I’ve been lucky enough to wear an Ireland shirt for lots of big moments but being captain, walking out for the first game of the tournament against Italy in such an atmosphere… there were so many Ireland fans at Giants Stadium that day. 

We got to the ground three and a half hours before kick-off for World Cup matches, plenty of time. So we get changed and we’re in the tunnel wearing white shirt, green shorts, white socks. 

I was standing next to Franco Baresi, who’s got on a white shirt, blue shorts and white socks. He looks at me like, ‘No, no, no you’ve got the wrong kit on!’ — and we’re just about to walk out. 

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Ireland claimed a famous win against Italy in the opening game which helped them progress