While the English and Russian fans brawled with each other and the French police in the streets of Marseille, the Irish were singing “stand up for the French police,” to the police.
The Euro 2016 Championship has gained a lot of attention in the past few weeks. From upset victories and brawls in the streets, it has been a crazy tournament. The best part of the tournament however, has been the Republic of Ireland and its fans.
An estimated 70,000 Irish fans have traveled to France to support their national team, or as they call them, “the boys in green.” Those 70,000 fans have done nothing but have some good lighthearted fun during their visit.
While soccer fans are sometimes called “hooligans” and are associated with violence, the Irish fans have been the complete opposite, bringing nothing but charm, fun and good vibes to the tournament. Instead of fighting, the Irish fans have serenaded a nun on a train to the, “Our Father,” prayer and cheered for a man when he would appear on his balcony.
Hundreds of fans even serenaded a French woman to, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” and one fan was even rewarded with a kiss on the cheek from the woman. The Irish fans will even help out little babies fall asleep, singing one a lullabies on the train.
Even with other fans, the Irish have been nothing but friendly and outgoing. Ireland played Sweden in their opening match of the tournament, and there was nothing but fun and goodwill towards each other. The two fan groups proved that even rivals could be friends when they all sang ABBA’s “Dancing Queen.” The two teams tied 1-1.
The Irish fans most recent good deed comes before their game against Italy. While having a good time, someone dented to the roof of a local’s car. The Irish fans immediately jumped to action, trying to stuff money through the car window so the owner could pay for the damages. That was before they realized that they could fix it themselves.
And just like everything else they’ve done, they had a fun time doing it. While chanting, “fix the care for the boys in green,” the fans begin to bang the dent out of the top of the car. Once the dent was fixed, the beer begins to fly in the air and presumably, all over the car as the fans begin to celebrate their good deed.
The Republic of Ireland defeated the heavily favored Italy, 1-0, to move on to the knockout round later that day. Ireland outplayed and out-hustled Italy all game and were eventually awarded with a late goal from Robbie Brady in the 85th minute of the game.
The Republic of Ireland plays against France Sunday in their opening game of the knockout round, again as the underdog. The Irish just might have built up enough good karma for another upset win but for now, the Irish are staying in France, which means more songs, more good deeds and more fun.
