Northern Ireland team's homecoming event raises £10,000 for cancer charity

Money was collected from Northern Ireland’s homecoming event at the Titanic Quarter.

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.

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.”