Complete the sequence: Ray Houghton, Ronnie Whelan, Sean St Ledger….
If you said Wes Hoolahan, then give yourself a pat on the back.
Wes Goddamn Hoolahan, Ireland’s fourth ever goalscorer at the European Championships. For 23 minutes it looked like the Norwich man’s beautiful finish early in the second half would earn Ireland their first win at this tournament since Ray Houghton put the ball in the English net 28 years ago.
But it was not to be, Ciaran Clark turning a Zlatan Ibrahimovic cross into his own net as Sweden were finally provoked into action by Hoolahan’s right footed half volley from Seamus Coleman’s floated cross.
WATCH: Wes Hoolahan made Sweden look like fools with this brilliant piece of skill https://t.co/Xaqc30U3WP
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
It was more than Hoolahan’s goal that had Irish fans purring. His second half performance was a joy to watch as he finally found those little pockets of space after a first half that saw midfield reduced to a battle zone.
After the final whistle, the Dubliner explained what it meant to send 40,000 Irish fans into raptures.
“Just over the moon, delighted, buzzing. To see the Ireland fans there cheering us on, the atmosphere was amazing and to go 1-0 up in a big game,” he said.
“I had family there and it was amazing to score in front of them.”
Hoolahan being Hoolahan he heaped praise on his team-mates, singling out three men in particular.
“Massive performances from the lads, Jeff Hendrick, Robbie Brady, Shane Long. If we put in that performance in the next two games we will have a great chance of getting out of the group,” he said as Martin O’Neill looks to plan for the Group E encounters with Belgium and Italy.
The Republic of Ireland manager withdrew Hoolahan with 12 minutes to go, sparking fears the 34 year old might have picked up an injury, but Hoolahan said he would be fine for Bordeaux and the Belgians on Saturday.
“A little bit of fatigue on the calves but they’re fine now.”
Robbie Brady told SportsJOE it was a shame Irish fans did not get to enjoy more of Hoolahan in a green shirt earlier in his career, but the man himself is enjoying his moment in the limelight now.
“I’m 34 now and obviously for this opportunity to come now is brilliant.”
Listen to the whole interview below.
