Ministers Offer Best Wishes To Martin O'Neill And Roy Keane

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr. Shane Ross, and the Minister with responsibility for Sport, Mr. Brendan Griffin, have wished Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane well as they step down from their roles with the Irish team.

Minister Ross said: "I want to thank Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane and acknowledge the highlights, the hard work and the commitment they have given to Irish football over the last five years. No one will ever forget those magic moments under their stewardship - Shane Long scoring that magnificent goal against Germany at home and Robbie Brady's header against Italy in the Euros amongst so many others. In addition I would like to sincerely thank them for their commitment to sport at every level. Their dedication and support has inspired our young soccer players – so many of whom were lucky enough to be instructed by and spend time with these great sportsmen."

Minister of State Griffin added: "I would like to thank Martin O'Neill, Roy Keane and their management team for the service they have given to Irish sport over the last five years. They leave many fond memories for Irish football fans, none more so than Euro 2016 in France. Wes Holohan's goal against Sweden, the win over Italy and our brave performance against France were all highlights of a great tournament for Ireland.

"The draw away to Germany, beating the Germans at home and wins away in Austria and Wales were all high points of the O'Neill and Keane era. On top of their work with the men's senior team, both Martin and Roy were great champions of grass roots soccer and were always generous with their time to help promote greater participation and help inspire the next generation of Ireland stars. I send my best wishes to them for the future and thank them for having always done us proud."

(MH/CM)