REPUBLIC of Ireland fans had their nerves tested yesterday as they gathered at Belfast's Titanic slipways to watch the team's European Championship opener on the big screen.
Just 24 hours after crowds saw Northern Ireland suffer a disappointing 1-0 loss, there was euphoria early in the second half as Wes Hoolahan put the Republic ahead.
But the scenes of jubilation turned to frustration as Ciaran Clark scored an agonising own goal, and the clash with Sweden ended in stalemate.
Fans of all ages, dressed head-to-toe in green, white and orange, turned out for the match against the backdrop of Titanic Belfast and cranes Samson and Goliath.
Some workers also arrived straight from clocking off to join the festivities, still dressed in their formal office wear of suits, shirts and sensible shoes.
The working day meant the crowd was significantly smaller than the 10,000-strong support that arrived on Sunday to cheer on Northern Ireland.
But despite the smaller numbers, the Republic of Ireland fans brought the same high spirits to the banks of the River Lagan.
Fans also showed their solidarity in the 24th minute with applause in tribute to 24-year-old Northern Ireland fan Darren Rodgers, from Ballymena, who died in Nice.
Some held an 'RIP Darren' banner as a mark of respect.
The tribute coincided with a minute of applause by fans in the Stade de France in Paris, who also paid tribute by singing 'Stand up for the Ulsterman'.
Chef Damian Duffy (35) and his wife Amy (32), from Castlereagh, attended along with their children, nine-year-old Finlay and two-year-old Rhys.
"We just wanted to bring the boys down to experience watching it on the big screen. We're coming back down on Thursday for the Northern Ireland match as well," Damien said.
"I'm Catholic and she's Protestant, it's a mixed marriage and we're supporting both."
Amy said the event had a great family atmosphere, adding: "It's not like most people are drinking – you can bring your kids."
Roisin White, from north Belfast, attended the match with family including her six nieces and nephews aged between 13 and four.
The youngest, four-year-olds Rory Donaldson and Nathan White and three-year-old Annie Donaldson, sat attentively on the ground holding green, white and orange scarves and flags.
"We just found stuff in the cupboard and threw them round them, and they already had their Ireland kits," Roisin said.
The 22-year-old added: "They're all excited. Wee Rory is football mad."
Mother-of-four Bernie Weldon and her friend Caroline McConville (42) held aloft plastic beakers as they cheered on the team at the Belfast fanzone.
But the 48-year-old, from the Turf Lodge in Belfast, said she was also supporting the Northern Ireland team during the tournament.
"It was a big thing for Northern Ireland to actually get into the Euros – and I'm rooting for them," she said.
