Northern Ireland team’s homecoming raises more than £10k for charity
Generous football fans in Belfast have raised more than £10,000 to help children with cancer.
Money was collected from Northern Ireland's homecoming event at the Titanic Quarter.
What a welcome for Captain Davis #nir @NorthernIreland #gawa pic.twitter.com/83zj6LHR8k
— Claire Williamson (@clairewilliam22) June 27, 2016
Sports Minister Paul Givan said: "The players showed their commitment to the jersey and to the Green and White Army , who travelled in large numbers to France, but also those who came together at home to create a unique atmosphere at the fan zones."
Most of the £10,800 was donated through ticket sales for the homecoming event for the Northern Ireland team, according to the minister. It will go to the Cancer Fund for Children.
PICS | Thank you for a fantastic night at the homecoming event #DareToDream #GAWA pic.twitter.com/GlBA4vLN8z
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) June 28, 2016
Last month the footballers were given a hero's welcome as they returned home after their inspirational Euro 2016 journey.
They received a rapturous reception as they emerged at the Belfast fan zone where nearly 10,000 supporters had squeezed on to the Titanic slipways.
Manager Michael O'Neill was given the bumps amid a flurry of coloured confetti as the crowd belted out "good times never felt so good", a line from Neil Diamond's hit Sweet Caroline, which has become a tournament anthem.
Irish Football Association president David Martin said: "It was great to have the homecoming event. It was a marvellous occasion.
"The players really enjoyed it and it once again highlighted the close bond between the players and the fans."
