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Micheál McCloy from Whitecross has been selected to represent Ireland on the Downs Syndrome Futsal Team at the SUDS European Championships in Padova (Padua), Italy, this September. It's a huge honour for the 18 year old who has had to overcome so many health challenges over the years.
Micheál attended the Futsal Fun Days in Dundalk in December and Gormanstown in January run by Down Syndrome Ireland Louth Meath branch (coordinated by Tessa Van Heerden and Sanet Jordaan) together with Football for All from the FAI. Other open days were organised in Donegal and Limerick. Following those events, 19 players from across the island were invited to the National Assessments in Blanchardstown in April with FAI Coach Paul Smyth.
From the two assessments eight players were selected to be on the National team, with an extended group for training. Along with 3 from players from Donegal, 1 each from Cork, Waterford, Dublin, and Dundalk, Micheál has been selected by the panel to represent Ireland in Italy.
His father Henry explained how it has been a whirlwind experience for them. "It has been a bit of a whirlwind, to go from attending an open day in Dundalk to training under the supervision of FAI coaches Paul Smyth & Brendan Corish. At present the team and extended player panel meet up every 2 – 3 weeks for training in Blanchardstown. They are put through their paces, skills and teamwork by Paul & Brendan, and they love it. Its brilliant to see the guys work together."
Henry added "Given the shaky start to his life and the significant challenges Micheál has overcome since, never in our wildest dreams did we think he would get the chance to become an International Footballer and represent Ireland.
"Soon after his birth the midwifery team recognised there was something wrong with Micheál and he was transferred to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Daisy Hill Hospital. A few days later, he was taken to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, where under the supervision of Mr Frank Casey, Micheál was diagnosed with Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) – a heart defect in which there are holes between the chambers of the right and left sides of the heart, and the valves that control the flow of blood between these chambers may not be formed correctly." he said.
At 9 months Micheal underwent major heart surgery and the repair and his recovery were so remarkable, it surpassed the expectations of his surgeon, Mr Dennis Gladstone "a man of few words" Henry adds.
Henry continued "That was just the start of long road of a lifetime of health issues, delayed development, and the significant challenges a person with a learning disability has to overcome.
"Nonetheless, we have seen the kindness of many people in Micheál’s life through school, sports clubs, and work. Sport has played a major role in his life (GAA 4 All in Crossmaglen & Derry, Basketball), and football has been a great outlet for him. It has given him the chance to have fun, developing his football skills, teamwork, competition, and make friends are just some that come to mind. Under the supervision and guidance of Jessica, Jack and Derek at Well Lane Warriors, Micheál has excelled at his football." he concluded.
The 2023 SUDS (Sports Union for Athletes with Downs Syndrome) European Championships takes place in Padova, Italy from 3rd – 10th September – hosting teams with athletes with Down syndrome in 8 sports.
Fundraising Night 8 July
To get Micheál and his team mates to Italy, each member must raise approx. €5,000. His family have been doing some fundraising for a few weeks now and the support from the local community and businesses has been brilliant.
The main event coming up is on 8 July with a Charity night, draw and auction. The Charity night is in O’Hanlon’s Bar, Whitecross with music by Kevin Kearney.
The Draw Prizes
1st Prize two nights B&B in Mills Inn Cork
2nd Prize Two All Ireland Hurling Tickets
3rd Prize Armagh Jersey signed by the 2023 Armagh Team
4th Prize Derry Jersey signed by the 2023 Derry Team
+ a whole lot more.
Up for auction one the night is a Kerry Jersey signed by the Kerry Team, Football signed by Kerry star David Clifford & Ireland jersey signed by James McClean, boxing gloves signed by Michael Conlan.
Check out the training session in Dublin in May - twitter.com
