Irish Soccer Fans Awarded Special UEFA Prize

The football team may have given them little to cheer about, but Republic of Ireland soccer fans didn't let that spoil the party for them at the Euro 2012 championships in Poland and Ukraine.

And the supporters have made a longer lasting mark on the tournament than the team, with UEFA president Michel Platini announcing a special award for their good behavior.

"Everyone was very impressed by the Ireland fans," said Gianni Infantino, UEFA general secretary, "The team's results were mitigated by the fans. UEFA president Michel Platini will go to Ireland to give the award."

The tournament has been marred by anti-social behavior and crowd problems with a number of countries being fined by organizers for the conduct of their fans.

In particular, there were some incidents of racist chants emanating from the stands.

But the Irish fans had none of those problems.

The Football Association of Ireland announced that it would be dedicating the award to James Nolan, the 21 year old student who drowned in the Polish city of Bydgoszcz during the tournament.

"I am deeply touched by this," his father Jimmy said, "It is a great honor and I would like to thank the amazing support that we have received at this difficult time from supporters in Ireland every part of the world."

President of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), Paddy McCaul said the award is well deserved.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Uefa president Michel Platini for his decision to recognize the incredible support that our fans showed during the tournament," he added.

"They were a credit to the country and won praise everywhere they went in Poland, striking up a great relationship with everyone they met.

"I am glad that the award will be dedicated to James Nolan whose passing has touched us all."