A week to remember for Whitecross athlete Micheál McCloy

It was an unforgettable trip for Whitecross man Micheál McCloy earlier this month when he travelled to Italy for the SUDS European Championships finishing the joint top scorer for Ireland. The team stayed in Montegrotto Terme, outside Padua and played their games in Salboro.  Under the supervision of Head Coach Paul Smyth, Brendan Corish and Sean Mulligan the lads put in a magnificent performance in their games against Italy, Portugal & Turkey.

First item on the itinerary, was the opening ceremony in Padua where Team Ireland, led by Futsal Captain Josh Hennessy, paraded with the other participants in the Championships through the streets of Padua.  The teams were greeted with cheers and applause as they made their way through the narrow streets of the Italian City before gathering in the Prato della Valle for the welcoming party.

The team were down to business on Tuesday, playing Italy in their opening fixture.  It was an emotional occasion as the players picked up their first international caps, with many of the Irish supporters desperately trying to hold back the tears as the players belted out the national anthem.  The game finished on a scoreline of 4 – 2 to Italy, the first Irish goal scored by Donegal man Daniel O’Reilly and Micheál McCloy picking up his first international goal alongside his first cap.

Later that day, the Ireland team held out for a magnificent 0 – 0 draw with Portugal, who had beaten tournament favourites Turkey (and eventual winners) 2-1 earlier in the day.  The atmosphere generated by the Irish supporters at the Palazzetto dello Sport, Salboro will live long in the memory.

Over the following days, the team played Turkey and Portugal again., leaving the Irish lads in the 3^rd / 4^th play off final with hosts Italy.

Ireland got off to a fantastic start with an early goal by Donegal ace, Hughie Sweeney with the Italians equalising shortly after.  Ireland kept up the pressure with young Micheál McCloy stepping up to give Ireland a 2 -1 lead soon after.  It was a fantastic goal.  Micheál played the ball out of defence to Waterford man Sean Toolin who beat his marker all ends up, his superb shot forcing a big save from the Italian keeper.  But the South Armagh man made a long run from defence to follow up on the rebound and put the ball in the back of the net.  The crowd went wild, Micheál celebrating with a trademark Ronaldo Suuiii and everyone bracing themselves thinking was a win & a medal possible.

However, Italy got a penalty just before the break to level it at half time.  The Italians eventually won 6-2 in the 3rd/4th place final to claim the bronze medal, Portugal picked up the silver and Turkey with gold.

It was an amazing experience for everyone involved.  The team, from the holy goalie David Crawford (man of the match in the 3^rd / 4^th final), through Captain Fantastic Josh Hennessy, the rock in Jamie Linden, Cian Kelleher, Hughie Sweeny, Daniel O’Reilly, Sean Toolan, Fergus Cosgrove and Micheál McCloy played with incredible skill, heart and courage. 

Micheál thoroughly enjoyed the entire event "It was awesome.  I really enjoyed my football, playing in every game.  The best part was scoring two goals for Ireland and doing the Suuiii afterwards.  I am so proud of my team and singing the anthem with them.  My coaches were cool." the Whitecross man said.

Micheál finished the week with 5 International Caps and 2 goals, joint top scorer for Ireland at the Championships.  No medals but loads of memories.