Ireland Deaf team edged out by Russia

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RT Sport: Ireland Deaf team edged out by Russia


The Ireland Deaf Men's Football team impressed in their opening European Deaf Football Championship group match in Denmark, going down to a 1-0 last minute penalty defeat against pre-tournament favourites Russia.

This was a game the Irish lads dominated for long periods playing some excellent football but luck deserted them at crucial stages.

The Irish started brightly with Andrew Wynne seeing two early shots blocked and Eoin Burns driving wide from the edge of the box after a good team build up.

Ireland suffered a blow losing the experienced Dougherty to injury after 15 minute, although replacement Bobby McAra had a rock solid game at right back throughout.

Russia came more into the game in the latter stages of the first half but expert defending from Roy McKee, Noel O'Donnell and Stuart Foy restricted them to long range efforts.

Indeed for Foy, Ireland's most capped player with 82 appearances today's occasion saw him break yet another record, becoming the eldest person in history to wear the Ireland Deaf International Jersey. Foy's performance throughout the 90 minutes was simply inspirational.

Ireland almost took the lead on the stroke of half time, a great ball from Sean Young put Mark Sinclair clean through with only a last ditch tackle blocking the wingers shot at the expense of a corner.

They went close again from this set-piece, Young's well struck shot forcing a great save from the Russian keeper. The half ended 0-0 and it was Russia who threatened briefly on the restart but Keeper' Mike Walsh dealt well with the danger.

The period from the 50th minute to the 80th saw a great spell of pressure from the Irish. They tackled like men possessed and pinned Russia back inside their own half.

Darren Dunne was outstanding controlling the midfield battle with Joe Watson playing well and driving his team forward with a succession of pinpoint passes.

Half-time substitute Brian Babb was excellent, his pace constantly troubling the Russian defence. Burns played intelligently on the left flank nullifying the Russian widemen as Ireland dominated.

Babb made an excellent run in the 55th minute shooting agonisingly just past the post with Young having a close range goal-bound shot blocked 5 minutes later.

Wynne went even closer from a 20 yard free-kick that flicked the wrong side of the post and further shots from Watson, Babb and Young just missed the target as the Russian goal led a charmed life. From a rare Russian counter-attack in the 80th minute Irish keeper Walsh made a fabulous one-handed save to keep the scores level.

As the game entered its final minutes Ireland poured forward and Watson connected perfectly with a half volley from the edge of the box which the Russian keeper managed to parry. Centimetres to either side or the ball would have rocketed into the net. With Russia seemingly content with a draw a hopeful punt forward into the Irish box in the final minute saw the Russian centre forward take a tumble and to Ireland's dismay the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Russian converted and the final whistle sounded giving Russia an undeserved 1-0 victory.

Irish Manager Rino Giglione said he was pleased with the display if not the result. 'We can take many positives from the game and build from this, the mood in the camp is upbeat, we played very well and now we know we have nothing to fear against the best sides in this tournament.

'We are fully now fully focused on Thursday's match against Belgium and 3 points will put us right back in the reckoning'.

 

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Irish deaf team overcome Belgium

RT Sport: Irish deaf team overcome Belgium

The Ireland Deaf Men's football team secured a vital 2-1 victory over Belgium in their second group match at the European Championships in Denmark.

This was a hard-fought, physical encounter and the Irish displayed admirable grit and determination to come out on top.

An expert first half Joseph Watson penalty and a superb second half header from Brian Babb proved the difference with the Belgian reply coming deep into injury time.

Ireland opened brightly with Watson heading over from a good Bobby McAra delivery on six minutes, with Babb, Watson and Sean Young looking a threat every time they received possession. It was no surprise when Ireland took the lead in the 25th minute.

Stuart Foy played an excellent long ball that was flicked on by Young. Babb's explosive pace saw him sprint clear of the Belgian defence and round the Keeper' only to be dragged down by a professional foul - the resulting red card reducing the Belgian's to 10 men.

Watson coolly dispatched the spot kick for his 49th International goal and Ireland were 1-0 ahead.

With the Irish on top Young and Babb struck the woodwork twice in a matter of seconds in the 30th minute and Stephen Millar went agonisingly close from Foy's 33rd minute cross.

The game took another twist as the interval beckoned, Ireland were reduced to 10 men as Young received a second yellow card. This seemed to boost the Belgians morale and Irish keeper Mike Walsh had to be alert to save low to his left in the 42nd minute.

And so it was 1-0 to Ireland at half time and it was Belgium who began brighter in the second half. The Irish defence was resolute in this period of pressure. Noel O'Donnell won everything in the air with captain Darren Dunne intelligently sweeping everything that came his way.

Foy had a good 45 minute with his replacement Brian Daly also impressing.

Bobby McAra also excellent throughout the 90 minute. Ireland doubled their lead with a counter attack goal in the 55th minute. Daly went on a surging 70 yard run down the left flank and his pinpoint cross was brilliantly headed into the top corner from 12 yards by Babb at full stretch.

The remaining minutes were all about Ireland consolidating the result and they did this well. The midfield of Maguire, Watson, Burns and Wynne worked their socks off, preventing Belgium creating chances.

Babb had an excellent game, playing the last 55 minute as a lone striker and working tirelessly for his team. With the seconds ticking away Belgium summoned one last effort and Walsh produced an outstanding 1 on 1 save in the 89th minute. This was to prove priceless as Belgium did pull a goal back with virtually the last kick of the game to leave the final score 2-1 to Ireland.

Manager Rino Giglione expressed his satisfaction after the match. 'We came here today to do a job - get the 3 points and move on to the next match. Today was a battle but the lads deserve great credit for their work rate and determination,' he said.

Ireland play Denmark in their final group match on Saturday and they know a victory will see them safely through to the quarter-finals.

Ireland will face Denmark on Saturday at 6pm, Irish time. Follow live commentary at Irish Deaf Sports facebook.

 

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Denmark 2-3 Ireland

RT Sport: Denmark 2-3 Ireland

Ireland secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2011 European Deaf Football Championships courtesy of an entertaining 3-2 victory over host nation Denmark on Saturday night.

Ireland demonstrated tremendous character in the face of adversity, twice coming from behind and playing the last quarter with 10 men.

Backed by a vocal large home crowd, Denmark began on the front foot.

An early 25-yard shot flashed wide of the Ireland goal, before the Danish team were awarded a penalty in the ninth minute.

Despite Irish keeper Mike Walsh's superb save from the spot kick, the rebound was hammered home to put Denmark in the ascendency.

Ireland responded positively and created chances of their own, forcing a deserved equaliser in the 22nd minute.

A dream training ground set-piece routine was perfectly executed, Joe Watson and Andrew Wynne creating the opportunity for Eamon Byrne to steer a cracking drive low into the bottom corner from 20 yards to level at 1-1.

The match continued with end to end action at breathtaking speed.

Walsh saved well after 28 minutes before Wynne shot narrowly wide from a clever Brian Babb cross.

It was the hosts who regained the lead in the 36th minute.

A cross from the right flank was finished to the net from close range to make the score 2-1.

Once again the Irish response was immediate and decisive, drawing level within two minutes.

Babb powered through the Denmark defence and his perfectly-weighted pass sent Mark Sinclair clear, the striker confidently dispatching the ball past the advancing keeper for 2-2.

The interval allowed the crowd to get their breath back but the second half was every bit as exciting.

Babb headed over from a corner in the 47th minute and soon after Byrne's 25-yard piledriver was tipped over by the Danish keeper' at full stretch as Ireland started the second half well.

Denmark hit the woodwork in the 57th minute and Sinclair almost scored at the other end from Babb's cross on 59 minutes.

Ireland were then reduced to 10 men with almost 20 minutes remaining - O' Donnell receiving a second yellow, but this misfortune only seemed to inspire Ireland to greater heights.

Ireland the hit the woodwork twice inside four minutes.

First Babb's stunning left-foot shot from 30 yards rattled the post, Sinclair's shot from 12 yards suffering a similar fate in the 83rd minute.

The match-defining moment on 87 minutes was a goal of the highest quality.

Sinclair won a free-kick 25 yards out and Wynne from a tight angle curled a fantastic shot into the far top corner to put Ireland 3-2 ahead and spark wild celebrations from the Irish contingent.

 

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Narrow defeat for Irish deaf soccer team

RT Sport: Narrow defeat for Irish deaf soccer team


The Ireland Men's Deaf soccer team exited the European Championships at the quarter-final stage after losing to Great Britain 4-2 after extra time.

Two excellent goals from Brian Babb, some stunning saves from Michael Walsh and heroic defending from a patched up Irish defence proved in vain as Great Britain ultimately recorded a deserved victory.

The match began at a fast tempo with some good quality football. Mark Sinclair had the first chance for Ireland but his eight minute shot was blocked whilst Eamon Byrne saw a well struck shot drift wide moments later.

At the other end Great Britain had a chance of their own but their centre forward headed over when well placed. The game continued to be evenly contested until the 25th minute when Ireland struck the first blow. Good work from Stuart Foy and Byrne sent Babb clear and he cut in from the left touchline before delicately chipping the advancing keeper for a superb goal.

Both teams had chances in the remaining minutes of the first half with some good play by Andrew Wynne and Joe Watson as Ireland threatened.

After the interval and Ireland suffered a blow when Stuart Foy was forced off with injury with Sean Young entering fray. Keeper' Walsh saved well on the restart, whilst Babb had a decent penalty appeal waved away on 53 minute. The young striker did double his tally however on 59 minute when he pounced on a defensive mix-up to fire home another fine 20 yard shot into the bottom corner for Ireland's second goal.

The game's biggest turning point soon followed however. Irish defender Roy McKee made a confident tackle inside his own six yard box but to everyone's amazement the referee pointed to the penalty spot. The kick was duly converted and at 2-1 GB was back in the game. Ireland was also suffering an injury crisis at this stage. Sinclair hobbled off with a leg injury and five other players were walking wounded.

GB exerted some pressure and the equalizer followed in the 74th minute although most observers felt the goal was well offside. Ireland did hold out for extra time and indeed had a golden chance to win the game in the final minute but Daly's shot was blocked from Wynne's great cross.

GB were dominant in extra time as the Irish lads were out on their feet. Two early goals settled the contest but Ireland to their credit kept plugging away and had late chances through Watson and Sean Young.

The overworked Walsh had a superb game. Richard Dougherty, McKee and Foy gave heroic performances whilst playing through the pain barrier, Bobby McAra also emerging with credit.

The Irish midfield of Byrne, Wynne, Watson and Dunne all worked hard with Sinclair also doing well before retiring injured. Babb gave another sparkling performance taking his goals with supreme confidence. Substitutes Young, Daly and Burns also had good moments when introduced.

 

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Ireland deaf team finish on a high

RT Sport: Ireland deaf team finish on a high

Joe Watson's 50th goal in 60 international appearances capped a superb Ireland Deaf performance as they defeated Holland 3-1 to finish in seventh in the 2011 European Deaf Football Championships in Denmark.

The youthful Irish team began confidently, dominating possession from the outset and they had a couple of early chances even before Mark Sinclair put them 1-0 up in the 10th minute with a fine individual goal.

Ireland continued to control proceedings but the Dutch drew level at 1-1 with a fortunate 31st minute penalty and it remained that way until half-time despite some impressive Irish build-up play.

Ireland began the second half at whirlwind pace, consistently pegging the Dutch back with some fine interchange football. There were chances for Kevin Dudley and Brian Babb before Watson hit his half century of international goals with a delightful strike, lobbing the keeper from 18 yards after latching onto Noel 'O Donnell's long throw for a 2-1 lead.

The Irish continued to sparkle and Sean Young made it 3-1 soon afterwards with a stunning 20 yard free-kick after a surging run from Stephen Millar. Despite some late Dutch pressure the Irish defence held firm for a deserved 3-1 victory to finish the tournament on a high note.

In what was a fine team performance keeper Walsh again made two crucial saves when necessary. Millar was superb at right back with O'Donnell playing well on the opposite flank.

Captain Darren Dunne read the game extremely well for 90 minutes, turning in a great performance, while centre back partner Bobby McAra received the Man of the Match verdict from most observers.

Kevin Dudley continues to get better with each game he plays and impressed on the right flank, with Jason Maguire also showing some good touches before injury forced him off.

Eoin Burns covered every blade of grass as always with a fine showing with 17 year-old Sean Young in sensational form alongside him.

Sinclair and Babb linked well together in attack, giving the Dutch defence a torrid time with Watson coming off the bench to strike a goal that will live long in the memory and also contributing significantly to the team victory.

The win was the perfect send-off for manager Rino Giglione who was immensely proud of the performance, particularly with the emerging talented pool of youth players which will surely ensure a bright future for Ireland Deaf Football.

The management team also thanked IDSA for all their assistance as well at the FAI for supporting deaf football. Team sponsors, particularly Bewleys Hotel Dublin Airport, also received special praise.

The squad also gave thanks to all the fans who supported the team throughout the tournament.