Richly deserved for services to Irish rugby…
Irish Rugby head coach Joe Schmidt was among those awarded Irish citizenship in Dublin today.
The coach took time off from Ireland training today to attend the ceremony in Dublin, alongside South African born Richardt Strauss who was also given citizenship today.
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald spoke highly of Schmidt as she praised his contribution to Irish rugby and called him “one of the best”.
Minister @FitzgeraldFrncs presents Joe Schmidt with a certificate of naturalisation as he becomes an Irish citizen. pic.twitter.com/wy51yKHWIM
— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) September 2, 2015
“People in rugby tell me that Joe does an untold amount of work behind the scenes to support grassroots rugby in Ireland – quietly declining offered payment,” Fitzgerald said.
Joe, Olly & Richardt stand #ShouldertoShoulder with the nation as they are awarded Irish Citizenship @IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/jHzPufh1s2
— Department of Justice 🇮🇪 (@DeptJusticeIRL) September 2, 2015
Hat-tip to our brothers at SportsJOE.
