Michael D Higgins: ‘What a wonderful night’

Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to matchwinner Shane Long and the crowd that rocked the foundations of the Aviva Stadium after his stunning goal which led Ireland to a famous 1-0 win over Germany on Thursday night.

A 65th minute substitute, Long cemented his place in Irish sporting folklore as he latched onto a long ball from goalkeeper Darren Randolph and fizzed an unstoppable shot past Manuel Neuer and into top left corner.

And speaking to Ray D’Arcy on RTE radio the president has called the Southampton striker “a great hero” after he secured Ireland a third place play-off spot as they edge closer towards qualification for Euro 2016.

Mr Higgins shook the hands of both sides before the game but said he noticed Martin O’Neill’s men seemed calm despite the size of the task awaiting them against the world champions: “Last night the team was quite relaxed.

“You got the impression of a team that had prepared for a great, great challenge.”

But while Ireland kept their cool on the pitch it was a different case off it, with Long’s goal being met by a primal, guttural roar which rocked Lansdowne Road.

Mr Higgins saluted the supporters who helped get Ireland over the line against Joachim Low’s Weltmeisters, he said: “What a wonderful night. There was a great atmosphere, I have to say it was something else.

“I saw people embracing each other with such enthuasiasm at the back of the stands , it was wonderful.

“The fact is the fans came into it in a big way, I’ve never heard them better. They all rose to the fact there was something within our grip. Some of the team interviews mentuoned that after as well. So it’s a very good way to be going to Poland.”

Ireland head to Poland on Sunday knowing a 2-2 draw or better would see them move into second position in Group D and therefore secure a place in France next summer.

And the game follows the Ireland rugby team’s potentially era-defining clash against France at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt also saluted O’Neill’s heroes as he looked ahead to what is quickly being dubbed ’Super Sunday’, he said: “It was a super effort. Shane Long’s touch and finish were exceptional and you have to take your hat off to that kind of skill.

“It was fantastic to see that kind of enthusiasm around that and they are up again on Sunday evening, after us. It will be great to have a genuine super Sunday for Irish sport.

“I think Martin O’Neill will be delighted with last night’s result but he will already have turned the page and will be trying to decipher how best to do the same thing to Poland. I think it will be great Sunday for sport, particularly for Irish fans.

“I guess those ones in the Millennium Stadium as the football fans did last night and then after our game, they will vacate the stadium pretty quickly and get somewhere where they can watch the game. And I am sure they will make some more noise.”

One team who have already qualified for the championships are Northern Ireland, who will play at their first major tournament since 1986.

Mr Higgins said: “I want to congratulate the team of the other O’Neill (Michael) in Northern Ireland, they’ve qualified now which is brilliant.”