THE IRELAND SOCCER team will be welcomed home by government officials in Dublin Airport later today.
The team is due to arrive around 3.20pm, following yesterday’s 2-1 defeat to France in Lyon.
The Minister for Tourism, Transport and Sport, Shane Ross TD and the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD will welcome the team home in Platinum Services at Dublin Airport.
In contrast, the BBC reports that Northern Ireland’s team will have an official homecoming today at 5pm. The event will take place in the Fan Zone in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.
Councillor Rebecca Moynihan has been calling for a homecoming for the team, similar to the ones held for the Olympic teams.
She says it’s important to celebrate the team’s achievements:
The Irish team and fans have done us proud in France. We might not have progressed but they played with spirit, especially against Italy. The country has been swept up in Euromania and it is fitting that we honour the team in our capital.
Following Fine Gael TD Noel Rock’s call for the team to be given a civic reception, the Dublin City Council confirmed there will be no civic reception organised for the team.
At a press conference earlier today, coach Martin O’Neill said he’s really enjoyed working with the players and that he is proud of the team and the support.
There has been a really great camaraderie amongst the squad… The players have become better players at international level. I think we have proved that.
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