Mayor wishing GAWA and BIG all the best as Irish Euro adventure kicks off

The Mayor said there is huge excitement across the city and district ahead of the tournament and a real sense of pride and hope for the team.

She said: “Northern Ireland fans are second to none around the world and I am confident they will get behind Michael O’Neill and his team.

“I am hugely proud of the team and their success in securing a place in this major tournament and showcasing Northern Ireland to a worldwide audience.”

The Mayor added that she would also be keeping a close eye on the progress of neighbouring Republic of Ireland team, who are also participating in the tournament saying it was fantastic that both teams had made to the finals.

“Football is a fantastic sport and the fact that both teams from Northern Ireland and the Republic are involved in the tournament is an added bonus for both sets of fans and I look forward to France being transformed into a sea of green and white.

“I hope that the team’s success will be an incentive to our own youth soccer clubs across the Council area and give our young up and coming soccer players the inspiration and confidence to aspire to succeed and represent their country,” she added.