Sometimes all you need is a moment, an opportunity, to change the moment from downbeat to jubilation. In the rich history of Irish football, you would find no better example than Wednesday, 5th June 2002.
For more than 70 minutes, Ireland searched for an elusive goal against Germany, which scored in the 19th minute. In the dying seconds, it was Robbie Keane who created a piece of magic and found the net, sending the entire nation (and manager Mick McCarthy) jumping up and down in joy.
It was a moment that reflected not just Ireland’s potential, but a realisation that it was a country that was at the height of its confidence, both on and off the pitch.
To understand just how pivotal this moment was, you have to consider what Ireland was like at this time.
The Ireland of 2002 was vastly different to the Italia 90 and USA 94 days. The country went through explosive economic growth, and that, alongside growing confidence in its abilities, was evident to the world.
While the events of Saipan overshadowed the campaign, a debate that continues to be scrutinised to this day, this was an Irish team with quality on par with the teams of 1990 and 1994.
The likes of Shay Given, Damien Duff, Steve Stanton, and Kevin Kilbane were among the stars Ireland could rely on, combining talent with the grit and determination of previous Ireland teams.
And they certainly needed it for their second group game. Germany was coming into this game having destroyed Saudi Arabia 8 - 0, while Ireland drew 1 - 1 with Cameroon. Germany was a solid team and would eventually reach the final before losing to Brazil.
While it was nighttime for the fans who made the journey to Ibaraki Kashima Stadium, it was morning-time for those back home, with the game starting at 11:30am. Even then, the pubs reported brisk trade despite it being a weekday morning, with fans turning out in their droves to watch the game, either in schools or by hosting parties at home.
Germany went ahead in the 19th minute through Miroslav Kose, and Ireland worked hard to equalise. Ireland pressed forward looking for an equaliser and dominated for most of the game with Damian Duff, Robbie Keane and Niall Quinn all coming close.
Yet as the game edged closer to the final whistle, it was looking unlikely that Ireland would conjure something out of nothing.
And yet the magic happened. In the 92nd minute, a long ball into the box saw Niall Quinn create a chance by heading the ball to Keane.
Even then, Keane had an innate ability to be at the right place at the right time, and chesting it down outside the box, he blasted the ball past German goalie Oliver Kahn at point-blank range.
The stadium (and country) went wild, manager Mick McCarthy jumped up and down, and Keane ran towards the corner flag to do his trademark tumble celebration.
Moments like this unite people, communities, and nations together in one shared experience. It was the culmination of talent, effort and consistency throughout, building upon the work of previous teams to reach a new high.
The credit union brings communities together, thanks to a combination of expertise and a shared understanding of its members.
Whether it was to travel to a qualifier game or to go on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to support the boys and girls in green, the credit union has stood with fans and supported them before, during, and after these magical moments.
You can find out more about how your credit union can support your plans by visiting www.creditunion.ie
Credit Unions in Ireland are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
