Proud Brady bunch kick off party with a conga

Robbie Brady’s mother Maria celebrates with family members in Raheny. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Martin Grant

The family of Ireland hero Robbie Brady have kick-started the country's Euro celebrations as the dream continues.

Brady, from Baldoyle, Dublin, netted the 85th-minute goal against Italy which booked Ireland's place in the last 16 of the tournament.

The family of the 24-year-old soccer ace didn't hold back on celebrating the historic win and hosted a hooley at his grandparents' house in Raheny yesterday.

As Put 'Em Under Pressure roared from the stereo, the Brady bunch danced the conga around the estate in joyous celebrations - recreating memories of Italia '90 all over again.

His bubbly mother Maria led the celebrations alongside his grandparents Ann and Ken, six siblings, and dozens of cousins and relatives as the victory began to sink in. "I'm overwhelmed, excited, proud and I've every emotion under the sun," Maria said.

"I'm just so proud of Robbie. The whole country is after getting a lift and he is living his dream.

Robbie Brady, back right, pictured with his family

"It's been a long time coming. I knew he had it in him, but I just never knew when it was going to happen."

His proud mother admitted it was hard when Robbie, pictured below, left Dublin to join Manchester United at the age of 15 - but all the hard work has paid off.

"He left when he was a nipper, it was difficult for us but he had a passion for the game. We are all from a big family and all so proud."

Robbie's sister Nikki said she was "elated".

Robbie Brady celebrates after the Italian game

"I don't think we realised for a second that it was Robbie who scored. Once we realised we just cried tears of joy, we just couldn't stop. The whole street came out and went wild."

Little sister Amber said that she was "so proud" of her superstar brother who will now go down in history.

"I'm just so happy for him and I love Robbie so much," said Amber.

Little Ben Brady (4) told the Irish Independent he wanted to "play for Ireland like my uncle", whilst nephew Josh Dillon (15) described Robbie as his idol.

Grandparents Ann and Ken Dillon were beaming with pride. "It's great excitement. He's a good kid, we are leaving a legacy," Ann said.

"It was very emotional when he scored, it takes a lot for his grandfather to cry, but he also shed a tear."

Ken, who is wheelchair-bound, said that he "jumped for joy" out of his chair when the goal came.

"It was awful powerful."