An estimated 15,000 people are travelling from Ireland to Manchester for Roy Keane's testimonial match at Old Trafford this evening.
Three charter flights are carrying 538 passengers from Cork to Manchester, while special flights are also scheduled from Dublin and Belfast.
Jack Sheill, manager of Dawson Travel in Cork who organised the charter flights from Cork , said there would be a real family atmosphere at tonight's match.
"It is all families who have booked for the match. Grandfathers have bought trips for Confirmation gifts and so on. We have parents bringing their young children.
"There is a huge amount of people going to Old Trafford for the first time with their children as this is a sociable, friendly and family event."
Building contractor Vincent Barry from White's Cross, Cork, is travelling to Manchester with his wife Susan and their three children under 11. Mr Barry said his children were "beyond excitement" at the prospect of attending the match. "I am bringing them because we won't see someone like Roy again."
Keane is estimated to make about €3.5 million from the match, which will be broadcast live on RTÉ2 television. He is expected to donate a substantial portion to charities in Cork, Manchester and Glasgow.