Wexford’s Festy Ebosele feted by Republic of Ireland football fans

However, there was no mistaking the significance of the occasion, as a proud son of Enniscorthy stepped forward after some initial reluctance to soak in the acclaim he was receiving from overjoyed Republic of Ireland football fans.

Festy Ebosele had delivered the inch-perfect cross from the right wing just minutes earlier that was met with a thumping finish at the far post by the long-serving Robbie Brady, securing a long-overdue 2-1 win for the boys in green over Finland in this Nations League encounter.

Wexford’s latest representative on the international stage had been attacking into the corner of the Olympic Stadium occupied by visiting supporters after his introduction in place of Chiedozie Ogbene in the 79th minute.

And when he skipped past two would-be challengers before his left-footed delivery put the ball on a plate for Brady, there was good-natured mayhem as a fan base starved of even the most basic success for so long had a new hero in their midst.

And after the 2-1 win was confirmed, the players initially moved in unison towards those who had made the long journey to cheer the team on at this pleasant and historic venue.

Recognising the massive role Festy had played in the win, some of the more experienced squad members pushed him forward to get closer to fans than the rest of the side.

Initially he appeared a little sheepish, almost bashful, and didn’t seem comfortable to be given the limelight.

However, the cries of “Festy, Festy, Festy” were impossible to ignore, and he duly responded to the hordes of well-wishers with a beaming smile on his face.

It was a particularly special moment for the Wexford people among the crowd – from the die-hards who attend every game home and away, all the way down to this writer, who was enjoying the experience of supporting his country abroad for the very first time.

We were all acutely aware of the journey taken by Festy from his formative days in a Moyne Rangers jersey, and it was impossible not to be filled with pride by what he has achieved.

Ebosele was introduced at an even earlier stage off the bench in the game that followed against Greece in Athens on Sunday.

And while the visitors went down to a 2-0 defeat on this occasion, it certainly wasn’t for the want of trying on the part of Enniscorthy’s finest, who was regularly on the ball.

Currently playing at club level with Watford in England’s second tier, Festy is flying at present and he still has so much more to offer.