Skip to content

Northern Ireland players donate Euro 2016 match fees to charity

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Northern Ireland's players visit Cancer Fund for Children after donating their Euro 2016 match fees to the charity.

Kind-hearted Northern Ireland players have donated their Euro 2016 match fees to a cancer charity - a total of £46,000.

In addition, West Brom defender Gareth McAuley has handed over the shirt he wore in Northern Ireland's 2-0 win against Ukraine, a game he scored his country's first ever European Championship goal.

The players took time out of their preparations for Tuesday's friendly against Croatia to visit Daisy Lodge, a facility that hosts families affected by the disease.

Their money will help Cancer Fund for Children offer practical, emotional and financial support. 

Watch NOW TV
Watch NOW TV

All the thrills of Sky Sports for just £6.99. No contract!

"We wanted to give something back," said McAuley.

"We got a lot out of football and wanted to use Euro 2016 in a positive way."

Northern Ireland's Euro 2016 squad was made up of players from various leagues including the Premier League, Championship and League One, with every player giving up their match fees.

Also See:

Northern Ireland's Kyle Lafferty (second from left) celebrates scoring his sides first goal of the game during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Group C
Image: Kyle Lafferty (second from left) leads the celebrations after his early goal against Azerbaijan

On Sunday afternoon Niall McGinn didn't shy away from some table tennis, while Josh Magennis and Kyle Lafferty paired up at the pool table, initially showing impressive skills in potting a number of yellow balls. It appeared to be a certain victory before the children reminded them they were actually reds!

Others, including manager Michael O'Neill and captain Steven Davis, were among those given a tour of the £3m facility, which is also supported by Rory McIlroy.

Northern Ireland players lift manager Michael O'Neill in the air as they celebrate with fans in Belfast after the team's success at Euro 2016
Image: Northern Ireland have been rejuvenated under the stewardship of Michael O'Neill

Northern Ireland continued their impressive home form on Friday with a 4-0 World Cup Qualifier victory against Azerbaijan.

It means they haven't lost at Windsor Park in over three years - a run of 10 games - since Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Portugal to a 4-2 victory in Belfast.

Goalkeeper Michael McGovern has returned to Norwich and will miss the Croatia game. 

Around Sky