Miss-Delectable
New Member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2004
- Messages
- 17,160
- Reaction score
- 7
RT Sport: Ireland deaf soccer team prepare for battle
The Ireland deaf men's soccer team are in the final preparation stages for next month's 2011 European Deaf Football Championship Finals in Denmark.
The Irish lads have been drawn in a tough group containing tournament favourites Russia, hosts Denmark and dark horses Belgium.
Ireland impressed at the previous European finals in Portugal 2007, securing a 3rd place finish in the process.
Ireland deaf men's soccer director Sean Herlihy is looking forward to the tournament, saying: 'The lads have been working hard and are on a good run of form - undefeated for almost two years and with good performances in qualifying.
'We are under no illusions about how tough the competition will be, with the 12 top European nations in attendance, but we will give it our best shot and expect to contend strongly for silverware.'
The Ireland squad has a useful blend of seasoned campaigners mixed with exciting youngsters. Captain Darren Dunne plays for Arsenal deaf FC, whilst players like record goalscorer Joseph Watson, Richard Dougherty and Roy McKee have all played at the top tier of League of Ireland/Irish League soccer.
Flying winger Andrew Wynne will also have a big part to play whilst teenagers Sean Young, Kevin Dudley and Jason Maguire are exciting up and coming prospects in what is a strong squad with fierce competition for places.
The Ireland deaf men's soccer team are in the final preparation stages for next month's 2011 European Deaf Football Championship Finals in Denmark.
The Irish lads have been drawn in a tough group containing tournament favourites Russia, hosts Denmark and dark horses Belgium.
Ireland impressed at the previous European finals in Portugal 2007, securing a 3rd place finish in the process.
Ireland deaf men's soccer director Sean Herlihy is looking forward to the tournament, saying: 'The lads have been working hard and are on a good run of form - undefeated for almost two years and with good performances in qualifying.
'We are under no illusions about how tough the competition will be, with the 12 top European nations in attendance, but we will give it our best shot and expect to contend strongly for silverware.'
The Ireland squad has a useful blend of seasoned campaigners mixed with exciting youngsters. Captain Darren Dunne plays for Arsenal deaf FC, whilst players like record goalscorer Joseph Watson, Richard Dougherty and Roy McKee have all played at the top tier of League of Ireland/Irish League soccer.
Flying winger Andrew Wynne will also have a big part to play whilst teenagers Sean Young, Kevin Dudley and Jason Maguire are exciting up and coming prospects in what is a strong squad with fierce competition for places.
