JAMES McClean’s dad Patrick says there’s something special in the air in Derry and Donegal when it comes to football.
McClean was just one of a strong north west contingent on the Republic of Ireland team which sent fans into delirium with their dramatic defeat of Italy on Wednesday night.
He was joined in the historic victory by fellow Derry man Shane Duffy as well as captain Seamus Coleman from Donegal, with Kilrea native Martin O’Neill overseeing the triumph as manager.
Also part of the Euro 2016 squad are reserve keeper Shay Given from Lifford and midfielder Aiden McGeady, whose parents hail from Gweedore.
A common thread running through the north west footballers is their links with GAA.
All but McGeady were promising Gaelic footballers before they turned their full attention to soccer.
Centre-half Shane Duffy played underage with Doire Colmcille GAC where he was an enthusiastic and popular figure.
Chairman Ciaran Quinn said everyone at the Lowry's Lane club is supporting his exploits in France.
"Shane played on a particularly talented under-14 team who won the North Derry B league. He was a very active club member and the lads who played with him - some of whom are now playing senior football with Colmcilles - were all very fond of him," he said.
"Of course, everyone at the club is delighted with Ireland's success in France but the fact that one of our own, one of our former members, is playing such a major role for the national team gives us all an extra sense of pride. On Sunday we'll all be cheering for Shane and Ireland."
The GAA link continues with Shay Given, who played with his home club in the border town of Lifford.
Seamus Coleman was also a promising defender with Killybegs, while manager O’Neill played minor football for Derry.
Watch fan reaction to Robbie Brady's goal:
Winger McClean retains strong links with his former club Sean Dolans of Creggan and recently sponsored an underage kit for the club.
However, his dad says despite his son’s promise as a Gaelic footballer, his heart always lay with soccer.
“James enjoyed the Gaelic but football was all he ever did or wanted from his days with Trojans (team in Derry)."
Mr McClean says he still can’t believe his son, who rings home to update mum Shauna after every game, is starring on one of the world's biggest sporting stages.
Due to family commitments he watched Wednesday’s game in a local bar, although other family members have travelled to France for the finals.
“Every so often I have to pinch myself to make sure this is real that James is playing for Ireland and it’s not a dream,” he said.
He said his son was always diligent in his approach to football whether it was for his school teams - Holy Family primary and St Peter’s secondary – or for Trojans and later Derry City.
Watch: Republic of Ireland V Italy
But he believes there is something more than that - a little bit of magic in Derry and Donegal which turns out world-beating footballers.
“Derry’s a football town, there are football teams everywhere in Derry and at all levels so everyone plays football here. They love football in Derry and Donegal’s the same," he said.
"I actually think there’s something about the outlook on life in Derry and Donegal that produces great footballers."
While he has had to watch James and the other Irish heroes from home so far, Mr McClean added that nothing would keep him from France if Ireland progress to the last eight.
“When they beat France – and notice I’m saying 'when' and not 'if' – I’ll be going out. Wild horses won’t keep me from going."
