Remembering David Saunders
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Today, 24th April 2024, the Irish Amputee Football Association remembers David Saunders on the one-year anniversary of his passing.
David was one of the original members of the IAFA and was part of the first international squad to take part in a competitive fixture. Between 2012 and 2018, David played 38 times for Ireland, captaining the team on numerous occasions. He scored both of his international goals in the same game, against Germany in 2016, helping Ireland to a 5-3 victory and second place at the Podhale Amp Futbol Cup. He led the team at the first edition of the Amp Futbol Cup in Warsaw, Poland and was an integral part of the first Irish team to participate in an Amputee Football World Cup. David also represented Ireland at the first European Amputee Football Federations’ European Championship in 2017. David also enjoyed a glittering club career with Cork City. He was part of the squad that won the inaugural IAFA National League in 2018 and went on to represent the league at the first EAFF Champions League in Tblisi, Georgia in 2019. David’s Amputee Football career was full of firsts. He paved the way for all those who have donned the green of both Ireland and Cork City since. He was instrumental in working to grow the sport, serving on the IAFA committee, and helping establish Cork City Football Club’s Amputee squad. A gentleman both on and off the field, Dave will forever be remembered by his teammates, and indeed by his opponents for his contributions to the game of Amputee Football, both at home in Ireland and across Europe. David’s family continue to support the IAFA as vigorously as they did while David was a player. In August 2023 Bohemian FC, Cork City and Shamrock Rovers played in Rathmore for the David Saunders memorial shield. The IAFA look forward to the second edition of the competition and another visit to Kerry in Summer 2024 where, together with his family, we will continue to remember our dear friend David. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. |
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Ireland to face Turkey, Israel & Azerbaijan at Euros
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Ireland have been drawn in Group C of the European Amputee Football Federation (EAFF) European Championship taking place from June 1st - 8th in Evian, France. Ireland will face Israel and Azerbaijan in competitive international fixtures for the first time. Reigning World and European Champions Turkey, however, are familiar opponents. Ireland have played Turkey on three previous occasions, including a World Cup Last-16 tie in 2018 and a European Quarter-Final in 2021. While Turkey have prevailed in their three previous meetings, Ireland will hope to cause an upset when the sides meet in June.
