If they didn’t know before, a lot of people watching Ireland’s Euro 2016 opener found out about the genius of Wes Hoolahan.
In 2004, the diminutive Dubliner was part of the Shelbourne team that held Deportivo de La Coruna to a goalless draw in front of 25,000 fans in Landsdowne Road.
Flash forward 12 years to him scoring a sensational first-time goal against Sweden at Euro 2016 – at the ripe young age of 34.
Unfortunately for Wes, his stunning strike was only enough to earn the Boys In Green a draw against the Swedes, as Ciaran Clark turned the ball into his own net later in the match.
However, the beauty of a goal did not go unnoticed from the footballing community at home and abroad – with Gary Lineker, Jamie Carragher and famous long-suffering Fulham supporter Richard Osman leading the praise.
What a fabulous goal for The Republic of Ireland's Wes Hoolahan. Much more preferable to talk of Hoolahan's strikes than hooligan's strikes.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 13, 2016
Oh Yes Oh Yes Oh Yes!! Great commentary from Pearce & strike from Hoolahan. #IREvSWE
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) June 13, 2016
Beautiful stuff Ireland! What a goal! #IREvSWE
— Richard Osman (@richardosman) June 13, 2016
What a great goal! #Hoolahan #IREvSWE @UEFAEURO
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) June 13, 2016
Superb approach play from Seamus Coleman, fabulous finish from Wes Hoolahan. Right foot. #irl lead deservedly.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) June 13, 2016
Zlatan wears Wes Hoolahan pyjamas to bed.
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) June 13, 2016
What a journey it's been for former @shelsfc midfielder Wes Hoolahan! From Tolka Park to @UEFAEURO! #COYBIG #IRL pic.twitter.com/U3XwEnrhhS
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) June 13, 2016
https://twitter.com/Green_Scouser/status/742423867029901312
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