Blog Archives

World Cup Group A: Brazil 2 - 0 Ireland

30/11/2014

Ireland kicked off their debut World Cup campaign this morning against Copa America Champions Brazil. In the warm conditions at Culiacan's Estadio Universitario the Irish pulled off a plucky performance against an experienced Brazil side. Ireland started well and saw a James Boyle strike saved while Kevan O'Rourke flashed a shot wide of the post. A series of Irish counter attacking moves were thwarted by a disciplined Brazilian defense and the Southern American's struck late in the half to take the lead. The second half played out in a similar fashion but the Brazilians were better able to cope with the Mexican heat, they grabbed a second goal towards the end of the game and ran out 2-0 winners. The Irish squad proved, however, that they are more than capable of competing with some of the best teams in the sport. World Champions Uzbekistan who had a convincing 9-0 win over Ukraine await Ireland tomorrow in what is sure to be a thrilling encounter. Uzbekistan may be 3 time World Champions but they've never beaten the Irish! COYBIG!!

2 Comments

The IAFA on RTE Radio 1, Drivetime, 26 November '14

27/11/2014

0 Comments

Following TV appearances on RTE's The Afternoon Show and Morning Edition, the IAFA featured on RTE Radio 1's Drivetime yesterday evening. RTE's Mike McCartney conducted the radio interview at the IAFA's final World Cup training session at Ballymun United on Saturday 22 November. The session was attended by both senior and junior amputee footballers as the youngsters were given the opportunity to train with the World Cup squad and wish them luck in the upcoming tournament. In case you missed it you can listen to the radio interview here.

0 Comments

Staff Profile. Dave Cushen - Physio

26/11/2014

0 Comments

Dave 'Magic Fingers' Cushen

The IAFA's answer to Mick Byrne. Jaffa cakes, raisins, oranges, vaseline, ice, you name it, it's somewhere to be found in Dave Cushen's bottomless bag of tricks. A qualified physio and youth coach, Dave is physio to the first and second teams and manager of the U17s at his hometown club of Ballymun United. Physio to the IAFA, Dave is an essential member of the IAFAs travelling squad and has accompanied the team to England and Poland in the past. Dave's got any knocks and niggles the players pick up covered!

0 Comments

Staff Profile. Kevin Brady - Coach

25/11/2014

0 Comments

Kevin 'Carpet Burns' Brady

You'd think having three 'Kevs' in a squad of 16 would be confusing... it is! but when somebody says 'Kev' they're usually referring to Coach Kevin Brady. A UEFA B licensed coach, this Kev was once a scout for Newcastle United and was also involved with the youth academy at Bohemians. Kev has been involved with the IAFA since 2011. The Gaffer's second in command, Kev is always on hand to offer one of his many pearls of footballing wisdom to the amputee footballers. Vastly experienced, no not old... vastly experienced, with a hands on approach to his coaching, Kev is an integral member of the IAFA's World Cup squad.

0 Comments

Staff Profile. Alan Heary BSc. - High Performance Coach

24/11/2014

1 Comment

Alan 'Once more up and back' Heary

Alan joined the IAFA as High Performance Coach in 2013. He has worked in the fitness industry for over 25 years, has trained both amateur and professional sports teams and has worked with World Super Middle Weight Champion Steve Collins in the past. This year Alan designed a specialised training regime for the IAFA squad to follow in preparation for the World Cup. Alan has also brought a real professionalism to the IAFA setup. A hard task-master, Alan's choice phrases of: 'You're late!' 'Where's your waterbottle?' and 'Once more up and back' are now permanently ingrained in our amputees' minds. Never shy of admitting that he is no football expert Alan has used his own unique set of skills to prepare the IAFA squad both physically and mentally for the challenge that lies ahead.

1 Comment

Staff Profile. Christy McElligott - Manager

23/11/2014

0 Comments

Christy 'The Gaffer' McElligott

Christy is one of the most decorated players in Irish domestic football. He has won league and cup titles and even played in the Champions League. Christy has represented his county at Junior level and more recently as part of the IAFA International squad. Christy was one of the founder members of the IAFA and has worked tirelessly, with Simon Baker, to develop and promote the sport in Ireland. This year Christy hung up his boot to concentrate on managing and coaching the IAFA's World Cup squad. Vastly experienced and exceptionally tactically aware, Christy has used his footballing knowledge to transform the Irish amputees into a cohesive team. Undaunted by the task ahead, Christy is confident in his squad's ability and is looking forward to challenging some of the best teams the sport has to offer.

0 Comments

Player Profile 16. James Conroy - Goalkeeper

22/11/2014

0 Comments

James 'Jacko' Conroy

If Owen Casey is the IAFA's Packie Bonner, then James Conroy is our Shay Given. James joined the squad in 2013 and made his International debut against Great Britain in July. A talented soccer and Gaelic football player James quickly adjusted to his new role between the posts for the Irish amputees. James has worked tirelessly over the past year aiming to become the best goalkeeper he can be. Determined, committed, extremely agile and fit, James has been a fantastic addition to the squad. The Amputee Football World Cup and numerous International appearances await this Navan shot-stopper, who undoubtedly has a long and successful career ahead of him.

0 Comments

Player Profile 11. Craig Dowling - Attacker

21/11/2014

2 Comments

Craig 'Baby Craig' Dowling

Craig joined the IAFA in 2011 and has played in almost every one of the team's International fixtures. This Carlow native is a talented golfer and is well capable of driving a bigger, football too. Craig scored his first goal for Ireland against Germany in 2012. He struck a long-range free-kick past a flailing German keeper, inspiring the team to go on and win the game convincingly. Robbie Brady may be good... but he's no Craig Dowling! Craig can play in midfield, behind a striker or as part of front two. Talented and hard-working, Craig can't wait to have a crack in Mexico and hopes to add to his goal tally while he's at it.

2 Comments

Player Profile 9. James Boyle - Attacker

19/11/2014

1 Comment

James 'Clark Kent' Boyle

By day he's your average, One Direction loving, school-going teenager but come kick-off he's the IAFA's Superman. James follows in a long line of Irish sporting superheroes to have come from Donegal, Packie Bonner, Shay Given and Seamus Coleman Included. The youngest and most naturally gifted player in the squad, James has a keen eye for goal and loves nothing more than to trick and flick his way through opposition defences. James sports an impressive goal-scoring record of 7 goals in 15 International appearances and hopes to add to his tally in Mexico. His only fault is that he's an Arsenal fan!

1 Comment

Player Profile 10. Kevan O'Rourke - Attacker

19/11/2014

0 Comments

Kevan ‘The Kinnegad Klinsmann’ O'Rourke

Kevan joined the IAFA in 2012 and is without doubt one of the most complete footballers on the squad. Kevan’s versatility and ability was underlined when he made his debut for Ireland in Poland in September 2012. In that particular tournament he played at the back, in midfield and up front! In more recent times Kevan has become an accomplished striker and is most comfortable in front of goal. His speed, agility and work rate make him every defender’s nightmare. Kevan is at his best when running at the opposition’s defence and he possesses more twists and turns that the plot of a scary movie! Kevan has lead by example this year and has invested a huge amount of time in his training. His commitment is something to be commended. Kevan is relishing the opportunity to demonstrate his silky skills on the world stage in Mexico!

0 Comments

<<Previous

Categories

Archives