Givan congratulates Northern Ireland on fantastic result

Sports Minister Paul Givan has congratulated the Northern Ireland football team on their 2-0 win against Ukraine this evening in the European Championships in Lyon.

Speaking after the game, where the Minister was cheering on the team, he said:  “What a fantastic result for the team who had to play in some terrible weather conditions against a very strong Ukrainian team.  The win which resulted from Gareth McAuley’s towering header and Niall McGinn’s stoppage time goal, will now give the team a real boost as they now look towards the final group game against Germany on Tuesday. I wish Michael O’Neill and the rest of the team all the best.”

The Minister said that the support given to the team has been first class.  He said: “Whether at home or here in France, the world famous Green and White Army have been an unbelievable support to the team.  The fans in the ground acted as a 12th man for the team and really created a great atmosphere.  In particular , during the 24th minute when they marked the untimely death of Darren Rodgers with a rousing minute’s applause.”

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