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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Euro 2022: Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan believes team can 'unite a nation'

Marissa Callaghan hopes Northern Ireland's Euro 2022 journey can bring the nation together - just like Michael O'Neill's heroes of 2016 did. Six years ago the memories were moulded in France, with thousands more fans cheering on the side from fanzones back home.

This time the spotlight will be on Kenny Shiels' girls as they look to upset the odds in what is the women's team's first-ever major tournament. And skipper Callaghan is relishing the challenge.

"Northern Ireland is an amazing place, and we have some amazing people," she said. "Sport, including football, has always managed to bring people together.

Read more: Women's Euro 2022: Everything you need to know about the finals

"You only have to look at people such as Carl Frampton. What a guy, and not just for what he did in the boxing ring, but how he brought this whole country together through his success.

"We also had the Northern Ireland team qualifying for the Euros in 2016 and saw the positive impact that had. I actually remember going to the big screen in Belfast to watch the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland games.

"The atmosphere was absolutely brilliant. If we can do something similar this summer then that will be fantastic.

"We would love to see as many families and fans come along and watch our games. I am sure there will be a big support going to our games in Southampton, and then we will have many others watching on from home.

"All the players can feed off that and we are so proud to represent Northern Ireland on the pitch."

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