As Ireland prepares for their second FIFA Women’s World Cup match against Canada tomorrow, Fingal County Council’s Sports Office say they were delighted at the response to their Watch Party for the team’s opening game against hosts Australia last Thursday.
Organised in partnership with Sport Ireland and Active Cities at the Sport Ireland Campus in Blanchardstown the event saw 1,500 people, including Mayor of Fingal Councillor Adrian Henchy and Australian Ambassador Gary Gray, in attendance.
Picture by Shane O’Neill, Coalesce.
The celebrations began with a parade of young supporters walking from Corduff to the Sports Ireland Indoor Arena.
When the doors opened at 09:30 am, 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 from kick off at 11.00 am and there were plenty of other activities to entertain the younger audience including huge balloons and giant football/dartboard.
Picture by Shane O’Neill, Coalesce.
The event got fantastic support from elected representatives, with the attendance of 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.
Although the result disappointed the nation, 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.
Pictured are Australian Ambassador to Ireland, The Hon. Gary Gray AO with Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy.
Picture by Shane O’Neill, Coalesce.
Mayor of Fingal Cllr Adrian Henchy said: ”It was a great event and the atmosphere was fantastic with the local community in Blanchardstown really getting into the spirit! It was great to see so many of my fellow elected representatives present and also the Australian Ambassador.
“I know Ambassador Gray at least was pleased with the result. 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!”
Fingal Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly commented: “I want to thank all those who came to show their support for the Irish Women’s National Team and the Sports Office team for organising such a great occasion.
“This event is a testament to our commitment to women’s football within the community and the incredible achievements of the Irish team. It was a great opportunity for fans to unite and cheer on our national team who have achieved so much.”
With Fingal natives Izzy Atkinson and Diane Caldwell part of Ireland’s World Cup squad Fingal County Council wish them and the whole Irish squad the best of luck against Canada tomorrow and Nigeria on July 31!
Picture by Shane O’Neill, Coalesce.