Nation realises why we love football

Harry McCue – Chairman IPFBA

As we eagerly look ahead to the World Cup playoffs in March, all at the Irish Professional Footballers’ Benevolent Association (IPFBA) extend massive congratulations to everyone involved with the Football Association of Ireland over the past week – what an incredible boost our teams have given the entire country.

Huge credit to the remarkable Troy Parrott and the senior squad for those unforgettable victories away to Hungary on Sunday and at the Aviva against Portugal last Thursday. Their heroics have kept our World Cup dream alive and lifted the nation.

To everyone involved on and off the field – thank you for the joy you’ve brought us all.

Special mention to Heimir Hallgrímsson, John O’Shea and the entire management and backroom team for the planning, belief and togetherness they’ve instilled in such a short space of time to turn things around – the progress is there for all to see.

Massive praise too to Colin O’Brien, his staff, the players and everyone behind the scenes for a brilliant showing in reaching the last 16 at the U17 World Cup in Qatar, where the Irish teenagers demonstrated real pride and potential in every performance.

To everyone involved on and off the field – thank you for the effort, quality, spirit and sheer joy you’ve brought to people of all ages and backgrounds.

The country is buzzing again – long may it last. Come On You Boys in Green!