IAFA 1-0 Granville Rangers - Aviva Stadium

Members of the IAFA with Paddy Power at the Aviva Stadium

The IAFA beat Granville Rangers, 1-0, at the Aviva Stadium last night in front of a crowd of 14,376. The two sides played an exhibition match during the half-time interval of the Republic of Ireland's International friendly against Oman. The showpiece event was marred by controversy, however, as Paddy Power, proud sponsor of the IAFA, making his first and last ever appearance for Granville Rangers, saw red in the closing stages of the game. Craig Dowling put the amputees in front. Garry Hoey flighted a ball forward, Dowling controlled it and calmly slotted it past the keeper. Clearly frustrated by his team falling behind, as well as, the speed, skill and athleticism of the amputees, Paddy Power picked up the ball inside his own half and drove forwards. Power shifted the ball from right to left leaving a string of amputees in his wake. The referee sounded his whistle but Power continued his mazy run regardless. He coolly finished past keeper Owen Casey only to have the goal chalked off as the referee showed him a straight red card. FIFA are awaiting the referees match report but it is expected that Power will be handed a lengthy ban as a result of his violent conduct during the game, one possibly in excess of the four month ban that was given to Luis Suarez for his bite on Giorgio Chiellini. Watch the controversial incident on our Facebook page or Twitter feed.

Reporting on last night's International friendly, Newstalk's Off the Ball presenters said the following of the IAFA and their half-time showpiece:
 

Their athleticism is absolutely ridiculous. these guys are getting around the pitch at a ferocious speed and the touch and the control they have on their feet, is just, it's actually incredible to behold. We're all speechless here in the pressbox.


Off the Ball, Newstalk

The IAFA would like to sincerely thank Paddy Power and Granville Rangers for participating in the game last night. We would also like to thank Oisin Jordan and the FAI for gifting us the opportunity to showcase our sport on the National stage. Preparations continue for the Amputee World Cup in Mexico in November. Come on you Amps in Green!!