On a clear night in Dublin, only the noise was white. But a raucously celebrated 2-0 victory over Bosnia (3-1 on aggregate) means that, after beginning the journey in a Zenica fog, Martin O'Neill's Republic of Ireland can now enjoy maximum visibility all the way to next year's European Championships.

Among other things, the result made history by ensuring that both teams from the island of Ireland will play at a major tournament for the first time. As Oscar Wilde didn't say, one might be considered fortunate. Two, at a finals the Netherlands didn't qualify for, seems like carelessness on the part of the organisers.

Events in Paris did cast a shadow on the celebrations, if only briefly.

In fact, the evening started on a sour note when a handful of visiting fans interrupted the minute’s silence for the victims of Friday night’s atrocities.

Debacle

There’s always one drunk who didn’t get the memo, but after half a dozen Bosnian fans took turns to heckle, many of the home fans suspended their silence to boo the offenders. The debacle was mercifully ended by a round of applause.

Thereafter, the acrimony off the pitch seemed to spread to the Bosnians on it, although that may have had more to do with the way the home team carved them open repeatedly during an excellent start to the game.

By the middle of the first half, the visitors were losing tempers and collecting cards. It was no great surprise when they conceded a 24th minute penalty, albeit a harsh one, after Daryl Murphy’s cross hit Zukanovic’s arm. Walters kept the spot-kick low. The celebrations hit the roof.

The second half saw a dangerous lull in both noise and team performance.

And Irish fingernails might have been in for a torrid last 20 minutes had not the same Walters turned up at the back post of a free he had himself won and made it 2-0.

Among the chants that followed was that old favourite “You’ll never beat the Irish”.

For the first time in football history next year, Europe will have two chances to try.