It was a very successful, event with seven teams from across the country participating including Kildare, Sporting Fingal, Midlands United, and a Clare/Limerick team. The Arena was packed with spectators above and around the courts. After the group stages The Kingdom Rebels (Kerry & Cork) played Sporting Fingal to see who would meet Midlands United or Dun Laoghaire- Rathdown in the Final.

In the final match Midlands United vs. The Kingdom Rebels, Midlands United   took the advantage scoring the first goal in the first half. In a tight game with few chances to score, Midlands United held off The Kingdom Rebels to win the match becoming Ireland’s first national Champions of Powerchair football.
It was an all Dublin battle in the 3rd vs. 4th play off where Sporting Fingal piped Dun Laoghaire- Rathdown.
Other notable performances were Kidare who where unlucky not to progress further after being placed in the stronger group and Clare/Limerick who were competitive despite being a scratch side and playing a player short.

Stephen Devery captain of Midlands United was delighted with his team’s victory and complimented his team mates and opponents after the final.
“There has been a great improvement in the standard of play from all teams on the day. It could be seen that all teams have practiced hard over the months and each player’s individual skill has improved. As a member of Midlands United I have to say we did not win easily as all teams put up a great fight. It was great to have Ricky Stevens from England and the FAI coaches and referees there on the day. They gave good advice on what areas we could improve in and what will happen with powerchair football in Ireland in the future. I would like to thank Mary and Claire (S.I.D.O) from Westmeath/Offaly and our coach Vinnie for their commitment to our team.”

These national Championships bodes well for the future of Powerchair football and plans are in place for a national league starting in September. New Powerchair football clubs are starting all around the country on a monthly basis. If you are interested in taking part in this new exciting sport for Power wheelchair users contact the Association of Irish Powerchair Football at   liam.mcdonough@kerrycoco.ie to find out where is your nearest club?    

Final Stage Results


SEMI FINALS            

1 Midlands Utd                vs     Dunlaoghaire   0
2  Kingdom Rebels (1)      vs       SportingFingal  1

THIRD PLACE PLAYOFF:    

1 Dunlaoghaire        vs      Sporting Fingal  2       


FINAL       
1  Midlands Utd        vs      Kingdom Rebels 0