International Friendly - Ireland Vs. Scotland

Rock Celtic, Blackrock, Dundalk play host to an Amputee Football International Friendly between Ireland and Scotland on Saturday 18th January. The fixture marks the beginning of the 2025 season for both nations who will compete in their respective European Amputee Football Federation (EAFF) Nations League Groups later this year. For Ireland, it is also the beginning of a programme that will culminate in their participation at the World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) World Cup in 2026. A sixth-place finish at the EAFF European Championship in France last year ensured their qualification for Amputee Football’s biggest competition.

Players from Ireland and Scotland have been playing together in the Irish Amputee Football Association (IAFA) National League for the past four seasons. This upcoming International Friendly will be both the first meeting between the two countries at this level, as well as, the first International Amputee Football fixture to take place in Dundalk. The county Louth town is home to IAFA stalworth, Garry Hoey. Garry, who began his football career at Rock Celtic has, since losing his leg, gone on to play for Ireland on 60 occasions featuring at 3 World Cups and 3 European Championships.

The match, proudly sponsored by Van Dijk Architects, is a fantastic opportunity for the IAFA to showcase the sport of Amputee Football and advertise what opportunities are available to amputees and those with limb deficiencies. The IAFA boast a Senior International squad that has competes in major competitions worldwide, a National League supported by League of Ireland clubs, a Junior Academy for amputees aged 6-16, and a development squad for both male and female players who wish to give the game a go.

Kick off at Rock Celtic (A91 HN22) is at 2pm on Saturday 18th January 2025. Entry is free and all are welcome to attend and support the Boys in Green.

Remembering David Saunders

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.
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Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. 

Ireland to face Turkey, Israel & Azerbaijan at Euros

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.