The end of an era

December 1995 and Ireland under the leadership of Jack Charlton had one final chance to qualify for Euro 96 in England.  The venue was Anfield in Liverpool, the opposition was The Netherlands who were a team made up mostly of Ajaxs' all conquering European Champions from that year.

Jack Charlton waves goodbye

There was however to be no fairytale ending for Jack Charlton as Irelands coach as the Dutch beat us with ease on the night with two goals from Patrick Kluivert.  With a rendition of The Fields of Athenry coming from the Irish supporters on The Kop just before full time the crowd hung around to say a final farewell to Jack, you kind of knew the jig was up.  Charlton came out with his assistant Maurice Setters and they both waved farewell to the crowd and so ended 'The Charlton Years' of Irish football, not quite the way we would have liked it!!