Northern Ireland v Netherlands

Turns out he’d lost the hat in the post-Josh goal tumult and feared he’d never see it again. That hat had amassed more Air Miles than Andy and had all the pins to show for it. After a confirmation pic of Ian in said hat, Gary, Shirley and Ian are reuniting this very evening, cap literally in hand. Isn’t it fabulous to think that somewhere out there in these packed stands one man and his cap of many badges are together again at last? As Shirley says, it’s down to “the power of Facebook and the amazing GAWA”. So whether you’re in head to toe green, shivering in a short sleeved Euro 2016 shirt or bundled up in a woolly scarf and bobble hat with more badges than a Beefeater, savour every thread, pin and pom pom. Because within each inanimate object is woven a tale of games won and games lost, friends made and hangovers nursed, songs sung and jubilation shared. And when we score tonight and you inadvertently lose that irreplaceable treasure in the ensuing maelstrom, fear not… the GAWA has got your back.

The late Colin McAlpin… and that replica IFA 125th anniversary shirt.

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