Here is that rallying cry from @thenotoriousMMA to Ireland ahead of the start of #euro2016. We are here to take overhttps://t.co/wvOs5K8O4s
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 13, 2016
Conor McGregor is the most famous fighter in all of Ireland by far, and it’s a tribute to his fame that Irish broadcaster RTE had him record a message of encouragement for the Irish National Team as they head off to play at the Euro 2016 tournament in France. And what a message it was! (transcribed by MixedMartialArts.com)
“You are the most experienced team out there. All players combined, we have the age and the experience on our side. You are the veterans of this entire competition. There is not a movement, an approach, an obstacle, that you have not seen or felt before. These young pups you’re going up against were still in their nappies when you were knee-deep in the trenches fighting for every single ball, fighting for every single second of every single game.”
“It’s time to show these young boys that this is man’s work now. It’s time to take these young boys back to school. The school of hard knocks. The school of Ireland. Shoutout to all our up-and-coming players hungry to etch their name into Irish history, representing our nation’s colors with pride. Shoutout to everybody that has been around this nation’s football team since the very beginning.”
“This is your moment. This is our moment. This is where we introduce the footballing world to the new Ireland. An Ireland made tough through battle. An Ireland made strong to sacrifice. An Ireland that makes no apologies for its success and no excuses for its failures. An Ireland that strives forwards against all odds. An Ireland that stands up and fights. Always remember, we are not here to take part, we are here to take over. Good luck boys, the country is with you.”
Now that’s a speech to get the blood going. As for how much it pumped up the Irish team at Euro 2016? They managed to play Sweden to a 1-1 tie in their first game, which isn’t bad considering they were pretty big underdogs going into the match. They’re the underdogs of the whole tournament, sitting way below the top ten rankings of most outlets covering the event. Hopefully Conor’s rousing words give them the confidence to prove the critics wrong.