Shropshire Star

Watch: Wales fans loud and proud in Chirk for Portugal match

Passion, pride and pretty good singing – supporters in Chirk summed up the spirit of Wales throughout Euro 2016.

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Hundreds of fans – from children decked out in Wales kit to those that remember when their team got to the quarter finals in the 1950 – filled not one but three rooms at the town's AAA club last night.

Despite their country's 2-0 semi-final defeat to Portugal, the overwhelming feeling among Wales supporters was one of pride.

Licensee Nigel Edwards turned the club into a Wales fanzone with flags and bunting and customers arrived in the red, green and black of the strip and face painted dragons on their faces.

But it was when the Welsh anthem began the fans showed their real passion. They belted out Canol Lan with such fine voices they would do themselves credit at the Llangollen Eisteddfod a few miles up the Dee Valley.

Once Wales conceded two quick fire goals early in the second half the mood among fans was sombre. Faces fell and nails were bitten.

But with minutes left – just as in Lyon's Stade des Lumières – the chant of "Wales, Wales" rang around the club.

  • MORE: Match report - Wales bow out in 2-0 defeat

Mr Edwards said the support in the town for Wales during the tournament had been incredible.

"It's been packed out here every game and we've had absolutely no trouble," he said. "It is great for Wales and great for chirk.

Laurie Gardener was back in Chirk after a trip to France to see the qualifiers.

"It was fantastic, the best thing I have ever done," he said.

"The atmosphere was just incredible The supporters were brilliant and there was no trouble at all. And the team were superb."

Mike Hughes, a greengrocer, said: "This has just been massive for Wales. Wales has done so well because they play so well as a team. They are committed and play with passion.

"From grassroots up Welsh football is on the rise. This is just the beginning – the world can watch out for Wales now."

Ian Jones, who was watching with his 14-year-old son Owain, was wearing his beloved Wales shirt signed by the late Wales manager Gary Speed.

"He signed it when he came to open the stand in Chirk. It was one of the last things he did before he died.

"It has been very emotional – Gary started this team and Chris has carried on his work.

As well as Chirk's own supporters, fans were at the AAAs from the nearby caravan site and also from South Wales.

Contractors Dai Allen and Ant Morris live near Cardiff, but said they had been welcomed warmly the the AAA club.

"Wales is known as a rugby nation, but now football has show that it too has a side to be reckoned with. Everyone is watching, the kids, the wives, its a great time for Welsh football."

Ant said: "This has really put Wales on the footballing map."

Mark Williams said Gareth Bale was a real role model.

"He's just one of the lads, so relaxed and enjoying every moment with his teammates," he said. "He knows its a team game."

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