As Ireland prepares for their second FIFA World Cup match against Canada on Wednesday, writes Rose Barrett, Fingal County Council’s Sports Office was delighted with the response to their Watch Party last week for the opening game against hosts Australia.
Organised in partnership with Sport Ireland and Active Cities at the Sport Ireland Campus in Blanchardstown, 1,500 people, including Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy and Australian Ambassador Gary Gray attended.
Also cheering on the Irish ladies in Blanchardstown were Minister Jack Chambers TD, Niamh Smyth TD, Senators Malcolm Byrne, Emer Currie, Shane Cassells and Malcolm Byrne as well as Fingal Councillors Tom Kitt, Siobhan Shovlin and Ted Leddy.
The celebrations began with a parade of young supporters walking from Corduff to the Sports Ireland Indoor Arena. When the doors opened at 09:30am, the venue became a sea of green with enthusiastic young families decked out in their Ireland colours. The match was viewed on three large screens snd there were other activities to entertain the younger audience including huge balloons and giant football/dartboard.
Altbeit the end result was disappointing, FM104 Strawberry Alarmclock DJ Crossy kept the crowd in high spirits, giving away two signed Irish jerseys to the two best dressed fans with the Australian Ambassador making the presentations.
Mayor of Fingal Cllr Adrian Henchy said: “Well done to the Fingal Sports Office and everyone who worked tirelessly to organise this. We’ll continue supporting the Girls in Green in Australia, and we’re proud of all they have already achieved!”
Best wishes to Fingal players from FCC!
Fingal CE AnnMarie Farrelly commented: “With Fingal natives Izzy Atkinson and Diane Caldwell part of Ireland’s World Cup squad, FCC wish them and the whole Irish squad the best of luck against Canada this Wednesday and Nigeria on July 31!
