The Ireland CP squad will depart for the IFCPF World Cup in Spain on Saturday with high hopes following some good preparation work.

Led by captain Joe Markey, the squad have been drawn into Group B along with Germany, Thailand and Brazil, with the first game kicking off on Monday, May 2nd in Salou.

The squad have been busy preparing for this tournament with camps completed in September and October last year, as well as March this year. They have also played friendly internationals against Denmark, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Ireland are second seeds in their Group and ranked No 8 in the world, with the top 16 ranked teams qualifying for this tournament.

Head Coach Sean Moore said: “This year’s squad includes first tournament selections for attackers Charlie Byrne, Adam Free and Ryan McCormack. Cormac Birt is also a fantastic addition to the squad, he had been part of the Paralympic squad in 2016. All of these guys have brought something new to an already very experienced squad.

"Joe and Gary recently received recognition for earning their 100th caps, which is something that not many players will achieve in their careers. Other players like Dillion Sheridan, Aaron Teir, Carl McKee, Darragh Ruane, Ryan Nolan and Mark Barry will be attending their third, fourth and, in some cases, even fifth tournament. There is a fantastic bond and togetherness with the players and I believe that that is something that is very important to have heading into tournament football.

"Preparation during the pandemic has been different. We trained in 6-8 week cycles via Zoom, eventually getting back onto the pitch last year. We played matches against mainstream teams and late last year the FAI hosted an in-house International tournament. We fly out this Wednesday, 27th of April, on the back of a strong 20-week long training cycle starting back in November.

"The team is in good spirits and in good form, we are ready and looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Ireland CP Squad
Goalkeeper: Mark Barry
Defenders: Joe Markey, Carl McKee, Alan Moore, Darragh Ruane
Midfielders: Dillon Sheridan, Ryan Nolan, Gary Messett, Cormac Birt, Ryan McCormack
Attackers: Aaron Tier, Charlie Byrne, Adam Free, Josh Treacy

Fixtures
Monday, May 2: Ireland v Germany, KO 8:30
Wednesday, May 4: Ireland v Thailand, KO 14:30
Friday, May 6: Brazil v Ireland, KO 18:30

Click here for more information on the tournament