President of Ireland Michael D Higgins joined Ray D’Arcy on RTÉ Radio 1 to give his reaction to a great night for Irish football after Martin O’Neill’s men claimed a famous 1-0 victory over World Cup holders Germany.
"What a wonderful night,” he said There was a great atmosphere I have to say, it way just something else. The goal was wonderful, the goal will be replayed again and again.
"The fans and the team got together in the time when it was being tested in the second half. I was very much struck by Wes Hoolahan’s 90 minute performance, but they were all very good."
The President, a well know Galway United supporter also did his bit for the League of Ireland, encouraging German fans to go to a game tonight.
"I read in today’s paper that the German supporters are staying around for five days, so who knows they might even go to Dalymount Park or to Tallaght tonight."
President Higgins also offered his congratulations to Northern Ireland who booked their place at France 2016 with a 3-1 win over Greece. "I also want to congratulate the other team of the other O’Neill up in Northern Ireland because they’ve qualified now which is brilliant,” he said.
On the same programme, Shane Long’s mother Anne said the win had not sunk in yet.
“One of the best moments was his reaction in the interview afterwards, I was crying then, that was really special I thought what it meant to him to play for Ireland.”
Shane’s sister Elaine said they celebrated the goal with a lot of shouting and roaring and jumping around.
“Shane is just buzzin’ like everybody else it is a bit of a dream it hasn’t sunk in," she said.
