In glorious sunshine and excited anticipation families, friends and supporters lined the entire route of the Foyle Cup opening parade in Derry.
Lead by Castlederg’s Lislaird Pipe Band, an estimated 10,000 footballers, coaches, officials, and families, made their into a bursting at the seams Guildhall Square.
Ciara Keyes from Dromore, Co Tyrone was keeping an eye for her sons Cahair and Conn who were marching with their club Tummery Athletic.
“This is our second year at the Foyle Cup,” said Ciara. “It just has a great buzz and atmosphere. The boys are so excited. They are football mad – eat, sleep, football, repeat.”
Amazing @FoyleCup atmosphere in Derry's Guildhall ⚽️
— Catherine McGinty (@CathMcGin_Tea) July 15, 2024
Football has come home to Derry! Congratulations all involved. @irish_news pic.twitter.com/yRYuPWhDvV
Welcoming everybody to the city, mayor Lilian Seenoi-Barr extended a special welcome to the international teams “who travelled from far and wide to join us”.
She added: “A huge congratulations to all the parents and young people who have made it here during your holiday break.
“Nearly 3,000 matches, with over 740 teams, have become a reality, along with a vibrant festival atmosphere we are enjoying here this morning,” said Ms Seenoi-Barr.
Speaking to The Irish News, Ciarán McQuillan, mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, which also funds the tournament, described Foyle Cup as a “fantastic event”.
“It is so good to see young ones coming from all across the world to showcase their talents,” he said.
Foyle Cup committee member Philip Devlin said there were more than 14,000 competitors playing this week.
“We have filled 15,000 bed nights for local accommodation providers and generated approximately £8 million spend across the region.”
