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Ministers welcome the awarding of the Vermilion medal of the City of Paris to Irish soccer fans

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, TD, and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, TD, are delighted that the sportsmanship of the Irish soccer fans throughout the Euro 2016 championships in France is being recognised by the City of Paris. The Mayor of Paris will present the Vermilion medal to Irish fan Jamie Monaghan from Co. Louth at a ceremony at the Fanzone in Paris this evening.

Minister Ross said: “It is an incredible achievement by Irish fans to be recognised at an international level as some of the main contributors to the fantastic atmosphere evident in Paris, Bordeaux, Lille and all French cities in which they made their presence felt. The Vermilion medal is one of the most prestigious honours of the City of Paris, and to have representatives of our country behave in such a sportsmanlike manner as to be awarded this medal is such a proud moment for us all.”

Minister O’Donovan said: “This is yet another achievement by Ireland in the past number of weeks. Not only did the soccer team perform fantastically well by reaching the last 16 in the Euro 2016 Championships, but their fans have achieved international recognition for their own exemplary performance in France. I have no doubt that the fans were instrumental in the achievement of the team, as their unwavering support encouraged the fantastic results the team delivered. They have shown themselves as true ambassadors for the country and have shown potential tourists to Ireland that our country is safe, welcoming and inclusive.”