Fans rave as The Boys in Green on RTE follows familiar trend of superb Ross Whitaker documentaries

THE BOYS IN GREEN has gone down a huge success with fans as Ross Whitaker delivers once again.

Part 1 aired on RTE 1 on Monday night and was a hugely emotive trip down memory lane.

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It charted the beginning of the Jack Charlton era as the Republic of Ireland qualified for major international tournaments for the first time in history.

A late Gary Mackay goal for Scotland away in Bulgaria in a qualifier sent the boys in green to the European Championships in Germany in 1988.

Of all teams – England – were first up. A Ray Houghton header was the difference between the sides as Jackie’s army pulled off a remarkable victory.

A draw against the Soviet Union and a narrow defeat to Holland ended Ireland’s tournament but it made an indelible mark on the nation.

ITALIA ’90

Of course, the unforgettable trip to Italia ’90 has also lived long in the memory – with England again first up.

Draws against the English, Egypt and Holland saw Ireland advance to the memorable clash with Romania and the intense penalty shoot-out.

Ireland’s journey culminated with a 1-0 defeat against hosts Italy but Ireland’s reputation around the world had changed forever.