Ireland’s meeting with England in Cagliari had the feel of a derby, with familiar faces on both sides. Sheedy knew several opponents from his time at Everton, including Gary Lineker, Gary Stevens and Trevor Steven.
England struck first, but Sheedy changed the mood by intercepting a pass and finishing past Peter Shilton. It was more than an equaliser: it announced that Ireland belonged on the biggest stage.
The squad had already beaten England at Euro 1988, and Sheedy’s recollection presents a group that arrived in Italy without an inferiority complex. Draws with Egypt and the Netherlands followed, leaving Ireland needing the drawing of lots to secure second place in the group.
The last-16 tie against Romania finished goalless, leaving Ireland’s progress in the balance. Sheedy, Everton’s regular penalty taker at the time, immediately put himself forward to take the first kick.
He chose power and aimed high down the middle, setting the tone for a perfect Irish sequence. Ray Houghton, Andy Townsend, Tony Cascarino and David O’Leary followed, while Pat Bonner’s save from Daniel Timofte gave Ireland the decisive advantage.
Sheedy also offered O’Leary advice before the defender stepped up to score the winner. It was a small act of leadership within one of the most famous moments in Irish football history.
Ireland’s quarter-final against hosts Italy ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat in Rome. Sheedy’s recollection is of a side that made Italy work hard before Toto Schillaci found one of the few clear openings.
The tournament also brought a Vatican meeting with Pope John Paul II, adding another unforgettable chapter to a campaign that still defines Irish football.
The next storyline is whether any future Republic of Ireland side can recreate that same blend of resilience, togetherness and fearless decision-making.