The Emerald Guild of New York donated $20,000 at the event on Sunday at the Irish Embassy in the city, which was attended by the Ballymena-born Taken and Star Wars actor.

The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust provides financial support to families whose loved ones have passed away abroad so that their bodies can be brought home to Ireland.

Colin and Eithne Bell of Newry started the organisation after their son Kevin was killed in a hit-and-run accident in New York City in 2013.

A representative for the trust wrote on social media: "A big thank you to great supporters of the Trust, the Emerald Guild of New York, especially their President Mickey McCreesh (Forkhill) Keith Quinn (Mayobridge) and Keith Scally - the organisers of the fundraiser - for yet another $20,000 donation."

They further stated: "A special mention to Liam Neeson who very kindly made the effort to attend the presentation."