Mid and East Antrim Council to honour Euro 2016 heroes

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill and captain Steven Davis will be attending a celebratory dinner along with representatives from the Irish Football Association.

It is being hosted by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Billy Ashe, at the Braid Arts Centre, Ballymena at 6pm.

“Mid and East Antrim Borough Council are delighted to officially recognise the achievements of the Northern Ireland team – and two of the borough’s favourite sons - after their qualification for the UEFA Euro 2016 Finals,” Cllr Ashe said.

“Our borough has a strong representation in the squad, including both the manager and captain. We are proud of Michael and Steven as local sports figures. At this reception we will honour their success and the success of the whole team and wish them well as they prepare for the tournament in France this coming summer.”

In October 2015, the Northern Ireland team qualified for the tournament with a 3-1 win over 2004 European champions, Greece.

Cullybackey man Steven Davis scored two of Northern Ireland’s three goals that night with manager Michael O’Neill masterminding the successful qualification campaign.

The council is pleased to celebrate the success of the Northern Ireland team following their qualification for the European Championship Finals for the first time in their history.

The event takes place just two days before Northern Ireland take on Latvia at Windsor Park, their first game at the national stadium since achieving Euro 2016 qualification.