Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman was hailed a class act after greeting and posing for photos with children from Creeslough prior to Ireland's 2-1 defeat to Norway.
Coleman gave the children, who were mascots for the match, a warm welcome to the Aviva Stadium six weeks on from the tragic explosion in the Co Donegal village.
The Everton star asked the children where they were from before adding: "Donegal? So Am I."
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Coleman also chatted with the parents of the youngsters before posing for photos.
A number of people took to social media to praise Coleman, who was described by many as a legend.
One fan wrote: "That's how you treat fans Seamus Coleman. Legend."
Another commented: "What a gentleman."
Someone else said: "This is more than about football this is about putting a little smile back on the faces of people who've suffered serious turmoil lately in their county and I'm all for it well done Seamus."
One other tweet read: "Coleman has always been a class act. A gentleman, an excellent footballer and the ultimate professional."
And Ireland women's captain Katie McCabe simply left a green heart emoji on the FAI's video.
Coleman paid an emotional tribute to the 10 people who died following the explosion at an Applegreen service station in Cresslough shortly after the incident.
He wrote at the time: “I’d like to offer my deepest sympathies to those who have lost loved ones at the devastating tragedy in Creeslough, Co Donegal.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families, the injured and the entire community.
“Having been born and raised in the county, I know first-hand how tight-knit the communities are.
“The immediate reaction of the emergency services, local residents and passers-by who put themselves at right to help others is an example of the spirit and togetherness of the entire county.
“May the 10 people who have lost their lives rest in peace: Shauna Flanagan Garwe, Robert Garwe, Leonar Harper, Hugh Kelly, Jessica Gallagher, Martin McGill, James O’Flaherty, Martina Martin, Catherin O’Donnell, James Monaghan.”
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