Twitter Reacts as the Republic of Ireland Win Play-off to Qualify for Euro 2016

Dublin erupted in celebration on Monday night as the Republic of Ireland's 2-0 play-off win over Bosnia and Herzegovina secured their place at Euro 2016.

The home side started the day looking to join England, Wales and Northern Ireland at next summer's championships, and they looked ready for a fight from the word "go" as Robbie Keane clashed with an opposition coach during the warm-up:

"

VIDEO: Robbie Keane exchanged words with a Bosnian player after their kick-out practice started to get in his way https://t.co/gsU0u2iQaz

— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 16, 2015"

The animosity seemed to spread to the away support, who chanted loudly through the minute's silence intended to recognise the weekend's attacks in Paris:

"

A minute's silence impeccably ignored by many in the Bosnia end

— Daniel Taylor (@DTguardian) November 16, 2015"

"

Sad that some Bosnia fans can't bring themselves to be quiet for a minute to observe a minute's silence for a massacre

— James Ducker (@DuckerTheTimes) November 16, 2015"

"

Vile behaviour by Bosnia fans as they wreck the minute's silence for #Paris. I hope they have nothing to cheer tonight. #IREvBOS #Dublin

— Des Kelly (@DesKellyBTS) November 16, 2015"

Back on the pitch, and Ireland got off to the perfect start, 20 minutes of pressure culminating in a penalty for handball:

"

Guinness goes flying in hundreds of pubs. Ireland have a penalty.

— AS English (@English_AS) November 16, 2015"

Replays suggested it was a harsh decision:

"

Bit harsh, that

— Ben McAleer (@BenMcAleer1) November 16, 2015"

"

Fairly ridiculous penalty.

— AS English (@English_AS) November 16, 2015"

"

As soft as they come.

— Janusz Michallik (@JanuszMichallik) November 16, 2015"

The irony escaped nobody:

"

7 years later, karma finally comes back for Ireland. Never a penalty.

— Joe Krishnan (@joekrishnan) November 16, 2015"

"

Guess that's for Henry...

— Rich Laverty (@RichJLaverty) November 16, 2015"

"

#ThatMomentWhen your country benefits from a controversial handball decision. #IREvBOS pic.twitter.com/64ScWYNcsu

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) November 16, 2015"

"

How beautifully poetic that a dodgy handball goes Ireland's way in such a vital game...

— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) November 16, 2015"

Though not everyone was amused by the quirk of fate:

"

Generic Ireland handball joke

— Barney Ronay (@barneyronay) November 16, 2015"

Up stepped Stoke City striker Jonathan Walters, who buried the penalty to put Ireland 2-1 up on aggregate:

"

Ireland 1-0 Bosnia (Walters pen) pic.twitter.com/vPMNxLDArQ

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) November 16, 2015"

Half-time arrived, and manager Martin O'Neill's side were within sight of Euro 2016:

"

45 minutes from France.

— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) November 16, 2015"

"

What all Irish fans are currently thinking. #Walters #IREvBOS pic.twitter.com/fv5Yov3J9D

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) November 16, 2015"

Bosnia and Herzegovina looked to respond after the break, but up stepped that man again to double Ireland's advantage:

"

He rarely falters. Brilliant stuff from Walters. Almost there.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 16, 2015"

"

JON WALTERS CAN I HAVE YOUR BABIES!!!!

— Paddy Power (@paddypower) November 16, 2015"

"

☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘

— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) November 16, 2015"

Ireland were within 20 minutes of becoming the fourth home nation to qualify for France:

"

Pile on! #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/YFdFfmgXsK

— UEFA EURO 2016 (@UEFAEURO) November 16, 2015"

"

Scotland fans during Euro 2016 pic.twitter.com/9In8hGOC7b

— Daily Record Sport (@Record_Sport) November 16, 2015"

And the praise continued to flow for the two-goal man:

"

Super Jon 👍🏻 @JonWalters19

— Peter Crouch (@petercrouch) November 16, 2015"

"

I love you @JonWalters19

— David Meyler (@DavidMeyler7) November 16, 2015"

The visitors rallied, but Ireland held on to spark wild celebrations:

"

Congratulations to @FAIreland! They have qualified! pic.twitter.com/mHMXGS311q

— EA SPORTS FIFA (@EASPORTSFIFA) November 16, 2015"

"

Thrilled for Republic of Ireland. Absolutely chuffed for Martin O'Neill. Great stuff!

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 16, 2015"

"

Congratulations to Republic of Ireland who've qualified for Euro 2016. There'll be a party in Dublin tonight. pic.twitter.com/dQG9E9cRLW

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 16, 2015"

"

Congratulations Ireland fantastic effort. 🇮🇪 👏👍

— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) November 16, 2015"

"

Yes! What a night & congratulations to everyone connected with @FAIreland . Roll on France 2016 ☘🇮🇪

— Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) November 16, 2015"

Bring on Euro 2016!

[Twitter]