Republic of Ireland fans awarded Paris medal
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
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The Republic of Ireland's supporters at UEFA EURO 2016 are to receive a special Paris medal in recognition of their exemplary sportsmanship.
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The Republic of Ireland may have exited UEFA EURO 2016 but they have not been forgotten.
Anne Hidalgo, mayor of the French capital, has announced that she is awarding the Grand Vermeil medal, an honour bestowed by the city of Paris, to Ireland's football fans for their sportsmanship.
"Their behaviour was extremely positive, joyful," the mayor announced on a visit to the Paris fan zone beneath the Eiffel Tower on Tuesday night. "They were exemplary. We wanted to say thanks."
Previous recipients of the Grand Vermeil medal include writer Toni Morrison, jazz pianist Herbie Hancock and nine-time French Open winner Rafael Nadal.