The new generation of Irish fans get their ‘I was there’ moments

The chant echoed around the concession stands in the bowels of the Parc Olympique Lyonnais (also nicknamed Stade des Lumières) at half time.

“You’re hardly gonna believe us, you’re hardly gonna believe us, you’re hardly gonna believe us — we’re going to beat the French.”

The visitors may not have been used to the heat of a sunny Lyon afternoon, but for an hour yesterday it was the hosts who were sweating as the Irish gleefully enjoyed the lead that would have upset the odds if seen through to the final whistle.