Memories from an amazing 20 days that will never be forgotten

The Irish may have been lauded for their knack of sweeping whole cities off their feet with that rum mix of charm and alcohol, but the Euro party to which this country contributed so handsomely hasn’t missed a beat in our absence as all but a few die-hards returned home to life on Civvy Street and a watching brief, writes Brendan O'Brien.

Still, what a ride while it lasted.

A personal debriefing this week revealed something in the region of 5,300 internal miles travelled, necessitating 10 changes of hotel across six different cities and all that to watch eight games featuring 10 teams over the course of 20 days. Other figures, like the number of pounds gained after endless baguettes and one or two beers, are less calculable.