Donegal teacher Shaun Conaghan is delighted Irish fans are getting recognition.
A Donegal teacher and Irish soccer fan has said it is unbelievable that the Green Army are to get the Medal of the City of Paris.
Dublin-based primary teacher Shaun Conaghan was famously interviewed as he and a bunch of lads changed a tyre for an elderly French couple during Euro 2016.
Shaun, clutching a pint, was famously filmed saying “That’s the difference between Irish and English fans – we change the wheel of a car.”
Shaun and his mates were amongst dozens of Irish fans who performed random acts of kindness during the tournament.
The Mayor of Paris has announced she will award the Medal of the City of Paris to Republic of Ireland football fans for their sportsmanship.
According to the French sports newspaper L’Équipe, Mayor Anne Hidalgo said the supporters had been “exemplary in their sportsmanship” and distinguished themselves by the “atmosphere” they created from the start of Euro 2016.
She has written to President Michael D Higgins to tell him of the award but it is not known when the medal ceremony the medal will take place.
The ‘Grand Vermeil’ is regarded as Paris’s most prestigious honour which has been awarded to a wide variety of cultural and political figures.
Previous recipients include Nobel Prize in literature winner Toni Morrison, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and jazz pianist Herbie Hancock.
Shaun, who teaches at St David’s Boys School in Artane, said changing the wheel of the car was just a typical act of Irish fans while they were in France.
“It summarised the attitude of the Irish and the good nature and the spirit of the Irish.
“It’s a great honour for the fans and for the country in general,” he said.
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