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Micheál McCloy and his Futsal teammates took a step closer to the SUDS European championships on Saturday past when they were presented with their teamwear and playing kit. Micheál from Whitecross is competing for Ireland in the SUDS European Futsal Championships in Italy from 3 - 10 September. Various fundraisers have raised well over €12,000 for the team.
The presentation to the Irish Squad was made by team sponsor DHL, in front of family and friends at the Corduff Sports Centre in Blanchardstown. It followed the final team training session before they depart for Padova, Italy on Saturday. There was a lot of attention at the event with RTE Radio and the FAI Media Team in attendance.
The event was opened by Team Captain Josh Hennessy, who welcomed everyone in the hall. DHL Managing Director Bernard McCarthy told those assembled that regardless of the outcome, the team were winners already. It was a magnificent achievement to be part of the first ever Ireland Down Syndrome Futsal team and were to be congratulated for their huge efforts in fundraising everyone had done to get there. He wished the players and coaches every success at the tournament.
The lads have a significant challenge ahead of them – reigning champions Turkey have just completed a ten-day training camp. However, the Irish team has been well prepared by Head Coach Paul Smyth and Assistant Coach Brendan Corish, both FAI Football For All Development Officers. Team preparations will continue when the boys get to Italy at the weekend.
Republic of Ireland Down Syndrome Futsal Squad
Goalkeeper: David Crawford (Co. Donegal)
Defenders: Josh Hennessy (Co. Dublin), Jamie Linden (Co. Louth)
Midfielders: Cian Kelleher (Co. Cork), Micheál McCloy (Co. Armagh), Sean Toolin (Co. Waterford)
Forwards: Daniel O’Reilly (Co. Donegal), Hughie Sweeney (Co. Donegal)
Quoting President Nelson Mandela, team organiser Tessa van Heerden said “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand.” She added that the Irish athletes traveling to the SUDS European Championships, “are inspiration to all of us”.
Micheál finished the day, by presenting a cheque for €12,205.66 to Tessa van Heerden & Sanet Jordaan (organisers for the Down Syndrome team). This sum is a combined total from fundraising events (Coffee Mornings, Draw & Auction & Street Collection) along with donations and sponsorship received from supporters & local businesses.
The support for Micheál has been fantastic.
