“La ruelle de la main” or “Thierry Henry Way”: a proposal from New York elected officials outrages the Irish community

A street named after Thierry Henry in New York? For the Irish community in the American city, this is out of the question. An unexpected controversy broke out across the Atlantic one month before the 2026 World Cup, organized by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Radio Canada reports that municipal officials have proposed temporarily renaming two intersections in the “Big Apple”. Thus, the “Thierry Henry Way” and the “Pelé Way” could appear in Manhattan and Queens respectively. However, more than 16 years after the events, the Irish are far from having forgotten the hand of the former Arsenal striker, who allowed France to qualify for the 2010 World Cup at the expense of the “Boys in Green”.

“It’s a bit of an insult”

Having passed through the New York Red Bulls at the end of his brilliant career, Henry remains unpopular among Irish-Americans. During a Lansdowne Yonkers FC match, spectators had fun imagining other names for this lane: “Hand alley? » was proposed, according to Radio Canada.

“There are some good Irish pubs in this area,” said David Kilpatrick, professor of sports management at Mercy University. I think it’s a bit of an insult to them. » Irony of history? The municipal councilor behind the proposal herself has Irish origins. “I’ve definitely learned a lot more about it over the last few weeks,” she said. New Yorkers could meet Henry this summer. The consultant will cover the competition for Fox Sports.