Northern Ireland v Germany

help good causes. Like the Northern Ireland team The Wee MON really does punch above his weight.” And what does the man himself think of his itty- bitty effigy? “MO’N and The Wee MON have met a couple of times,” said Neal. “Michael thinks it’s very funny and put his support behind it right from the start, which was great, though he did say it was a bit too accurate with the grey hair!” Just like his real-life inspiration, The Wee MON is something of a jetsetter, whether accompanying GAWA to away games or joining them on hols. “He has literally been all over the world,” revealed Neal. “People have been sharing photos of him in Australia, Thailand, the USA and all over Europe.” It seems The Wee MON is better travelled than Judith Chalmers. Carl Frampton, Mark Allen and several of the Northern Ireland squad are also proud owners of their very own Wee MON.

“You could say they have the manager in their pockets. Or maybe it’s more a case of him keeping a closer eye on them,” Neal suggested. The London NISC reached their £10k goal by selling the last batch to the Irish FA so GAWA members still wanting their very own Wee MON can buy one at the Education & Heritage Centre. But be quick cos when they’re gone, they’re gone. “We’d like to thank the GAWA fanbase for seeing the funny side and supporting the charities as well as the Amalgamation for helping promote this fantastic initiative,” added Neal. And if you live in and around the London area, or happen to be passing through on match days, get in touch via www.londonnisc.com and join the squad. You never know what they’ll have up their sleeve for next year…

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