Shane Ross: President Connolly misses an open goal at the Aviva as Ireland stun Ronaldo and Portugal

Our new first citizen had the chance to ride on a wave of sporting euphoria of a type not seen since the Jack Charlton days

Fans celebrate after the final whistle at the Aviva last week. Photo: Sportsfile

President Catherine Connolly made her first big mistake last week. She will be forgiven, but her oversight beggars belief.

Those of us who were lucky enough to see Ireland beat Portugal 2-0 at the Aviva on Thursday — to witness the bittersweet red card for Ronaldo and to feel the pulse of the nation beating in the stadium — will never forget this piece of sporting history.