2019 Review: International Teams

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2019 Review: International Teams

There was much to write home about for the Irish affiliate teams who represented the country from Finland to China.
26th Dec 2019

In May, the Irish Powerchair team, led by Head Coach John Moore, finished third in the EPFA Nations Cup in Finland. Two goals in the final minutes by Thomas Donogher saw Ireland beat Denmark 2-1 to claim bronze.

In July, the Men and Women’s College & University teams competed in the 2019 FISU Summer Universiade in Naples, Italy. Team Ireland’s women’s team reached the semi-final of the competition beating world champions Brazil 1-0 on the way before bowing out to North Korea and eventually finishing fourth.

Team Ireland Men also got into the latter stages of the competition reaching the quarter finals where they lost on penalties to Russia. They ended eighth in the tournament.

Paul Breen’s Ireland CP team finished ninth in the world when they competed in the IFCPF World Cup in Seville, Spain in July. Captained by Gary Messett, who reached 110 appearances for Ireland during the tournament, the Boys in Green were victorious over the likes of Finland, Canada, Japan and Germany on their way to a top 10 finish.

The Irish Defence Forces headed to China in October to compete in the World Military Games. Under the guidance of manager Richie Barber, Ireland reached the quarter finals overcoming the USA 2-0 and drawing with Qatar to book a place in the last eight. Their tournament came to end with a defeat against Algeria.