Budapest bliss for Doon native amongst Irish celebrations
As celebratory scenes enveloped the Republic of Ireland supporters in the Ferenc Puskas Stadium in Budapest on Sunday, one such fan, Doon native Darren Hickey, was overcome by a sense of emotion and pride.
Troy Parrott's third goal in the closing seconds of injury time secured the nation's place at the World Cup qualification play-off stage, his neat finish setting off scenes of delirium amongst the travelling 'green army'.
"These are the moments that will live with you forever," Darren told the Offaly Independent on his return home from the Hungarian capital.
Darren (44) has been following the Republic of Ireland men's team at both home and away fixtures since 2020, missing just two international games during that period.
A member of the Republic of Ireland Western Branch supporters group, Darren has witnessed some low moments for the international team during his travels, but Sunday was most certainly "one of the best days" following the team.
"With about 15 minutes to go in the game I sensed that it was not to be, but when Parrott equalised I got a feeling that we might just get one more chance," Darren said.
Such was the pandemonium that erupted amongst the away support, two friends who were standing in front of Darren for the game's entirety "ended up behind me after the celebrations".
Darren said the jubilant scenes were reminiscent of the Jack Charlton era when the Republic of Ireland regularly competed at major international football tournaments.
"Having been in Lisbon for the Portugal game I sensed the team were together, they had a belief about them that night. I travelled to the Aviva Stadium more in hope for the return fixture against Portugal but once we scored the first goal the atmosphere went up a level and that carried through to Budapest on Sunday," Darren added.
Departing Yerevan in Armenia following the 3-1 loss, Darren said the supporters were "angry", so to witness the turnaround in form has been "incredible".
"When we are the underdogs, we always seem to perform, it's just in our nature as a nation," Darren said.
Post match, the supporters travelled en masse back to Budapest city centre where a "class atmosphere" filled the streets. "All the supporters, even, those who didn't know each other, were fist pumping and singing. As I said, these are the days that will live forever," Darren said.
With two potential play-off games to come in March, Darren is hopeful the team's momentum will be sustained and the Republic of Ireland can secure a place at the World Cup finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
"I just might have to pay a visit to my local credit union if we qualify," he added.