Deaf Women's Futsal team qualify for Euro Championships

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Deaf Women's Futsal team qualify for Euro Championships

The Republic of Ireland Deaf Women's Futsal team have qualified for their first ever European Championships after playing in a qualifying event in the Netherlands last weekend.
10th Jan 2018

Dave Bell's side played a total of four matches, drawing the hosts 3-3 in their opening match. The Netherlands scored a penalty in the final minute to deny Ireland the win.

The side then suffered two defeats in a row to Germany and Denmark. Germany are the second-ranked team in Europe and were runners-up in the 2014 European Championships, while Denmark's team still had many players who were part of the side who finished second in the 2010 European Championships.

Ireland's final match was against Italy with both teams needing a win to ensure qualification, Bell's side came from behind to lead 3-1 at the break, and went on to win 6-2. The 2018 European Championships to be held in December in Tampere, Finland.

Republic of Ireland Deaf Women's Futsal Squad: Denise Doran, Emma Barrow, Ciana Dunne, Rebekah Grant, Catherine Grier, Sabrina Hanley, Aisling Hanly, Laura Clarke (captain), Carmel Heery, Nathalie O’Brien, Jade Kavanagh, Kirsten Kelly, Shauna Hamilton and Helen Ward