Ireland Blind team impress in Euro Challenge Cup

Blind Team.jpeg

Ireland Blind team impress in Euro Challenge Cup

The Republic of Ireland national blind football team finished in second-place at the IBSA Blind Football Euro Challenge Cup in Poland, last weekend.
14th May 2018

Alex Whelan's side lost 1-0 to the hosts in the Final, to cap off an excellent weekend for the side.

Playing in Group A of the six-team tournament, Ireland lost their opening game 1-0 to Poland, before a 1-1 draw with Switzerland. Donnacha McCarthy's goal against the Swiss was enough to send the team through to the semi-finals.

In the last four, Ireland were pitted against top-seeds Hungary, and reached the final with a penalty shootout win after a scoreless draw. Matthew Kearney was the hero, scoring the decisive kick.

In the Final, Ireland came up against Poland once more, but the result was the same as in their opening game, as the hosts ran out 1-0 winner to win the third IBSA Blind Football Euro Challenge Cup

Republic of Ireland squad: Donnacha McCarthy, Paul Costello, John Doherty, Darragh Stakelum, John Doherty, Matthew Kearney

Backroom team: Alex Whelan (Head Coach), Stephen Bolger (Asst Coach), John O'Brien (Asst Coach), Darren McGarry (Goalkeeper and Coach), Sean O'Connell (Goalkeeper and Coach)