MUST READ: Five things you need to know about Belgium
MUST READ: Five things you need to know about Italy
MUST READ: Five things you need to know about Sweden
MUST READ: All you need to know about GROUP A, GROUP B, GROUP C, GROUP D, GROUP E, GROUP F
1) Pride at stake after Euro woe
Ireland have qualified for the European Championship for the second time in a row, but they will hope the campaign in France is more successful than their dismal exploits in 2012.
A 3-1 defeat against Croatia in their group opener was followed by a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Spain as they became the first team eliminated from the tournament.
The 2-0 loss against Italy in their final match condemned the Irish to their worst performance at a major tournament.
That misery was a far cry from their only previous Euros appearance in 1988 when Jackie Charlton's side defeated England 1-0, then earned a creditable draw with the Soviet Union before coming within seven minutes of a semi-final berth until a late 1-0 defeat to eventual champions the Netherlands sent them home.
2) Emulate the Boys of 1990
The Republic's most successful performance at a major tournament came at the World Cup in Italy 26 years ago when Jackie Charlton inspired his underdogs to reach the quarter-finals.
Once again they proved a thorn in England's side with a 1-1 draw in the opening group game.
They followed that with a goalless stalemate against Egypt and a draw against the Netherlands to reach the last 16.
Charlton's unheralded team, who were given an audience with Pope John Paul II, and their colourful fans charmed the world, with the joy ride continuing when goalkeeper Paddy Bonner made a priceless save in the shoot-out against Romania before David O'Leary's spot-kick sent them to a quarter-final showdown with Italy.
A goal from the wild-eyed striker Salvatore Schillaci ended the Irish fairytale but they returned home to a heroes' welcome.
3) Survive the group of death
Every tournament throws up a group so packed with talented teams that one or more is destined for an early exit.
It was Martin O'Neill's misfortune that the Irish have been thrown into exactly that situation in France.
Drawn with Italy, Belgium and Sweden, the Republic immediately found themselves as favourites to be knocked out, even though four of the best third-ranked sides will qualify for the last 16.
Belgium are currently second in the FIFA rankings, while Italy are always a force to be reckoned with, even if coach Antonio Conte might be distracted by his impending move to Chelsea.
And Sweden can call on the sublime talents of Paris Saint Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
4) Rediscover winning formula
It is 14 years since the Irish last won a match at a major tournament, a 3-0 win over Saudi Arabia that booked their place in the last 16 of the 2002 World Cup.
While it is possible Martin O'Neill's team could qualify from their group by drawing all three matches, ending that long wait for a tournament win would significantly improve their chances of a prolonged stay in France.
Ray Houghton's famous header against England in Stuttgart in 1988 secured the only victory the Irish have ever managed at the Euros and it came in their debut match in the finals.
5) Show the future is bright
Martin O'Neill has a tricky task at Euro 2016 as he considers whether to stick with his veterans for one last crack at the big time or go with the youngsters who will form the nucleus of his squad for the 2018 World Cup.
Robbie Keane, Ireland's record goalscorer, is 35, key defender John O'Shea is 34, goalkeeper Shay Given is 40 and 33-year-old playmaker Wes Hoolahan plans to consider his international future after the tournament.
It is almost time for a changing of the guard, with the likes of Eunan O'Kane, Shane Duffy, Cyrus Christie, Harry Arter and Christopher Forrester representing the next generation.
