Irish Deaf Sports Association

Ireland Football Squad to face Slovakia
23rd August 2010

Joint manager Rino Gilgione & Thomas Coyle named a 17-man squad for the Euro 2011 2nd leg qualifiers againist Slovakia at Bratislava on Saturday 11th September. Ireland impressive won 6-1 at 1st leg match in Dublin last May.

Ireland Squad:

Leinster (7)
Darren Dunne (Arsenal DFC, London, UK)
Kevin Dudley (Shamrock Rovers FC, Dublin)
Andrew Wynne (Mellows Boys F.C, Dublin)
Damien McMahon (St Vincents DFC,Dublin)
Eamon Byrne (Freebooters FC, Kilkenny)
Roy Keating (St Vincents DFC, Dublin)
Colm Keogh (Lorcan Celtic F.C, Dublin)

Munster (6)
Eoin Burns (Fulham DFC, London, UK)
Jason Maguire (St Vincents DFC, Dublin)
Michael Walsh (Dungarvan United F.C, Waterford)
Joseph Watson (Waterford Crystal F.C, Waterford)
Paul O Callaghan (St Vincents DFC, Dublin)
Jonathan Cosgrave (Knockainey FC, Limerick)

Ulster (4)
Mark Sinclair (Doncaster DFC, East Midlands, UK)
Noel O’Donnell (Bonagee United FC, Donegal)
Richard Dougherty (Queens University FC, Belfast)
Roy McKee (Belfast Deaf United FC, Belfast)

Management Team
Seán Herlihy IDSA Director of Football
Rino Giglione/Thomas Coyle Joint Manager
Geoffrey Foy Assistant Manager
Jamie Wilson Coach
Barry Kennedy Physio
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Men's Football Training & Friendly Match
23rd August 2010

Ireland 1 -1 Bray Wanderers U21

The Ireland Deaf Men's Football team continued their preparations for their European Deaf Football Qualifier 2nd leg match against Slovakia in Bratislava next month by holding a weekend training camp/preparation match in Dublin on 14th/15th August.

The weekend of 14 & 15th August was well attended by the players as they sought to get back down to business after the summer break. Saturday consisted of a 4 hour training session which focused on fitness and tactical work with a team meeting held later that evening. Sunday saw a 11am kick-off against Bray Wanderers U-21 team at AUL which was always going to provide a tough challenge for the Irish lads.

In sweltering conditions Ireland began confidently with some good possession football. Andrew Wynne and Joseph Watson were linking up well on the right hand side as Ireland sought to gain the advantage. There were early half chances for Mark Sinclair and Wynne before Jonathan Cosgrove volleyed over after the Bray keeper did well to block Watson's powerful shot.

The Irish defence was well marshalled by Roy McKee and Noel O'Donnell although keeper Michael Walsh had to be alert to make a fine save in the 21st minute after a quick break from Bray following an Irish corner. With Eamon Byrne and in particular Eoin Burns dominating the central midfield exchanges and full-backs Damien McMahon and Paul O'Collaghan pushing forward at every opportunity the Irish were well on top. They had the ball in the net on the stroke of half-time - Watson teeing up Mark Sinclair to fire home but a disputed offside flag saw the goal ruled out. So after a stalemate but positive first half Ireland continued to up the tempo as the second period commenced. A succession of early corners signalled their intent and it was no surprise when Sinclair converted a fabulous overhead kick into the bottom corner in the 50th minute after Watson and Wynne created the opening, to put Ireland 1-0 ahead.

Ireland looked comfortable at this stage keeping possession well and forcing Bray onto the back foot. It was a major surprise and against the run of play when Bray equalised after 65 minutes. A fast break and cross from the left flank saw the ball rebound unluckily off an Irish player and into the net to make the score 1-1. This appeared to provide Bray with increased confidence and the last 20 mins saw chances for both teams. Sinclair, Chris Corcoran, Stephen Miller and O'Donnell from a header all went close for the Irish whilst Ryan Lewis headed off the line at the other end. Jason Maguire almost provided a late winner with 7 mins remaining with a fine run down the left flank but his cross was blocked for a corner.

The game finished 1-1 and this was a creditable result for Ireland Deaf and manager Rino Giglione described himself as satisfied with the run-out. The lads worked really hard, we played some terrific football, we just have to work on our consistency and a couple of other areas as we continue to develop but we go to Slovakia high in confidence. On behalf of the players and management Giglione thanked football director Sean Herlihy and IDSA for facilitating the weekend and also expressed appreciation to Bray Wanderers and the FAI for their assistance.
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FAI AGM & Football Festival week
23rd August 2010

Ireland futsal team invited to play a friendly match against Wexford Youth for part of FAI festival football week on Monday 16th August. They lost the match and then the team was greeting met by John Delany FAI CEO, David Blood FAI President, Packie Bonner and Ray Houghton.

Click here to view photos
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IDSA Vice-President Resigned
23rd August 2010

It is with much regret to announce that Ken Taylor has resigned as the IDSA Vice-President for personal reasons.

He has served on the Executive Committee the past few years, We are indebted to him for his loyal and sterling support to IDSA.

He leaves us with our best wishes in the future.

IDSA President
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Ireland Golfer came home with 2 medals
23rd August 2010

IDSA would like to congratulation to Alan Wilton won bronze in Men Senior and Cathy McCormack & Siobhan Curran won Silver in Ladies Team competition for 8th World Deaf Golf Championship on 9-13th August at St. Andrews, Scotland.

It was no easy place to play but the team did Ireland proud. Well done.

Click here for the result

Ireland Team photo
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World 1st U21 Basketball Championship
23rd August 2010

Ireland Under 21 Basketball Team participated in the 1st U21 World Basketball Championships in Poland, this appearance was a first for the Irish Deaf Sports Association! The team trained four times a week under Paul O Callaghan and Orla Dempsey however nothing could have prepared us for the high standard at the World Championships.

With Sweden, Russia and Belarus in our group, we were facing a tough tournament, with possibly large scoring margins. We accepted this fate but our aim for the tournament was to counteract different offensive and defensive tactics, employ different defending skills and most importantly, learn from the best. The team did just that, they emerged from the championships a new team, hungry to learn more despite being in the bottom of the tournament.

On behalf of the players and management staff, I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to those who supported us from the very start especially the staff at Basketball Ireland and Irish Deaf Sports Association. A kind word of support goes a long way! Keep supporting us!


'Results and videos can be found on this website; http://www.dibf.org/