Tullamore mother and son accept UEFA fans award for Boys in Green

A Tullamore family who have travelled the world supporting the Boys in Green were honoured at the Aviva Stadium before last night’s World Cup Qualifier against Georgia.

Chloe McGlinchey and her 14-month-old son Michael were amongst a group of Irish fans selected to accept a UEFA award on behalf of the thousands of members of the Green Army that distinguished themselves by their good behaviour at this summer’s European Championships in France.

The Tullamore mum and her son were captured by a TV camera man at the end of Ireland’s memorable win over Italy in Lille. Michael, who was ten months at the time, was one of the youngest Ireland’s fans at the Euros and the image of him and his mum celebrating at the end of the Italian match captured the hearts of football fans across the continent.

Speaking to the Offaly Independent yesterday afternoon before she and Michael travelled to Dublin for the match, Chloe said that they were chosen to accept the awarded because he “represents the next generation of Irish fans”.

Michael is the newest member of the a soccer mad family. His grandfather Aidan has travelled all over the world over the last 30 years supporting the Irish team.

“Myself and my da are season ticket holders and we always bring Michael,” Chloe said.

“ I was brought to the World Cup in Japan when I was five and we’ve passed it [the love of soccer] to Michael.”

When asked what makes Irish fans so special, Chloe said that it’s because we keep things in perspective.

“When it comes to the match that’s what we are all about, but at the end of the day it’s just a game. The Irish always look out for each other, it’s like a little family and we’re all able to have a laugh.”

Regarding Ireland’s chances of making it to Russia in 2018, Chloe says that it will take a big effort from Martin O’Neill’s men to make it through.

However, if they do so, one thing’s for sure, the McGlincheys will be there flying the flag.