Award for Irish fans - A credit to the nation

Euro 2012 is over and Spain have won the championship, but there seems to be no doubt whatsoever that the Irish supporters won the singing.

Uefa president Michel Platini announced in Kiev that a special award would be made in recognition of the sporting behaviour of the Irish fans.

The FAI stated that the award would be dedicated to the memory of James Nolan, the young supporter who lost his life in a tragic accident in Poland during the tournament. His family has agreed to receive the award on behalf of the FAI.

“Everyone was very impressed by the Ireland fans,” according to Gianni Infantino, the secretary general of Uefa. All too often the unruly supporters of defeated teams have made the news by rioting. It was nice to witness the sporting behaviour of Irish fans. It was also great to see that others recognised and appreciated this.

This was the fifth time the Irish team qualified for a major tournament abroad. In a sense the latest showing was the poorest by the team, but on each occasions the supporters have been magnificent. They were a credit to the nation.