Statement by TUV Bannside councillor Stewart McDonald:
“As a keen Northern Ireland supporter I was delighted to see our wee country qualify for their first major championship since the 1980s. It was something special to be there last Thursday night when we secured our place in France 2016 and the trip to Finland at the weekend was a joy knowing that we were already qualified.
“But it didn’t end there with Michael O’Neill team securing a point away from home which meant we topped the group – the first fifth placed seeds to do so.
“Special congratulations to North Antrim men Steven Davis and Chris Baird who both made an immense contribution throughout the campaign and where central to booking the Green and White Army’s ticket to France.
“And of course the key man, Michael O’Neill, is a Ballymena man. He really has turned the team around and delivered more than any of us thought possible. Having achieved the success of qualification there is no telling what next summer might bring.”