Northern Ireland v Belarus (15/11/2024)

He then took prime position in the lounge to watch that great night unfold. Sadly, Harlso passed away just 10 days later, the Northern Ireland fans and team among many around the world paying their respects to our wee dog. RIP Harlso. These are the nights fans remember forever, an ‘I was there’ moment indelibly inked on our collective psyche. As the players did a lap of honour, taking in the cheers from the stands, I wonder what was going through their minds? I hope they took it all in and really savoured that special moment. For Isaac it was career defining, and for Josh it silenced those who thought he’d had his day. For me, I’m just glad I persevered and found that parking space. Can you imagine the FOMO if I’d gone back home and listened to the Windsor roar from the comfort of my living room? This is why fans should stick by their team, through good times and bad. Because when the good times come round, they are so, so sweet. The Kop was (re)built for nights like this. Great gulders of joy, euphoric chanting of GAWA classics and a collective bouncy to keep the structural engineers on standby. Now it’s time for a double whammy Belarus scalp. If only I knew where these results have us in the Nations League. Answers on a postcard…

I mean the Nations League still has me in a fug of confusion when it comes to our vainglorious quest for qualification. But find a space we did and onwards we trudged to Windsor. And then everything changed. What unfolded was 90 minutes of silky-smooth footwork and, for the first time in a long time, it really was Just Like Watching Brazil. Price’s hat-trick. Their missed penalty. A wondrous own goal aided and abetted by Brodie Spencer’s scintillating strike. And Josh Magennis coming on to seal the deal; never discount the old guard. Even our disallowed goal only added to the drama. 5-0h What A Night! The Bouncy returned to shake the stand in a way not witnessed since the fatal Finnish crack that sealed the previous Kop’s fate. That night in 2015 saw Kyle Lafferty fend off our Scandi foes with a brace of brilliant goals that edged us ever closer to France. Nine years and a new stadium later, the victory was even sweeter as our magnificent team silenced the roar of those hapless Bulgarian Lions. Arguably the best beast that night, though, was GAWA member and celebrity balancing dachshund Harlso. This delightful wee dog had been charming millions of fans around the globe by perching all manner of pruck on his wee bonce. He once even made an appearance on ITV’s This Morning alongside fellow Norn Iron celebrity supporter Eamonn Holmes. If you’re unfamiliar with the work of this fabulous fido, I urge you to google ‘Harlso the Balancing Hound’. Sadly, in September, Harlso was diagnosed with a terminal illness and his mum and dad, Jenny and Paul, quickly collated a bucket list for their precious pooch. Among the unmissable events was a trip to the National Stadium to watch his favourite team in action. And what a match to choose! Bedecked in his bespoke Northern Ireland shirt, Harlso was carried onto the pitch by dad Paul to the delight of a packed stadium.

HARLSO WITH OWNERS PAUL AND JENNIFER LAVERY.

IRISHFA.COM

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