Irish Deaf Sports Association

Ireland Deaf Football Training - Curragh Army Camp
24th March 2011

The latest (18-20 March) Ireland Men’s Football training camp in preparation for this Summers European Deaf Football Championships in Denmark was training with a difference. The large turnout of 20 players travelled to Curragh Camp in Co. Kildare. The objectives were to experience tough physical training and gain new perspectives in motivation/team bonding initiatives. It proved a terrific experience for all involved.

The squad arrived on the Friday evening and in true army fashion each player had to make their own bed in the accommodation quarters. It was then lights out at 10pm in preparation for a 7am start the next morning. The dawn wakening didn’t seem to bother the Irish lads and after a quick breakfast they were raring to go. The first task on the Saturday was an orienteering course. The players were split into teams of 5 and had to visit various locations across the vast Curragh plains in a 90 minute stint to complete the task. Next followed a tough indoor gym session where the players had to work in teams to complete a variety of objectives. A quick lunch and then it was on to the highlight of the weekend the daunting obstacle course. This was not for the faint hearted. Sprinting over Iron fences, climbing over 15 foot walls and 2 story high nets, crawling along dark concrete tunnels and meadows - some of the players completed activities they thought were beyond them. To everyone’s credit they kept battling away and no-one gave up – qualities that will stand them in good stead in the heat of battle in Denmark. It was a tired but contented group of footballers that settled down for the night with everyone fast asleep at 10pm.

Another 7am start on the Sunday morning followed. The first session after breakfast was more indoor gym training followed by a challenging pool session. Players had to work extensively in water races and some overcame their fears with deep diving practice. Lunch was then followed by an interesting visit to the Army military museum and then the players departed for home.

The Irish Deaf Football team would like to extend its extreme gratitude to the Defence Forces for affording them the opportunity of participating in the training activities at Curragh Camp. Particular mention goes to Capt. Shane Courtney for organising the weekend. Ireland Deaf manager Rino Giglione thanked the army for its help and commented that the players enjoyed the training immensely and it should add tremendous value to the preparations for Denmark.
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EDSO Men Football Ranking
2nd March 2011

Latest EDSO Ranking for Men Deaf Football...

1) Germany 3040 (points)
2) Great Britain 2913
3) Ukraine 2130
4) Russia 1815
5) France 1793
6) Ireland 917
7) Turkey 500
8) Italy 474
9) Denmark 454
10) Belgium 152
11) Holland 135
12) Poland 80
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Training Camp For Men Football at Belfast
24th February 2011

The Irish Deaf Men Football will be in Belfast on this weekend for training camp. This camp is for preparations for the 2011 European Deaf Football championships in Denmark this Summer. They will play friendly match against Crusaders/Newington on Saturday at Crusaders Seaview Stadium, Shore Road, North Belfast BT15 3QG.... Kick-off is 6.30pm.

Admission is free!! Good luck to lads :)
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Richard Dougherty awarded FAI Player of the Year 2010
7th February 2011

County Down native Richard Dougherty was this year’s recipient of the FAI’s Football for All Player of the Year award at the 3/FAI International Soccer Awards held at the RTE studios tonight, Sunday.

Ian Rush & Richard Dougherty

Richard Dougherty has been a great servant to Irish Deaf Football since making his debut over a decade ago.

Blessed with terrific pace, natural ability, creativity and a fantastic work ethic, Richard has always been an automatic choice in the Irish first eleven and his versatility has seen him play in every outfield position to aid the Irish Cause.

Richard has been part of the Irish team that has won medals at major European Championships (2007) and Deaflympic (2001) finals and such is his impressive ability he has played at the top level of Irish League mainstream football as well as enjoying a two year stint playing semi-professional football in Australia.

Richard has enjoyed an outstanding 2010 which has seen Ireland deaf go through the year unbeaten. This included victories over mainstream teams such as Monaghan Utd u-20 and Immaculata FC (NI Junior cup champions for last 3 seasons), as well as an emphatic two leg 9-1 aggregate victory over Slovakia which saw Ireland qualify for the 2011 European Deaf football championships in Denmark next summer where the Irish are expected to contend strongly.

Richard is approaching is 50th competitive International cap - a landmark he will reach in Denmark barring injury.

Richard is an excellent role model for young players - fiercely committed with a great attitude; he leads by example and always encourages those around him. Congratulations Richard!

Seán Herlihy, Irish Deaf Football Director
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Men Football; Training camp on 26th & 27th February
7th February 2011

There is training camp for Men Football Team at Belfast on weekend of 26th February. The players will have been aware of this date from before Christmas and so the management team expect full attendance.

The agenda for Belfast is a little different to previous training camps:

Saturday 26th February:
12:00pm Players to arrive at Holiday Inn Belfast
12:30pm Travel to Blanchflower
1:00pm Light ball-work training & tactical work
3:00pm Sandwiches & tea/coffee (return to hotel)
4:30pm Head to Crusaders football stadium
6:00pm Match against Crusaders 1st team squad players & reserves (top Irish league team)
8.15pm Return to hotel
9:00pm Dinner (& brief team meeting)

Sunday 27th February:
8:00am -9:00am Breakfast
10:00am Pool & gym is open for light work
11:15am Travel to Blanchflower for training
11:30am Ball-work training & discuss any tactical problems from match previous night (management will speak to every player individually about progress while training is ongoing)
1:30pm Sandwiches & tea/coffee
2:00pm Home

The match on the Saturday night is going to be very tough. We are basically playing an Irish league team on their own pitch and they will have a large home support. The game is generating a lot of interest and there is likely to be TV cameras and lots of media reporters. It is very important we give a good performance. Any player who is lacking fitness or form will struggle against this high standard opposition. It is important everyone continues to work hard on their fitness and sharpness over the next 3 to 4 weeks.

We will train on grass but the match is on 4G so rubber studded boots should be worn. However it is an excellent surface, FIFA approved and the stadium is top quality and features regularly for live sky sports matches.

One other point. We are aiming to keep to the training schedule sent out before Christmas as closely as possible (to be fair to your clubs).
However, we will be having one extra date - army training on 19th and 20th March in Dublin and we hope as many players as possible attend - but we will discuss this with you all in Belfast.
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FAI International Soccer Awards; Nominations Announced
26th January 2011

The FAI announced the nominations for the 21st Awards for International Soccer.

Current Deaf International, Richard Dougherty, is nominated for Football for All International Player of the Year along with Paddy Coates (Irish Visually Impaired) & Mary Strain (Special Olympics). Since Joseph Watson recieved Player of the Year in 2006, Richard is hoping to become 2nd Deaf player to win the award.

It will be on Sunday February 6th with RTÉ will televise the event live at 8.00pm.

Further information can be found at FAI website

Good luck to Richard.