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Sean Maguire's last-gasp winner triumphs | Greatest Aviva Moments

Sean Maguire set up a much-anticipated semi-final against Jonny Walters' goal against Bosnia, in ...



Soccer

Sean Maguire's last-gasp winner triumphs | Greatest Aviva Moments

Sean Maguire set up a much-anticipated semi-final against Jonny Walters' goal against Bosnia, in our 'Greatest Aviva Moments' contest.

The last-gasp goal against Dundalk in the 2016 FAI Cup final was a redemptive moment for Maguire, as he was left out of the matchday squad for Dundalk the previous year.

Squirming a goal past the Dundalk's Gary Rogers in the dying embers of the match, the moment just eked out Shane Duffy's towering header for the Republic against Denmark.

That match against Denmark finished 1-0, Ireland progressed to World Cup 2018 in Russia and lost on penalties to France.

Oh no, wait - we shipped five.

NEVERTHELESS - Maguire's was a peach of a moment and it found favour in the Off The Ball studio.

"When you are talking about the last minute in extra time, of a great rivalry, to win it - you have to be in there," said Nathan Murphy.

"Proper order," said Richie McCormack.

There was some joy associated with Duffy's header - a fleeting moment of joy before Christian Eriksen brought down the Scandinavian doom hammer.

"Shane Duffy's was one of the most glorious half-hours I have had as an Ireland fan, even different from Shane Long's," continued Nathan.

"There was a fear with Long's that Germany could come back at any time and beat us.

"At that moment, the Danes looked decidedly average. But, alas, it wasn't to be."

Nathan clanged a namedrop into the mix, as he is wont to do.

"I was sitting beside one Stephen Kenny for the entire match, because we were doing something slightly different.

"I'm pretty sure he turned to me at one point on the hour mark when we were about 4 or 5-1 down and he said: 'Nathan, this is the past. I am the future.'

Stephen Kenny has contacted Off The Ball to deny any such exchange happened, aside from in Murphy's fevered dreams.

Aviva Ireland has been a proud sponsor of the Aviva Stadium for 10 years. Since 2010, over 7.2 million fans from around the world have attended matches at the Aviva Stadium. We’re encouraging fans to tell us your favourite moments from the iconic venue by following Aviva Ireland on Instagram and Twitter and sharing them using #SafeToDream


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Aviva Cork City Sean Maguire Shane Duffy