AS ONE OF Ireland’s top sports photographers, Donall Farmer has worked with Inpho for the past 16 years — covering Ireland’s senior team since 2006.
He was present at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille on 22 June 2016, when Ireland recorded that historic 1-0 victory over Italy at Euro 2016 thanks to Robbie Brady’s 84th-minute header.
The emotional scenes of a teary-eyed Brady celebrating with his girlfriend and brother at the final whistle instantly became one of the year’s stand-out images.
Donall captured those pics and spoke to us recently to relive an unforgettable evening…
I remember thinking it was great that we were going into the game with something to play for. I don’t know if we really thought Ireland would get something out of the match, but there was a feeling among the Irish media that we still had a chance. So that was a step up from Euro 2012, when we were basically out of it after the defeat to Croatia.
What I recall from the game is that it was end-to-end stuff with both teams creating chances meaning there were plenty of pictures to be had. Thankfully, it wasn’t one of those frustrating matches where nothing was happening.
It’s not as easy for photographers at major tournaments as it is when you’re at the likes of the Aviva Stadium where you get there early, put down your box and that’s your spot.
With Uefa and Fifa, you’re on a list and you compete for places around the pitch. Photographers from the nations who are playing get to choose their positions first so it’s quite good. Myself and James Crombie were there for Inpho. I was second in the queue and he was in the next batch.
I picked the far side of the stadium because that’s where the Irish fans were and I had a notion that the wives and girlfriends were there as well. So in my mind, I was thinking if someone scores they might run that way.
The roof of the stadium was closed after heavy rainfall, which added to the atmosphere and it just felt like something special was going to happen. When Robbie Brady scored, I’ve never experienced noise like that before. It was amazing.
It’s about getting pictures sent early these days and when Wes Hoolahan missed the chance late one I felt that was probably the end of it so I got a couple of him just after the shot.
But then Brady headed home before turning away from me and running back behind the goal. He kept running and I was thinking ‘he’s going to end up on top of me’. I couldn’t have been better positioned for the goal celebration.
At the final whistle, I was busy sending the pics of that when I looked up and spotted Brady making his way over to the crowd and we got those emotional shots of him with his girlfriend and his brother. He was in bits, and understandably so.
From a work point of view, that goal was the highlight of my 16 years with Inpho. It’s hard at times, as you’re a fan but you also need to remember that you’re working. So as much as I would’ve liked to jump up and celebrate, I couldn’t.
I’m covering the Ireland team ten years and that has to be the top moment. I wouldn’t say it’s the best picture I’ve taken, but as a moment it was magical with the noise and the fans.
You can get a great action shot but it could mean nothing as it’s in an insignificant game. I’ve probably taken better pictures in the League of Ireland but as this was a must-win match at a major tournament that really adds to it.
The pictures were everywhere that night and the following day, which is satisfying. You want to see your shots used as it means you’re doing a good job.
It makes it worthwhile when you see them online and in the papers or you get texts from people who have. That gives you a lift.
After the win, I was thinking we could be in France for another ten days as I believed we were going to beat the hosts. But to get into the knockout stages was brilliant.
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