‘The nation holds its breath’

One of the really interesting aspects of browsing the Irish Newspaper Archive is to examine the headlines and full page spreads on significant and historic dates in Irish history. When a particular event dominates most of the page it is even more interesting. Take for example this day 35 years ago when news of the Republic of Ireland’s victory over Romania in the World Cup (Italia 90) dominated the headlines. It was an iconic moment and as the images here show – it was an historic occasion.

As Jerome Reilly reported from Genoa for the Irish Independent:

PACKIE BONNER yesterday left Maradona in the shade . . . his two "hands of God" dramatically intervened to give Ireland an historic World Cup victory in one of soccer's all-time great cliffhangers.

The Donegal man's God-given goalkeeping hands miraculously pushed away a Romanian penalty and lifted Ireland into a quarter-final place against host country Italy.

Maradona could never hope for that sort of inspiration which fired the Irish keeper on an afternoon of high passion in Genoa.

His brilliant, instinctive double-handed save — and Dave O'Leary's subsequent "winning" penalty — brought a nation to its feet as Jack Charlton's Hoys in Green pushed back another football barrier.

And, as Packie held those two massive guardians of the Irish net aloft in salute to delirious Irish fans, they were heard to shout . . . "There's only one Packie Bonner".

Bonner’s electric performance had the whole city talking here last night. His penalty save not only ensured that the Green Army will march on Rome, it also enhanced his reputation as one of the world's great goalkeepers.

And his performance typified the team's refusal to bow to the world's elite — their heroic efforts also earning them an extra £7,000 each for making it to the quarter-finals. The unprecedented success could mean a £4m. jackpot for the FAI.

The nail-biting win also poses a dilemma for fans, many of whom are now virtually broke after following the side through thick and thin and who now need an extra injection of funds from home to stay on.

But last night, as one great party engulfed Genoa and all of Ireland, they and their heroes celebrated a magnificent occasion.

The jubilation was unleashed as soon Dave O'Leary coolly slotted away his vital penalty. At home, there were unbridled scenes of celebration as Irish soccer enjoyed its finest hour.

For more information search the pages of the Irish Newspaper Archive