Local fans were there to savour the glory of historic successes

On both occasions a number of people from the town were present to witness the history-making moments.

Jeff Magee was in Budapest with Cecil Beattie, representing the Lurgan Victoria Northern Ireland Supporters Club, to witness Northern Ireland’s 2-1 victory over Hungary.

He said: “It would be interesting to know when was the last time we won an away game when we went behind. That’s what made the win special.

“Only Cecil and I went from Lurgan Victoria club, but there were a few guys there from in and around Lurgan.

“Budapest was massive - mix of old and new buildings, but quite run down.

“The stadium was fantastic - state of the art, modern, perfect shape for a good atmosphere - a replica in Belfast would be perfect for us.

“The home fans hadn’t seen anything like our crowd! There was no hassle, all very friendly. They stood at the side of the roads going out of the ground and applauded the NI fans on the buses being escorted back to city centre - shaking hands and swapping scarves through the open windows.”

Waringstown boxing fan Alan Harrison was at the Titanic slipway to watch Carl Frampton win the world title on home soil along with friends Stephen Jennett, Andrew Little, Robyn McClimond and Alistair Bushe.

Alan said: “It was a great occasion. It’s hard to believe we were watching Carl Frampton win a world title in front of 16,000 people in Belfast. The atmosphere before the fighters came into the ring was something really special. I can’t wait to go to his next fight.”