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WITH the opening game of the World Cup now just eight days away, the countdown to the greatest show on Earth is now well and truly on.
The Irish team may not be getting on the plane to Rio, but there is still some supporters in town who will get a chance to cheer for their homeland.
One such fan is Hennie Harcksen who moved to Ireland from Holland in 1980, but clearly has still not lost his passion for his country.
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Gearing up for the World Cup is former Dutch native Hennie Harcksen with his grandson Brian O’Dowd outside his house in Castlecountess. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
With the help of his grandson, Brian O’Dowd, he has decked out his house in Castlecountess with the famous Oranje of the Netherlands. The job took them two hours in total to finish.
Hennie, who runs a metal polishing business from the side of his house, will have to make do with watching Holland from the comfort of his living room, but he can be glad he is doing his bit for his country away from home when the Netherlands face Chile, Spain and Australia in their group.
Grandson Brian, while decked out in the new Dutch away kit, said he would support Ireland if they were in the World Cup.
With no sign of that happening anytime soon, Hennie can be glad his grandson’s allegiance will remain with Holland, on the world stage at least.
• Are you living in Tralee and from a country playing in the World Cup? Are you showing your country’s colours? Contact us at dcrean@traleetoday.ie or 087-9384810
Hup Holland Hup!