Ireland host England and Poland in Dalymount Park
The IAFA welcomed England and Poland to Dalymount Park on May 4th and 5th for a series of International friendlies sponsored by Citywest Hotel. The International tournament was held as part of the European Amputee Football Federation's Football Weeks initiative. All three teams, who had finished in the top six at last year's Amputee Football European Championships, competed over the weekend at the original home of Irish football. England emerged as victors, beating both Ireland and Poland, without conceding a goal. Poland finished second, edging Ireland in an edge-of-your-seat encounter which saw both sides throw caution to the wind, in a 6-goal thriller on the final day. The series was a roaring success. Fans flocked to Dalymount to see the boys in green in action. This was the first opportunity Irish supporters have had to see our Irish amputees play on home soil in five years. The games were also streamed live and thousands tuned in both at home and abroad to cheer on their national sides. The IAFA would like to extend its thanks to Citywest Hotel, the FAI and Bohemians FC for their support in hosting this event.
Ireland 0-1 England
Ireland kicked off the weekend against rivals and near neighbours England who last year finished runners-up at the European Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. England showed their class early on and were a goal up midway through the first half. Michael Chambers skipped past three Irish players before laying off to David Tweed who finished past James Conroy. Ireland defended resolutely for the remainder of the game and repelled each English attack unable to create to many clear-cut chances of their own. Garry Hoey made a string of exceptional tackles to keep the English at bay while Irish captain James Boyle endeavoured to get Ireland back into the game. England were awarded a penalty late in the game as Jamie Tregaskiss was taken down by James Conroy. Conroy saved low to his right from Michael Chambers, however, to keep the difference between the two sides to the minimum. The result was a repeat of the European Championship group stage game between these sides last October. Three Irish players also made their debut on the day; Fergal Duffy, Ruairi Murphy and Stuart McCoy each wore the green jersey for the first time against England.
England 2-0 Poland
England played Poland, who had finished third at the European Championships, in the second game of the tournament. Goals from Michael Chambers and Jamie Tregaskiss were enough to secure victory for England.
Ireland 2-4 Poland
The tournament finished on a high with a incredibly entertaining game that produced six goals. Poland, who had earlier lost to England, started the sharper and scored three goals without reply during a five minute spell. With goals from Kristian Kaplon, Dawid Dobrowski and Bartosz Lastowski Poland looked to have Ireland shell-shocked but within minutes Ruairi Murphy had found the back of the Polish net. James Boyle dribbled through midfield before finding Murphy in space who slotted calmly past the Polish keeper. Ireland then further reduced the deficit before the break. Captain Boyle struck low finding the net from range to make it 2-3 at halftime. Ireland pushed for a equalizer in the second half. Christy McElligott came agonizingly close on more than one occasion to meeting crosses into the box and Poland made a number of last ditch tackles to keep Ireland out. Poland were awarded a penalty midway through the half which Fergal Duffy saved. Lastowski was quickest to the rebound, however, and Poland ran put 4-2 winners in a pulsating game.
IAFA International Squad:
James Conroy, Fergal Duffy, Garry Hoey, Sean Óg Murphy, Stuart McEvoy, David Saunders, Kevin Cahillane, Kevan O'Rourke, Neil Hoey, James Boyle (C), Christy McElligott, Ruairi Murphy
Ireland 0-1 England
Ireland kicked off the weekend against rivals and near neighbours England who last year finished runners-up at the European Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. England showed their class early on and were a goal up midway through the first half. Michael Chambers skipped past three Irish players before laying off to David Tweed who finished past James Conroy. Ireland defended resolutely for the remainder of the game and repelled each English attack unable to create to many clear-cut chances of their own. Garry Hoey made a string of exceptional tackles to keep the English at bay while Irish captain James Boyle endeavoured to get Ireland back into the game. England were awarded a penalty late in the game as Jamie Tregaskiss was taken down by James Conroy. Conroy saved low to his right from Michael Chambers, however, to keep the difference between the two sides to the minimum. The result was a repeat of the European Championship group stage game between these sides last October. Three Irish players also made their debut on the day; Fergal Duffy, Ruairi Murphy and Stuart McCoy each wore the green jersey for the first time against England.
England 2-0 Poland
England played Poland, who had finished third at the European Championships, in the second game of the tournament. Goals from Michael Chambers and Jamie Tregaskiss were enough to secure victory for England.
Ireland 2-4 Poland
The tournament finished on a high with a incredibly entertaining game that produced six goals. Poland, who had earlier lost to England, started the sharper and scored three goals without reply during a five minute spell. With goals from Kristian Kaplon, Dawid Dobrowski and Bartosz Lastowski Poland looked to have Ireland shell-shocked but within minutes Ruairi Murphy had found the back of the Polish net. James Boyle dribbled through midfield before finding Murphy in space who slotted calmly past the Polish keeper. Ireland then further reduced the deficit before the break. Captain Boyle struck low finding the net from range to make it 2-3 at halftime. Ireland pushed for a equalizer in the second half. Christy McElligott came agonizingly close on more than one occasion to meeting crosses into the box and Poland made a number of last ditch tackles to keep Ireland out. Poland were awarded a penalty midway through the half which Fergal Duffy saved. Lastowski was quickest to the rebound, however, and Poland ran put 4-2 winners in a pulsating game.
IAFA International Squad:
James Conroy, Fergal Duffy, Garry Hoey, Sean Óg Murphy, Stuart McEvoy, David Saunders, Kevin Cahillane, Kevan O'Rourke, Neil Hoey, James Boyle (C), Christy McElligott, Ruairi Murphy
Ireland place 6th at Euros in Turkey
Ireland finished an impressive 6th at the European Amputee Football Federation's first European Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. The competition that was won by hosts Turkey saw 12 teams from across Europe compete over 7 days for their European ranking.
