Euro 2012 is now well and truly under way and although not a soccer fan, we have to admit that we’re getting a little swept up in footy fever.

In all honesty, it’s hard to avoid the beautiful game this month as almost every entertainment venue around town turns itself over to huge TV screens and a veritable horde of football nuts.

On the bright side, it means that many restaurants and bars around the city are throwing away their usual menus in place of some tasty European alternatives – with tidbits on offer from German sausages and pretzels to Greek sala, kebabs and hearty English fare.

We’re also pleased to see that fans of every nationality – not just Europeans – are busy making plans to catch the best games as they happen live. In our office alone quite a gaggle assembled for the first England game against age-old rivals France.

That’s the wonderful thing about football – everyone enjoys watching the game side by side. There may be the occasional cry of dissent and tempers may fray, but if the game is played well by both sides then all is fair in love and football.

Even those with no interest in the sport – and I count myself in that group – should pop along to at least one game, if only to experience the energy and excitement that builds towards the championship final early next month.

And, if you really want to annoy your friends just support the opposing team and answer every exasperated outcry of theirs throughout the championship with: “It’s only a game!”

Megan Wynes