Sports Minister Carál Ní
Chuilín has congratulated the Northern Ireland football team on qualifying for the
European Championship.
The side secured a 3-1
victory over Greece at Windsor Park to qualify for its first major tournament
for 30 years and first ever European Championship.
The Minister said: “I wholeheartedly congratulate the football
team on securing its place at UEFA Euro 2016 in France. For the fifth-seeded
team in the draw to qualify automatically is a phenomenal achievement and is
testament to the manager Michael O’Neill and the whole squad.
“Michael
has, through a combination of sound man management and tactical acumen,
instilled a consistency in the side that has been lacking in recent years. The
team has had to dig deep during the campaign, no more so than when scoring a
vital, last-gasp equaliser against Hungary last month.
“Supporters
can now look forward with relish to the tournament in France next year and the
draw for the group stages in December.”
The Minister also hailed the
performance of the Republic of Ireland team who won 1-0 against Germany at the
Aviva Stadium, to remain in the running
for a place at the tournament.
Ms Ní Chuilín said: “The Ireland team can be incredibly proud
of their efforts against world champions Germany. The players took on the
advice of manager Martin O’Neill and truly put everything into their
performance. To win against what is without doubt the best international side
in the world is a great achievement.
“They
are now guaranteed at least a play-off spot and victory or a high-scoring draw
against Poland in their final group game on Sunday evening will guarantee
automatic qualification for the Euro 2016 finals.”
The Minister added: “No matter what happens now, this has been
a memorable and commendable qualifying campaign for both international sides.
Supporters have enjoyed, or perhaps endured, the full range of emotions that
sport can evoke. The two teams have been an inspiration and can look to the
future with optimism.”
Notes
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