Republic of Ireland fans, and our northern "cousins" are being praised to the hilt.
We are here to take over.
Never have such foreboding words meant occasions of such joy, abandon, brotherhood and sisterhood.
Supporters of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are doing wonders for pan-European relations, at Euro 2016, with their inclusive reveries.
Both sets of fans have traversed France to cheer their team on, be it before, during or after their matches. While Irish fans deliver
rousing renditions of Amhrán na bhFiann, our northern counterparts can be heard hollering from the first to last whistle and long thereafter.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742727398127489024
We have already noted how the French locals have been
impressed with 'les supporters Irlandais', marvelled at mass hooleys on streets and in tunnels, and tipped their hats at those carrying out good deeds in our name.
Now respected French newspaper
L'Equipe has taken up the charge. In this morning's edition, there is a fantastic two-page spread that celebrates the unifying effect fans of both teams have had on the country.
Reporter Gregory Fleurot has followed both teams, in Paris and Lille, and believes they are competing for the unofficial accolade of the best supporters Euro 2016. He writes:
"In the cities, they sang, drank, danced and departed, leaving smiles on every face."
There is one line from Flerot's article that fills us with pride, especially given the fact that France has so recently dealt with terrorist atrocities and is on a state of high level alert. Fleurot spoke to a Parisian bar owner who told him:
"Paris has been morose since the attacks. It does us good to see such happy people."
It was our pleasure.
As for the best fans at Euro 2016, the hordes following Martin O'Neill's men in Lille may have one last audition this evening. Let's hope they can keep the party going a while longer.
- L'Equipe image courtesy of Wayne O'Connor
