The Great Siege of Gibraltar lasted three years, seven months and 12 days. Last night's version at the Aviva Stadium felt almost as long.
It took a deeply frustrating 51 minutes and 54 seconds for Ireland to break the rock - and Mikey Johnston's first international goal was hardly a thing of beauty.
But, by God, how it was welcomed. Only once before had Gibraltar made it to half-time in a European qualifier without conceding - that was back in 2019. And, yes, it happened against Ireland.
