WATCH: 25 years since the nation held its breath
Ireland is enjoying a nostalgia fest today - remembering the incredible day 25 years ago when Ireland beat Romania on penalties to earn a place in the quarter-finals of the 1990 World Cup.
For young whippernappers born too late to recall the momentous day, this is how the excitement unfolded.
This bunch of heroes made the Republic of Ireland one of the final eight teams in the world’s most prestigious football tournament.
The nation held its breath this day 25 years ago! #IREvROM #Italia90 #COYBIG @Paulmcgrath5 pic.twitter.com/OApKxuuORA
— Declan Pierce (@DecPierce) June 25, 2015
In the space of a few minutes, two men in particular wrote their names into Irish sporting history.
In a world before Facebook and Twitter, people had to take to the streets to celebrate with their fellow fans - parading their dodgy fashion choices with pride.
If through some unthinkable you had missed the game, where did you go to check the score? Aertel.
Ireland beat Romania in penalty shoot out and make it into last 8 at World Cup #OnThisDay 1990 http://t.co/cUAMXHE5gP pic.twitter.com/jQePjIXBjB
— RTÉ Archives (@RTEArchives) June 25, 2015
Fans who can remember the day are sharing the memories online - using the hashtag #Italia90.
25 years ago today, sitting in @whelansbar1 with the nerves shredded, still in my hurling gear from school training that anoon. #Italia90
— Martin O'Sullivan (@therocketncw) June 25, 2015
For those too young to remember... This is what EVERY Irish pub was like 25 years ago today! #Italia90https://t.co/eVmtj6mVzJ via @YouTube
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) June 25, 2015
Memories of those penalties on 25-06-90 forever etched in my head - the only time my Dad allowed us leave the bog early! #IREvROM #Italia90
— Derek Malone PLY (@DerekMalone) June 25, 2015
Italia 90 was such a wonderful time that 25 years later the Aviva rose as one to acknowledge the man credited with it all - Ireland's favourite Englishman Jack Charlton.
If you cannot see the embedded Facebook post click here.
Do you remember, or are you one of the bambinos raised on stories of Italia 90?
Share your stories in the comments.
