WES HOOLAHAN has been hailed for his contribution to Irish football after today’s announcement that he is retiring from international level.
Senior manager Martin O’Neill, FAI chief executive John Delaney, legendary ex-player Paul McGrath and a former club of Hoolahan’s, Shelbourne, have all taken time to pay tribute to the 35-year-old, who won 43 caps over a 10-year period.
“Wes phoned me last week to let me know about retiring from international football,” said O’Neill. ”I remember, with great fondness, his outstanding performance and wonderful goal, against Sweden in Paris during the Euros.
“His desire to play for his country was immeasurable and he was a delight to work with over the past four years.
“Naturally, I wish Wes the very best of luck with his career at club level.”
Delaney added: “There is no doubt in my mind that Wes Hoolahan will be remembered as one of the most technically-gifted players ever to pull on the Ireland jersey.
I think a lot of credit should go to both Belvedere and Shelbourne, who helped to develop a talented kid into a skilled professional who would go on to score that superb goal against Sweden in the Stade de France at Euro 2016.
“Wes made his name in the League of Ireland with a fantastic Shelbourne side and he was always proud of that. I think he is the perfect role model for young players aspiring to reach the top because he worked hard for everything that he got and embraced his time representing his country.
“We would like to pay tribute to Wes at the Aviva Stadium for his contribution to Irish football, at a time that suits him. Wes and his family are welcome to the Aviva Stadium at any time.”
Others took to social media to comment on the news:
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Hope this causes the UFC to rethink the way they look at their fighters. Some of the pay they offer is laughable, and when you consider how much money fighters are also losing because of the awful Reebok deal, I can see even bigger names following Henderson to Bellator and other companies. Dana White and the top UFC brass definitely take a lot of their fighters for granted.
Benson was definitely not a low paid fighter. He’s 4-3 in his last 7 so it’s a big wage off the books on a fighter who is now very inconsistent
Damn. What a signing for Bellator!
Bellator have big money behind them with Viacom. I just hope they move away from the oap fights like shamrock and Gracie and novelty fights like Kimbo v Dada 5000. Some decent fighters already on the roster like Pico and McGrath. I hope they start airing live events on tv over here. Competition for the ufc can only be a good thing.
*McGeary , Damn autocorrect .
McGregor nut huggers are now furiously googling Bellator and thinking “but that cage is round, I thought the had to have 8 sides” God help them if you mention Pride or Rizin. Ring ropes would confuse them altogether!
Go to bed you have school in the morning.
Absolute fact that Pride fights were rigged so probably best not to mention it.
True but the fact that there are single digit comments on this story (a pretty big one in the grand scheme) and far more in an article about McGregors haircut should make it pretty obvious that there are more McGregor fans than mma fans on here. That was more my point than the legitimacy of other mma organizations.
Wait….There was an article on McGregors hair cut? How did I miss that? Damn 42 alerts must be acting up again.