FOR many it had been a wait that deep down even they had not dared hope would ever end.

However in 2016 the hoodoo ended and Wales ventured to France for the European Championships, their first tournament since 1958.

County Times: Wales fans in Welshpool's Angel Inn during the England match in 2016.Picture by Phil BlaggWales fans in Welshpool's Angel Inn during the England match in 2016.Picture by Phil Blagg

County Times: Jonny Rogers from mid Wales wrote a book about Wales' Euro 2016 adventure.Jonny Rogers from mid Wales wrote a book about Wales' Euro 2016 adventure.

County Times: Machynlleth Carnival 2016. Pictured are the Wales Football team in the European Championships.Machynlleth Carnival 2016. Pictured are the Wales Football team in the European Championships.

County Times: County Times reporter Matt Jones and his companions in France in 2016.County Times reporter Matt Jones and his companions in France in 2016.

Of course Wales were expected to be on the first plane home but Chris Coleman's squad produced a performance which went down in the history books as the Dragons upset the odds to progress as far as the semi-finals.

It has been described as the summer of many a Welsh person's life while also producing moments which have long been the ingredients of Welsh dreams.

The togetherness, the fans, the anthem being sung so loud and so proudly that even the natives had remarked on its hymn-like qualities.

County Times: Wales fans in Lille in 2016.Wales fans in Lille in 2016.

County Times: Wales fans in Welshpool's Angel Inn during the England match in 2016.Picture by Phil BlaggWales fans in Welshpool's Angel Inn during the England match in 2016.Picture by Phil Blagg

 

Of course it will be remembered for the famous Hal Robson-Kanu turn and goal which silenced Belgium in the quarter-final.

However the tournament also produced so many magical moments as Wales finally took their place on the world football stage.

Share your memories and pictures from 2016 with the County Times.

County Times: Wales fans in Welshpool's Angel Inn during the England match in 2016. Picture by Phil BlaggWales fans in Welshpool's Angel Inn during the England match in 2016. Picture by Phil Blagg

County Times: Wales fans in Welshpool's Angel Inn during the England match in 2016.Picture by Phil BlaggWales fans in Welshpool's Angel Inn during the England match in 2016.Picture by Phil Blagg