First Minister Arlene Foster
and Sports Minister Paul Givan joined the Northern Ireland football team
tonight as they received a heroes’ welcome on their return home from Euro 2016.
At the official homecoming
event at the Belsonic Fan Zone site at Titanic Quarter, thousands of fans
welcomed the team back to Belfast with resounding cheers.
First Minister Arlene Foster
said: “I want to congratulate Michael O'Neill and his players for creating
history in France by securing Northern Ireland’s first ever appearance at a
European Championship.
“I am immensely proud of
each and every member of the team. Reaching the last 16 was a major
achievement for Michael and his players. It gave people throughout Northern
Ireland amazing shared experiences, pride and memories that will stay with us
for a very long time.
“The professionalism of
Michael and his team shone through at Euro 2016. The dedication and camaraderie
within the squad and the bond between players and supporters has been truly
remarkable.
“I pay special tribute to
our Green And White Army who won friends from across Europe with their good
humour, spirit and banter.
“Our team and our fans
were a fantastic advertisement for all that is great about Northern Ireland and
I commend them all.”
Sports Minister Paul Givan
said: “This vibrant homecoming reflects the pride and delight that has been
felt across Northern Ireland as the team qualified and competed in Euro2016.
Michael O’Neill and his players have displayed great spirit and determination
during their historic time in France and have been an inspiration. Tonight’s
homecoming event is an opportunity to honour the team and celebrate their
achievements.”
Speaking about the support
for the Northern Ireland football team, Minister Givan said: “The green and
white army who travelled to France have supported the team with loyalty,
passion and enthusiasm. The friendliness and cheerfulness of our fans has been
noted around the world, making them great ambassadors for our country. This
positive support for the team has been shared by people at home. It is not only
natural football fans who have taken an interest. Right across Northern Ireland
and the world, people have been in awe of our team and fans.”
Patrick Nelson, Chief Executive of
the Irish FA said: “The support from the fans and supporters has been phenomenal
and tonight's event has been a wonderful and fitting end to an incredible
journey. On behalf of the Irish FA, the team and Michael O'Neill, I would like
to say a massive heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported us and to the
Department for Communities, who in conjunction with Belfast City Council and Belsonic,
put on a fantastic homecoming celebration."
The Department for Communities
in conjunction with the Irish FA, Belsonic and Belfast City Council hosted
the homecoming event.
Notes to editors:
- The homecoming was a ticketed event due to health and safety reasons. There was a nominal £2 admin charge per ticket, £1 of which will go the official charity of both the Irish FA and Fan Zone, which is NI Cancer Fund for Children.
- Media enquiries to Department for Communities Press Office, telephone: 028 9082 9233 or email press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
- Follow us on Twitter @CommunitiesNI
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