Uefa fans’ award to be dedicated to James

Ireland may not have won any points at Euro 2012 but they won plenty of friends in Poland, a fact Uefa acknowledged at the weekend by announcing supporters of the Boys in Green will be given an award for their excellent behaviour at the finals.

Uefa president Michel Platini will travel to Dublin to present the award.

The FAI welcomed the news and revealed the award will be dedicated to the memory of James Nolan, the Irish fan who tragically lost his life after an accident in Bydgoszcz in Poland.

“Irish supporters deserve this award for their incredible commitment, behaviour and friendliness during the tournament,’’ FAI chief executive John Delaney said.

“They did the country proud and added something really special to the championships. I thank Uefa for their recognition and I am glad that the award will be accepted by James Nolan’s parents, whose tragic loss left all Irish fans deeply saddened after the tournament.”

Jimmy Nolan, James’s father, said he was ‘‘deeply touched’’ by the news. “It is a great honour and I would like to thank the amazing support that we have received at this difficult time from supporters in Ireland and every part of the world. I am deeply touched by this.”