A proud Irish football family were out in force as Dublin revealed its UEFA EURO 2020 host city logo on Thursday.
Representatives of UEFA and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), the head of the Irish government Enda Kenny and local dignitaries were in attendance at the event in the heart of the city.
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill and his assistant Roy Keane were also present for the ceremony held in Dublin’s docklands – a short stroll from the Dublin Stadium, the setting for three group stage matches and one round of 16 game in 2020.
Dublin is one of 13 cities that will play host to matches at EURO 2020 in four years’ time, as UEFA celebrates 60 years of its national team competition.
The EURO visual identity for 2020 sees each of the 13 city logos feature a single iconic bridge from the city in question.
Dublin’s features the Beckett Bridge, a majestic landmark, stretching across the River Liffey. It connects the north and south of the city, and ultimately reflects the tournament’s aim of building bridges between nations and fans.
FAI CEO John Delaney looked forward to the event, and welcomed the sporting, tourism and economic benefits that such an iconic tournament will bring.
He also revealed that former Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane would lend his support to leave a strong football legacy for the next generation. Keane sent a video message from his base in Los Angeles, where he plays for the LA Galaxy.
UEFA Executive Committee member Frantisek Laurinec praised the Irish fans for the positive impact they have made at major tournaments.
“I am delighted that we are in Ireland,” he said, “a country with truly passionate and exceptional national football team supporters, to take an important early step along the road to the European Championship final tournament in four years’ time.”
“Coming here today is a realisation that it is going to happen,” said Martin O’Neill at the ceremony. “It’s great, and the very thing that we have four games is fantastic.”
Enda Kenny shared the excitement about EURO 2020, and said he also looked forward to the legacy that a tournament of such stature and prestige will leave on both the city and the country.
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