Micheál Martin has backed the Girls in Green in the row over their singing of a rebel song including the chant, ‘Ooh, aah, up the ‘Ra.’
The Taoiseach praised the “magnificent” achievements of the team in their World Cup run that culminated in the Irish women’s football team beating Scotland in a dramatic playoff on Tuesday night.
Mr Martin said that the women and the FAI had delivered a “comprehensive” apology for any hurt they may have caused.
READ MORE: Wolfe Tones member slams 'cranks' and claims Irish women's team 'forced' to apologise for chant
The team is now preparing to proudly represent the Republic of Ireland at the FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next July.
Mr Martin said: “It, it was a magnificent win, it was a magnificent performance.
“I said it myself afterwards, you know, the discipline, the resilience, strength, organisation was just incredible for 96 minutes.
“And that speaks of I think, good character in that team, and they deliver outstanding results.
When asked about the singing of the ‘up the ‘Ra’ chant in the dressing room after their victory, the Taoiseach told Pat Kenny on Newstalk: “I think things, to be fair…. I don't believe any malice was intended here at all, these things can happen.
“What really has struck me was the speed and totality of the apology, the comprehensive nature of that.”
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