FLYING HIGH…Kyle Lafferty has scored seven of Northern Ireland’s 17 goals in the Euro qualifiers
THE Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Alderman Hilary McClintock has extended her best wishes to the Northern Ireland team ahead of their first game in the European Championships in France today.
Michael O’Neill’s team take on Poland in Northern Ireland’s opening encounter against Poland in Nice (kick off 5 pm).
There is high hopes for O’Neill’s boys in green and white as they go into the tournament on the back of a 12 game unbeaten run.
The Mayor said there is huge excitement across the city and district ahead of the tournament and a real sense of pride and hope for the team.
She said: “Northern Ireland fans are second to none around the world and I am confident they will get behind Michael O’Neill and his team.
“I am hugely proud of the team and their success in securing a place in this major tournament and showcasing Northern Ireland to a worldwide audience.”
The Mayor added that she would also be keeping a close eye on the progress of neighbouring Republic of Ireland team, who are kick off their participation in the tournament with a clash against Sweden on Monday in Paris.
Mayor McClintock said it was fantastic that both teams had made to the finals.
“Football is a fantastic sport and the fact that both teams from Northern Ireland and the Republic are involved in the tournament is an added bonus for both sets of fans.
“I look forward to France being transformed into a sea of green and white.
“I hope that the team’s success will be an incentive to our own youth soccer clubs across the Council area and give our young up and coming soccer players the inspiration and confidence to aspire to succeed and represent their country,” she added.
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