Soccer fan petitions for national holiday for Ireland's World Cup matches

Ottoline Spearman

A soccer fan has started a petition for a national holiday to be declared for Ireland's World Cup play-off match next March.

The team will be playing a semi-final on the 26th of March, with their opponent to be announced on Thursday afternoon. If they win, they will advance to the final five days later.

Brion Kennedy is calling on the Government to make the day after the semi-final a national holiday, and has said both the day of the final and the day after should also be one-off national holidays if Ireland gets there.

He wrote: "We have seen in other nations how sports can unify countries and create lifelong memories and bonds. Having the freedom to participate in this communal celebration without the restraint of everyday obligations would amplify the joy and significance.

"Ireland's progress in football tournaments has historically brought waves of happiness and a unique collective experience. Let's give this generation, and those to follow, the opportunity to witness and feel the same pride we’ve cherished in past glorious moments."

The petition has nearly 300 signatures so far.