Statement by Alderman Stewart McDonald:
“I would like to put on record my sincere thanks to the IFA, Michael O’Neill and Steven Davis for making the civic reception a memorable occasion.
“Mayor Billy Ashe and the staff of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council also deserve recognition for making the event happen and for ensuring it ran smoothly.
“While there are always naysayers, I believe occasions such as this should be marked as it means so much to people that local lads have gone on to have success in such a competitive environment.
“Bring on the European Championships.”