FAI welcomes UEFA award for Irish fans and dedicates it to the memory of James Nolan

The Football Association of Ireland today (June 30) welcomed the news that UEFA's Executive Committee will present a special award to Irish fans to recognise their great behaviour and contribution to UEFA EURO 2012.

The announcement was made a press conference this morning in Kiev where UEFA President Michel Platini said that he intends to travel in person to Dublin to make the presentation. The decision by the UEFA Executive Committee comes after Irish supporters were praised internationally for their behaviour despite results on the pitch.

The Football Association of Ireland has also confirmed that the award will be dedicated to the memory of James Nolan who lost his life in a tragic accident in Bydgoszcz during the tournament.

Welcoming UEFA's decision, FAI President, Paddy Mc Caul said,

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank UEFA President Michel Platini for his decision to recognise the incredible support that our fans showed during the tournament. They were a credit to the country and won praise everywhere they went in Poland, striking up a great relationship with everyone they met. I am glad that the award will be dedicated to James Nolan whose passing has touched us all."

FAI CEO, John Delaney added,

"Irish supporters deserve this award for their incredible commitment, behaviour and friendliness during the tournament. 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."

Father of the late James Nolan, Jimmy Nolan said,

"I am deeply touched by this. 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 every part of the world."

Speaking of behalf of Irish supporters' group, You Boys in Green, Ger Keville said,

"Every single fan I have spoken to was incredibly proud of the Irish support In Poland, staying behind the team through thick and thin. Irish fans struck up a great rapport with everyone in Poland and the fact that our site got 46,000 visits from Polish fans who are still singing our songs says it all. On behalf of supporters, it is fitting that that this award will be in memory of James Nolan whose tragic death was a great loss to us all."

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