Irish fan Jamie Monaghan selected to accept prestigious honour from Mayor of Paris

Republic of Ireland supporter Jamie Monaghan has been selected to accept the prestigious ‘Médaille de la Ville de Paris’ from the Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo, which has been awarded to Irish fans for their ‘exemplary behaviour’ at UEFA EURO 2016.

17-year-old Jamie, from Togher, Co Louth, will pick up the award on behalf of Republic of Ireland fans at a special Mayoral reception to be held in the French Capital this week. He will be joined for the presentation by Chairman of the Confederation of Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs, Joe McKenna.

The ‘Medaille’ will simultaneously be presented by Mayor Hidalgo to Northern Ireland supporters.

Jamie Monaghan was one of an estimated 100,000 Rep of Ireland fans who attended EURO 2016 in France, where the Irish team performed heroically, as their supporters created huge positivity off the pitch.

The teenager attended all four Rep of Ireland games of EURO 2016, and will accept the award at a special ceremony which will be held in the Fan Zone in Paris on Thursday July 7, ahead of the semi-final match between France and Germany.

In a letter to President Michael D Higgins announcing the award, Mayor Hidalgo said that the ‘Vermilion medal of the City of Paris’ would be presented to Irish supporters of EURO 2016 for their ‘exemplary’ behaviour during the tournament, in all cities attended, ‘particularly in Paris’.

“All the Parisians, the French people and our foreign visitors who came to attend the games or simply to visit our city were charmed and impressed by their goodwill, their singing and their good humour,” said the Mayor.

“Whilst international football is sadly sometimes tarnished by incivilities, misbehaviour, even violence, the supporters of Ireland show to all, for our greater good, what supporting a country and a sport truly means.”

John Delaney, CEO of the Football Association of Ireland said that the honour was the perfect finale for what was a “great tribute to both sets of supporters”.

“For our own fans, a new generation of footballing heroes have come along for them to support with such great enthusiasm, which was witnessed in France. These fans are the greatest ambassadors that we could have and we are extremely proud of them.

“I am delighted that Jamie Monaghan will collect this award on behalf of all of our fans and I would like to remember at this time James Nolan, who tragically passed away during EURO 2012. I would also like to remember the two Northern Ireland supporters – Darren Rodgers and Robert Rainey – who died during EURO 2016.”

Four years ago, following EURO 2012, Rep of Ireland supporters received a special award, which was presented to the family of James Nolan, who tragically died at the tournament.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD, said:

“It should be a source of great pride to all of us on this island that Irish football fans are being honoured in this way,” said the Minister.

“This tournament has given Irish supporters North and South memories to treasure for many years to come. The supporters of both teams excelled themselves as ambassadors for this island, and it was a great source of pride to see the welcome they received in every French city they visited.”

He added: “We should also remember the families of the two Northern Ireland fans who died in France supporting the team they loved – Darren Rodgers and Robert Rainey. Our deepest condolences go to them in their loss”.

Ireland’s Ambassador to France, Geraldine Byrne Nason, said that the Embassy in Paris has received many messages from French people praising the Irish fans for their contribution to EURO 2016 and hailing them as the best supporters in the world. “Many have told us that meeting the Irish fans has made them want to visit Ireland to see what type of special place can produce such wonderful fans,” said the Ambassador.

“Once the football is over, we can expect to see an increase in visitors to Ireland north and south. I’m confident the welcome extended to the Irish here in France will be warmly returned.”