A CROWD of almost 36,000 turned out to pay their respects to one of football's true gentlemen last night - and helped raise £700,000.

Niall Quinn has toiled for months in preparation for his tribute game between his Sunderland side at the Stadium of Light and the Republic of Ireland.

The contest broke new ground in sporting generosity, with the big-hearted Irishman pledging the proceeds to children's hospices in Sunderland and his home capital, Dublin.

In the end, he saw his national team win with a 3-0 victory.

Dubbed A Night with Niall, it was an evening to remember for the man in question and his bid to raise money for sick children.

Quinn played stints for both sides as a thankyou to all the fans for their loyal support over the years.

The mixture of red and white Sunderland shirts and green and white Irish shirts on the fans who crowded into the Stadium of Light was a testimony to Niall Quinn's popularity, not only as a player, but as a sporting gentleman off the field as well.

More than two hours before the game's kick off, hundreds had gathered outside the stadium and countless more were flooding up the A1.

Quinn was welcomed on to the pitch to massive cheers.

His wife, Gillian, joined him on the pitch as the Black Cats faithful sang out the striker's own anthem - Niall Quinn's Disco Pants.

Further guest appearances were made by stars of the past and present, including former Ireland manager and North-East footballing legend Jack Charlton.

* See the Sport section for the match report