EURO 2016: MEA Council urged to illuminate buildings green

With Michael O’Neill’s team now guaranteed a place in the knock-out stages of the tournament in France, Cllr Timothy Gaston has appealed to the council to show support to the Green and White Army.

The TUV representative, who was at the side’s first two group matches against Poland and Ukraine, contacted MEA’s chief executive, Anne Donaghy, asking if civic buildings could be lit up green.

In an email to Mrs Donaghy, he said: “Of all the council areas, Mid and East Antrim are bound to have one of the strongest connections to the Northern Ireland team. With captain Steven Davis from Cullybackey, Ballymena-born manager Michael O’Neill, Gleno’s goal scoring hero Gareth McAuley and Greenisland’s Evans brothers, we’ve loads to be proud of in Mid and East Antrim.

“There’s such a feel good factor in the country with the results and I think the council should be showing our support. Could I request that we light up the Braid and other civic buildings in green every night before the next match, which looks to be on Sunday, as a sign of support?”

Cllr Gaston also highlighted other council areas, including Causeway Coast and Glens and Belfast City Council, which have decided to support similar initiatives.