There were emotional scenes at the Aviva Stadium last night as 27,000 people attended the charity game between Ireland XI and the Liverpool Legends.
The game was in honour of injured Liverpool fan Seán Cox who made his first public appearance since he was seriously injured in an unprovoked attack outside Anfield last April.
Seán was given a standing ovation as he waved to the crowd and appeared on the stadium’s big screen before the game.
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Ireland XI was managed by Mick McCarthy and captained by Robbie Keane, while the Liverpool Legends were managed by Kenny Dalglish and captained by Ian Rush.
Seán’s wife Martina and their children Jack, Shauna and Emma joined him at the Aviva and President Michael D Higgins met the family on the pitch while fans sang the Liverpool anthem You'll Never Walk Alone.
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A statement from Martina read, 'The last 12 months have not been easy for us, but what has helped us get through this difficult journey has been the outpouring of support and genuine concern for Seán.
'For this we will always be thankful. We are filled with gratitude and feel truly blessed.
'A heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in this special day, it will stay with us for a very long time.'
All the money raised at the charity match will go to the Seán Cox Rehabilitation Fund.
