FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF Ireland (FAI) CEO John Delaney believes that Ireland will ‘shut down’ during Euro 2016, and hopes that the country’s footballers can become heroes on the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising.
“Since qualifying, the hype around us going to the Euros is incredible,” Delaney told RTÉ at the launch of the FAI’s Strategic Plan 2016-2020.
“It is the most sought after and looked forward to event in sport in this particular year. The soccer team are the people’s team, they really are. When the Irish team gets to major tournaments, this country shuts down. We’re going to see that next June for sure.
“I think that it’s great that 100 years since 1916, that we’ll hopefully have new sporting heroes 100 years later in France and hopefully the Irish team can do the country proud.”
Delaney also confirmed that the FAI has agreed a bonus package for the players who qualified for the tournament, with bonuses due for success in June.
“I want to thank Robbie Keane and John O’Shea, as captain and vice captain, who acted on behalf of the players, and to all of the players themselves for bringing this matter to a successful and speedy conclusion, and for their professionalism throughout this short process,” Delaney said.
“We can all now look forward to Euro 2016 together as Ireland get set for what will be a great occasion for the team and for our millions of supporters around the world.”
Martin O’Neill’s side continue their preparations with a friendly double-header against Switzerland and Slovakia on 25 and 29 March respectively.
