The two Associations have a recent history of working closely together, including the launch to co-host the 2023 UEFA Under-21 European Championships, and that relationship was on show to the 300 guests in attendance at the function in the Mansion House.
At the Dinner, President Michael D. Higgins was joined by FAI President Donal Conway, Irish FA David Martin, FAI CEO John Delaney, Irish FA CEO Patrick Nelson, NIO Minister Lord Ian Duncan, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin, Co-operation Ireland Board members and Ambassadors.
FAI CEO John Delaney said: "I'd like to thank Co-operation Ireland for organising this Dinner. This function is an illustration of both Associations working together and shows that our relationship has never been as good in developing football.
"I was invited to attend the Irish FA AGM in Enniskillen in June, where I received a very warm reception. Then the FAI hosted Irish FA President David Martin at our Delegates Dinner and AGM in Cork in August, where he received a standing ovation from 420 of our members. And just two weeks ago, we jointly announced a bid to co-host the UEFA Under-21 European Championships in 2023.
"There have been a number of initiatives that both Associations have worked on together, including the President's Junior Cup between North End United and Enniskillen Rangers, and we will continue to develop football together.
"As leaders in sport, we must always have children in mind when developing the future of the game. It is amazing how the round ball can bring people closer and it is now bringing two Associations on this island closer together."
About Co-operation Ireland
Co-operation Ireland is an all-island peace-building charity. Since it was established in 1979 as Co-operation North, we have worked to encourage and promote interaction, dialogue and practical collaboration within Northern Ireland and between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.