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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With doping and match fixing the Olympic spirit is finished
Just looks like an alternative version of the truth !!!!
The fights were not FIXED , but an air of collusion. So in other words they were fixed. They gotta make you laugh. Bunch of jokers.
not all judges will be re-instated but no signs of collusion?
No evidence apart from what everyone saw with their own eyes
I really hope ppl didn’t believe the truth would’ve came out.
That was some investigation, the dogs on the street know that the referees and judges were obviously in collusion . Money as usual is the root of all evil.
Well sure that’s alright then…..
How to apologise without apologising.
Can’t wait to see Conlon’s debut.
I know a lad named hickey that can get tickets for it.
Tell that to Katie and Michael who were robbed
Katie wasn’t robbed, that was a 50/50 fight to call but it was hardly robbery. Conlan on the other hand….
Good on ya Michael!!! Punish the athlete for speaking the truth but as usual the cream skims away
What a shower of idiots
When you’ve got the AIBA investigating itself, it’s hardly going to make any other conclusion.
My ass, fixed, rigged, call it what u want, cheating
This is the alternative news report on Rio.do they think people are stupid.
Smoke screen!!!
Total cop out. It either was or wasn’t. More likely the former.
And that’s an alternative face
Fact
Remember the President of Brazil was put into power thanks to the CIA, it makes you think?
What a load of crap. Pure corruption
Complete joke
It’s called an air of collusion so no one is brought to task over it.
Olympics is no longer he’ll in high esteem.
Held in high esteem ( pretext f up )