of heartbreak flowed down many a face; the four-month-long build-up had come crashing down.

The most passionate fans, who have followed the Boys in Green through thick and thin, stood there in disbelief. In truth, it was a morgue-like scenario - total grief had set in.

Yet, when the Irish squad came over to applaud the away end after such a painful defeat, that feeling of despair was overcome with pride in being from a great little country.

‘The Fields of Athenry’ boomed through the darkness and gave us a glimmer of light. There will always be good and bad times, but, as Irish fans, we’ll always be there.

After the game, Troy Parrott said: “It is tough times like these where I am so happy where I come from. So many hearts have been broken tonight, and now is the time to stick together.” 

A new wave of support has come on board after Parrott’s exploits last November. Last week once again demonstrated how much this sport means to people.

“We will be back,” Parrott added, as the focus now turns to qualifying and playing in front of a home crowd at Euro 2028.

For me, I go again, starting with the North Macedonia fixture tonight. No matter what, I will always continue to follow our nation. Come on, you Boys in Green.