AT Derry City Social Club, both the Republic's victory over Germany and Northern Ireland’s historic win against Greece were shown live to fans.
Linked to Derry City FC, the Crawford’s Square venue is popular with supporters of all colours and creeds.
On Thursday night, patrons celebrated both victories. However, there were special cheers for Martin O’Neill’s Republic of Ireland win against the world champions.
Eddie Mahon was the last man to captain Derry City in the Irish League before it was forced to leave amid acrimony in 1972, and was also one of four men who drove the successful bid to take the club into the Republic’s League of Ireland in 1985.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my 10 years playing for Derry in the Irish League. I was gutted when we were voted out,” the former goalkeeper said.
He believes that decision is one of the key reasons that Derry City fans have tended to support the Republic rather than Northern Ireland.
The Republic’s Co Derry-born manager, Martin O’Neill, is a former Northern Ireland player but local lads such James McClean and Darren Gibson have also chosen to play for the Republic.
“Because of what happened, I know older people who still remember might not have been as full of support for Northern Ireland," Mahon said.
"But younger fans don’t have that memory and Derry boys are involved right through the Irish League. I think when it comes down to it, they’ll enjoy the party and get behind whoever is playing."
The former player said when Northern Ireland play in France next year, Derry people will support them, some openly and some privately.
“But what would happen if the north was playing the Republic? I’ve no doubt support would overwhelmingly be for the Republic,” he added.
