Irish Deaf Sports Association

1st U21 Basketball WC #4
29th June 2010

Ireland 10 - 83 Sweden

Ireland came up against their old friends and current U21 European Champions, Sweden, in their final group match of the World Deaf Basketball Championships 2010, determined to prove they had come a long way since they last met. The Ireland squad had been hit hard by injuries and illness over the previous 48 hours. Captain Carmel Duggan made a swift recovery from a nasty sprained ankle to lead the team out while Ciara Hamilton was restricted to being a supporter due to a touch of the ‘flu.

Sweden got the game started with a fast break and were soon two baskets up. Ireland were determined to put up a good fight and defended their basket admirably, Sweden were finding it hard to break through and Sabrina Hanley managed to grab a basket back for Ireland. Sweden kept pressing forward but found themselves facing a tough Irish defence who were determined to keep the scores down. By the end of the first quarter Sweden were leading 23-5 with the Irish baskets coming from Donna Costigan (1 free throw), and Hanley.

In the second quarter the Irish defence was slowly coming apart as Sweden used all different tactics to pull out players from their position. Ireland had many attempts to bring the score up but unfortunately couldn’t find a breakthrough. Brigid O’Connor and Hanley were both unfortunate to miss free throws while Ciara Moloney got one safely in the basket. The experience of Sweden was proving too much for our Irish girls as half time came, the scores stood at 6-37 to Sweden.
Ireland came out ready to mount a fight-back however, the Sweden defence was staunch and despise numerous shots from Laura McSkane, who was also unlucky to miss free throws, Anne-Marie McGuinness, Duggan and Gemma Lewis-Frawley going close, it seemed the ball would just not go into the net for Ireland. Ireland’s defence was beginning to weary, the introduction of Joanne Chester could not stop the Swedes who managed to finish the third quarter with an increased lead of 57-7.

In the final quarter, Sweden got on a scoring roll and the Irish found it hard to keep up. McGuinness found the basket for Ireland as did Hanley with another free throw as the match finished 10-83. The Irish defence, though tired, was by far stronger than in previous matches and positives can be taken from this game.

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1st U21 Basketball WC #3
27th June 2010

Ireland 4 - 84 Russia

Report to be following....
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10th Swimming EC Day 6
26th June 2010

Morning Report..

With final day for the competitions, only Nora will be doing 200m Freestyle. As usual route, she get up for breakfast, get transport to the pool by bus and did the warm up. With all the experience, she collected during the week, she keen to do a big final push with 200m Freestyle. She was in 3rd & final heat event and finished in 12th place with time of 2.28.48 (new Personal Best). She missed out the final by less than 2 second. Hard luck.

Afternoon Report..

There is no Irish Swimmers take part with afternoon final event but they turned up to watched. At the end, a close ceremony took place and many swimmers exchanged swimming gears as part of memory.

Click here with photos for the championship during the week
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10th Swimming EC Day 5
25th June 2010

Morning Report..

While they enjoyed their free day yesterday, they woke up this morning with a great form for breakfast except Nora because she doesn’t have the morning event but will complete 800m Freestyle final in the afternoon.

With today events, one of the biggest & exciting events will be Men 100m Freestyle as Eoin & Vincent will be involving.

At the pool, both Eoin & Vincent did their warm up and Coach Alan, have a few words with their tactic for the 100m Freestyle. Eoin began his event at 3rd heat and as expected, he finished 1st with the time of 54.92. Next to Vincent, he was in the 5th & final heat and did 57.25.

With overall, only Eoin make it to the afternoon final with 3rd fastest place for while, Vincent finished in 12th place and missed out. Eoin’s rival Luca Germano, Italian, was the fastest!

For afternoon final, Nora will do 800m Freestyle & Eoin will do 100m Freestyle.

Afternoon Report..

While Nora & Eoin have a good short rest and are ready to swim for the final. With many Irish supporters arrive the pool, they are hoping to see two medals winner at the end of today competitions.

At start of event, its 800m women final as Nora is due to swim after finished 4 fastest place last Wednesday from heat. She knows she would require another new Personal Best if she want to win the medal. She finished 4th with time of 10.31.81, a new Personal Best. Alan & her are pleased with the performance.

Next to 100m Men Freestyle final, a big crowd arrived the pool to watch the event. With only under a second different between each swimmer, anyone could win the event.

Once the final started, Eoin make a good started at 25m before he started to struggle up to 50m, where he was in 5th place, while Italian Luca was in 1st. Eoin was still in struggled up to 75m before he managed to swam better and finished fast in 2nd with time of 54.48. Eoin’s rival, Luca won the race.

At one stage, the supporters thought Eoin have blew it but are thriller with Eoin with brilliant finished at the last 25m!

Another medal for Ireland with Silver and many congratulation to him.
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1st U21 Basketball WC # 2
25th June 2010

Report by Ciara Anna Moloney

Ireland 12 - 99 Belarus

We played our very first match today against Belarus today. It's a pity we were beaten by them, but the result wasn't as bad as last year European Championships. From my view as Vice Captain, I thought the girls gave quite a good performance, but I am confident we can do much better in our next match.A

The opening ceremony was also held, I've never felt so proud of us all representing the Ireland team! The whole court was packed with men and women representing their countries. Many basketball officials and highly looked up to citizens from Poland welcomed us all. There was al slso a Polish band as well as Polish dancers.

Was a good day meeting new people and playing for our country!
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10th Swimming EC Day 4
24th June 2010

It is their free day from swimming competitions. As usual, they did their light training session at 10am before they going on tour to Dortmund Football Stadium at 3pm.

Another supporter have arrived hotel and this time it Paul Ryder. He greeted to swimming team and delighted with their performance so far. Most swimmers & Paul arrived the stadium and it turned out with badly organised! A big group of people turned up & they weren't allowed go in the stadium at same time but allowed up to three people at a time only!!! So, they decided to change plan and went to the famous tower to get a view of city of Dortmund.

At evening, they watched the World Cup match and chilling out. ____________________________________________________________________________________
1st U21 Basketball WC #1
24th June 2010

Report by Carmel Duggan

I got up at 4am in morning, I was so wrecked. But I was excited and nervous at the same time. I slept in Sarah-Jane's house and she drove me and two Ciara to the airport. I saw my team dress in match tracksuit, I thought we look si professional and I am so proud of my team. We went on the plane for three hours journey from Dublin to Warsaw airport, and then we got our bags.

We met our guide in the airport, and then we got into the bus for two hours journey to Lublin with Israel Basketball team. My team ans I tried to talk to them as we want to make some more friends. They were nice but shy!

I was so glad to stay in Victoria Hotel as I know that I will enjoy the luxury of the room and food! When we got our keys for our room and we were excited to see the room like. I am sharing with Sabrina, when we reached to our room which is on tenth floor! When we opened our door and were shocked to see how small our room is. I expect better but maybe I expect too much!

We had our dinner, the dinner was nice so I ate them all. We were chilled and chatting with different countries. We had our basketball training at 7pm for an hour. It was easy training as the coach, Orla didn't want us to injury ad we had a long day.
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10th Swimming EC Day 3
23rd June 2010

Morning Report..

The swimmers got up this morning at 7.30am and all were in great form.They were met by their minibus and Alan Turner as they set off for their early morning warm-up swim. The IDSA President and myself along with the team supporters; Mary and John Duggan, Eileen Nolan and her sister and Noel McArdle also joined the team at the pool eagerly awaiting the day ahead.

In the second event of the day, Nora Duggan swam in the 200m Backstroke and did her personal best time, 2.55.65. The Irish team and supporters were delighted with her excellent progress. She got into the final as she finished in 8th fastness place, so we’ll be looking forward to seeing how she progresses later on this afternoon.

With 50m Butterfly, there were four heats and Eoin Nolan was in the same heat at Vincent McArdle. At the 3rd heat, Eoin and Vincent swam in a very fast competitive heat both achieved great times with Eoin finishing on 27.57 and Vincent in 29.17. Some of the times from the other heats were very fast, both the President, Kevin Lynch and myself were trying to work out the times for the top eight fastness for the final and then Alan worked it out before found out that Eoin finished in 9th fastness place. He only missing out on a place in the final by under 1 seconds!!! Both swimmers were happy enough with their times and knew they had done all they could.

Now for the exciting part, Nora swam in the 800m Freestyle. There were two heats and Nora did very well in the long event (16 lengths in a 50m pool). She achieved the time of 10.36.63 which is her new personal best time. Here is the extra bonus, she is in the 4th ranking for the final on Friday afternoon. We all were delighted for her and I could see from her expression, when finding out that she was the fourth fastest in Europe that she was thrilled. We packed her off on the bus with Nora parents, John and Mary, and asked them to ensure she has lunch and a nap while the rest of the squad all walked back to the hotel in lovely sunshine.

After our lunch in a nice cafe beside our hotel, the President and I went back to the hotel where we bumped into three new Irish supporters who just arrived this morning.They are Justin Smith, Nicholas O'Halloran and Mark McLaughlin. We were excited to tell them about Nora's two finals in the afternoon.They are all tired from a long journey but determined to join usthe swimming pool to cheer Nora on this afternoon.
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10th Swimming EC Day 2
22nd June 2010

Morning Report..

All swimmers got up with their top form at 7.30am for a healthy delicious breakfast. Before they departure to the pool, there is a mini bus to bring them to the pool and return in the mornings and same for afternoons everyday, which is handy to let the swimmers save all their energies for the competition.

Nora began with 100m Freestyle at second heat and she keen to avoid repeat with yesterday technical light problem, which cost her 400m Freestyle final on yesterday but it turned out same problem for 100m Freestyle!! This time, at her lane, yellow & green lights came on at the same time, which confused her. EDSO Technical officer, Nel Naaktgeboren-Klein approached the swimming starter and referee then discussed with Nora. We all were so tense and hoping for the best solution for Nora compared to yesterday, as she got no chance with yesterday final. However, Nora was happy to move to third heat and she swam in her personal best time with 1.09.30, meaning that she finished with 11th fastest place and in place for reserve final. We all were delighted for her and admired in how she coped with her unfortunate happening yesterday & today. She is a very positive woman and many other countries official asking me how she was this morning from yesterday's upsetting moment for her. I proudly told them that she is positive and got on with a new day. This made me so proud of her.

Next action for Eoin Nolan and Vincent McArdle with 50m Freestyle. This event is one of few exciting events and anyone could win it. Eoin finished with 4th fastest place with time of 25.16 & in place for this afternoon final, while Vincent finished 14th with time 26.32 and didn't make for final as this event was very competitive with many excellent times. So we are so excited for this forthcoming tensing final in the afternoon with Luca Germano from Italy, Vadim Borovik and Ilya Sarykin, both from Russia. Eoin needs to dive in the pool quicker for the final to get a best chance to win.

Vincent was so disappointed and he knows that he would have done better if he did more training in swimming. However, he was 21 years old yesterday and his Father, Noel surprised him in deciding to join us in Germany yesterday and we celebrated with a birthday cake for him last night.

We will go back to the pool at 2.30pm for the Irish Deaf swimmers to do warm up training and get ready to wave and roar for Eoin's 50m Freestyle final.

Afternoon report

A long slow afternoon again with long wasted time in between each finals again!!

Eoin swam in the 50m Freestyle final. We all were nervous and biting our nails…Aw he finished 4th as it was a very close race with Vadim Borovik, Russia, came 1st with 24.58, Ilya Sarykin, Russia, came 2nd with 24.85 and Luca Germano, Italy, came 3rd with 24.61. Eoin Nolan & Volodymyr Natalchuk, Ukraine came 4th, 25.09. Look at the time as all were going fast to get 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

Naturally, Eoin was so disappointed but he is focusing on more swimming events tomorrow, with 50m Butterfly with Vincent McArdle. Nora Duggan will be doing 200m Backstroke and 800m Freestyle. Watch out for Day Three report!
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10th Swimming EC Day 1
21st June 2010

Postive Start for Irish in Germany....
Morning Report..

On the 1st day of completition, Eoin Nolan & Vincent McArdle began with 200m Freestyle heat. Eoin finished 4th fastness with 2.01.25 and will swim final at afternoon, while Vincent finished 21st with 2.44.74. Then Nora Duggan swam 400m freestyle & she finished 7th with 5.09.06 and will swim final later on. Eoin & Vincent swam another event with 50m backstroke, Vincnet finished 10th with 31.44 & Eoin finished 12th with 32.17. Both didn't make to final. Nora complete final event of the morning with 100m backstroke & she finished 6th with 1.24.78 and place for final.

Afternoon Report..

Another medal winner for IDSA Swimming Team...Eoin Nolan cliamed brone medal for the 200m Freestyle with 1.57.76, Luca Germano, Italy, finished 1st with 1.54.44 & Artur Pioro, Poland, finished 2nd with 1.57.36. Eoin is delighted with it and he look forward with tomorrow 50m Freestyle.

Thing didn't go plan for Nora Duggan..She was about to start 400m Freestyle but the starter light end up with problem and she couldn't completed the final. She was disappointed but didn't stop her to get on with it and focus with 100m Backstroke. She finished 6th with time of 1.26.20 and she was delighted with it.

Irish Swimmers in action tomorrow are: Eoin Nolan (50m Freestyle), Nora Duggan (100m Freestyle) and Vincent McArdle (50m Freestyle).
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Irish Deaf Swimming Squad Arrived Dortmund, Germany
20th June 2010

The Irish Deaf Swimming Squad led by Deirdre Byrne Dunne, Swimming Director, begin its campagn tomorrow at the 10th European Deaf Swimming Championships in Dortmund, Germany where 3 Irish swimmers will be action. The completitions run from Monday 21st to Saturday 26th June in the Sudbad Dortmund.

They checked in Hotel Mercury this morning and have a brief meeting with before they went to pool for a light training session.

Irish Swimmers in action tomorrow are: Eoin Nolan (200m Freestyle), Nora Duggan (400m Freestyle & 100m Backstroke) and Vincent McArdle (200m Freestyle).
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3rd European Deaf Futsal Championship Draw
19th June 2010

The draw for the European Futsal Championship took place at EDSO Congress at Essen, Germany at the weekend.

Ireland are in Group C, along with Holland, Belarus and Cyprus. The Championship will take place in Winterthur, Switzerland on 6th to 14th November.

Group A
Ukraine
Sweden
Scotland
Belgium

Group B
Spain
Bulgaria
Serbia
Turkey
Poland

Group C
Holland
Belarus
Ireland
Cyprus

Group D
Portugal
Norway
Switzerland
Austria
Wales

Group E
Israel
Italy
Slovenia
Moldvia

Group F
Russia
Slovakia
Finland
Denmark

All top two of each group and the four best third place will through the last 16.
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IRELAND HIT SLOVAKIA FOR SIX
31st May 2010

Ireland v Slovakia, 29 May, 3pm Home Farm.

Ireland 6
Wynne 10, 56; Cosgrave 30, 43
McMahon 70; Watson 86

Slovakia 1
Horniak 72

Ireland started their European Championship qualifying campaign with a resounding win over Slovakia at Home Farm FC. Three goals in each half made for a comfortable cushion to take into the second leg in September.

Jonathan Cosgrave marked his first cap with a brace which confirmed his arrival in international football. Andrew Wynne also found his first two goals for Ireland having played in a major championship without finding the net. It was another first with Damian McMahon scoring a stunning strike from outside the box and top goal-scorer Joe Watson finding the net to add to his impressive tally of 46 goals in 53 caps.

The opening goal followed a cross from the left into the edge of the box to Andrew Wynne whose first touch was seemingly drifting away from the goal only to be sweetly struck in off the far post which left the Slovakian keeper, Kuchta, standing.

Ireland’s nervousness in the opening 20 minutes started to fade as they produced some slick football despite the wet pitch, and chances from Watson, Burns and Sinclair went begging.

Slovakia were quick to close down the boys in green with Igor Stefek trying to make his presence felt in the middle of the park. There was very little action in the Ireland box with debutant ’keeper Roy Keating having a quiet first half due to the solid marshalling of defenders McKee and O’Donnell.

The slippery conditions made life on the pitch difficult with fouls being given away by both sides. A long awaited second goal from Ireland finally came when Cosgrave was quickest to react to a loose ball in the 6 yard box and slam home his first goal.

The Slovakians started to press more urgently with the striker Lukas Fabisik making threatening runs that were kept well under control by the Irish defence.

A well taken corner from Wynne was met by Cosgrave who headed in his second of the game. At this point Ireland were the dominant force and a 3-0 lead at half time set up a promising 2 half.

With the second half underway the Slovaks were beginning to show a more aggressive approach to the game after Frantisek Bolebruch getting a yellow card for a late tackle on Wynne.

The Irish were quick on the break when Watson released Wynne with a clever through ball which was slammed home in a determined fashion on 56 minutes.

Slovakia were still pressing for an away goal but every ball was superbly defended by the Irish back line. Slovakia’s centre forward, Hladky, was beginning to look more threatening with his pressing runs.

Another corner for Ireland on 70 minutes was cleared to the edge of the box and met by full-back Damien McMahon who produced a stunning strike for his first ever international goal.

At 5-0 up Ireland started to keep possession but a stray pass was intercepted by Horniak, on 72 minutes, who then surged forward to score an away goal much to the dismay of the boys in green.

Colm Keogh came on to replace Mark Sinclair for his first cap as Ireland kept pressing, looking to increase their tally. They were awarded a free kick just inside the half way line which was taken by Watson. The ball slid past the crowded Slovakian box and landed in the back of the net with Slovakian netminder, Kuchta looking at his defence with disgust having not cleared the ball.

In the remaining minutes of the game, Dudley came on for Burns as Cosgrave almost bagged himself a hat-trick after a fine move beating two defenders and a thunderbolt shot that was saved by the Slovakian stopper. The referee signalled full-time and Irish eyes were definitely smiling as the Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Aine Clancy, made her way onto the pitch to congratulate the boys in green.


Ireland: Roy Keating, Damien McMahon, Richard Dougherty, Roy McKee, Noel O’Donnell, Darren Dunne, Andrew Wynne, Jonathan Cosgrave, Joseph Watson, Mark Sinclair, Eoin Burns.
Subs: Jason Maguire (for Wynne 58 mins), Colm Keogh (for Sinclair 85 mins), Kevin Dudley (for Burns 91 mins).
Subs not used: Michael Walsh, Eamon Byrne, Ryan Lewis, Paul O’Callaghan.

Slovakia: Jan Kuchta, Martin Foltyn, Rastislav Stefanisin, Igor Stefek, Maros Sagula, Frantisek Bolebruch, Tomas Mulik, Marek Hladky, Lukas Fabisik, Michal Teplan, Pavol Baleja.
Subs: Martin Mlady (for Baleja 45 mins), Mario Horniak (for Sagula 65 mins).
Subs not used: Juraj Holeczy, Marek Sos

Comments:

Rino Giglione, joint manager for Ireland:
“After the 1 goal, we were flying, making few mistakes and should have won the game by a much bigger margin. Over the last few weeks the squad have worked hard and the attitude was fantastic. We wont get carried away with the win as we have another leg to play, only disappointment was to give away the goal. Great start for Cosgrave and 1 goals for Wynne and McMahon. Also a first cap for Colm Keogh and keeper Roy Keating”

Slovakian Manager, Ladislav Marko:
“Ireland were very strong, having the majority of the possession, excellent passing. We didn’t like the wet pitch and was not good for us. I felt the referee produced too many cards. We must win 5-0 in the 2 leg to have a chance of qualifying”

Darren Dunne, Ireland Captain:
"Good result for us today. We could have performed better than we did. The fans really played their part by getting behind the team, we worked hard so we wouldn’t let them all down. We could have won by far more goals. Very disappointed to have made one silly mistake that gave away the goal, this could prove costly but we will work hard to ensure it doesn’t. I’m really proud of the team and am confident we can finish the job in September."

Eoin Burns, Ireland:
"Fantastic game, was a great performance by the team. We all worked hard and the team spirit amongst the lads was outstanding. Everyone is fighting for their place in the squad and each individual has improved in order to be selected. It was great to start the match after coming on as a sub in so many previous games, I think I’ve earned my spot but I won’t be taking anything for granted and know I’ll have to work hard to keep it as competition for midfield places is tough. Today’s match was very much a team effort, and our thoughts must now switch to the away leg. It’s only half time."

Roy Keating, Ireland:
"I enjoyed winning my first cap for Ireland today although I was disappointed not to keep a clean sheet. Was delighted to be given a spot in the starting eleven but I know it’ll be tough keeping my place for the away leg as we have another great goalkeeper in Michael Walsh."

Sean Herlihy, IDSA Football Director:
"Superb match and performance from the Irish squad. It was a great day for everyone – the team and supporters too. Am delighted with the result and looking forward to the away leg in September where we will be looking to finish the job off."

Click here for photos for the match by Kevin Mulqueen. More photo will be post in next coming days.
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Brazil DFC are 2010 Emerald Deaf Futsal Champions!!
31st May 2010

Brazil DFC were crowned Emerald Deaf Futsal Champions following a hugely entertaining final on Sunday at Trinity Comprehensive School, Ballymun.

They beat St. Vincents DFC with entertaining semi-final match before beat Belfast DFC in final. Belfast DFC beat South Dublin DFC in other semi-final.

Richard Beattie, Belfast DFC, was player of the tournament, while two Watson brothers, Brazil DFC, claim joisted top scorer.

Click here for results.

Photo will appear in next coming days.
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Men's Football News
26th May 2010

Football Training Camp & Friendly Match at AUL Complex, Dublin

Click here to view the photos for training camp & friendly match.

IMPRESSIVE IRELAND ENJOY MONAGHAN VICTORY

The Ireland Deaf Men’s football team secured a 4-2 win over Monaghan United’s U-21 team at the AUL complex near Malahide yesterday in what was their final warm-up match ahead of this Saturday’s vital European Deaf Football Qualifier against Slovakia in Dublin.

In swelteringly hot conditions Ireland made a confident opening to the game, stroking the ball about the pitch with purpose. Captain Darren Dunne and Eoin Burns were bossing the midfield battle with wingers Mark Sinclair and Andrew Wynne looking comfortable on the ball and breaking forward at every opportunity. Jonathan Cosgrove was proving a handful for the Monaghan defence and Joseph Watson was at the centre of most of Ireland’s good football. Early headers from Cosgrove and Wynne floated narrowly wide but Ireland deservedly took the lead in the 23 minute. Dunne broke forward from midfield and passed to Sinclair whose clever inside ball was hammered into the bottom corner by Watson.

The new-look Ireland defence suffered a few anxious moments as Monaghan pressed for an equalizer with and it required some resolute last ditch defending by Roy McKee and Colm Keogh to keep the lead intact. Monaghan did draw level from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark however, but this simply provided the spark for an Ireland onslaught.

The quality and precision of Ireland’s football from the 30 to the 45 minute was simply awesome. Richard Dougherty and Damien McMahon were distributing the ball well and some delightful one-touch pass and move football had the Monaghan midfield and defence chasing shadows. Wynne and Watson combined to send Sinclair through on goal in the 37 minute and the winger produced a sublime finish to put Ireland 2-1 ahead. With Monaghan reeling Ireland continued the offensive, a fast flowing move in the 40 minute ended with a stunning volley from Watson from Wynne’s cross and the same two players combined moments later allowing Watson to complete his hat-rick with another classy finish to leave a rampant Ireland team 4-1 ahead at half time.

After the break Ireland seemed content to hold onto their advantage, playing possession football but with less intensity than the first period. As a number of substitutions were made Ireland created further chances to extend the lead, Watson’s downward header bounced over the bar, Cosgrove produced a fine save from the Monaghan keeper’ and Paul O’Callaghan saw his shot blocked for a corner after a fine run. Jason Maguire worked hard on the flank, Kevin Dudley and Eamon Byrne showed some neat passing touches and Ryan Lewis was solid in defence.

In the 65 minute Monaghan did pull a goal back from a corner and briefly threatened a revival with Roy Keating coping well with a couple of teasing deliveries. At the other end Richard Beattie played O’Callaghan through only to be flagged for an unlucky offside whilst Chris Corcoran produced a great left wing crossed which almost resulted in a 5 Ireland goal. In the final minute replacement Ireland keeper Stephen Gannon made a fine save from a Monaghan free-kick to leave the final score Ireland Deaf 4 – 2 Monaghan Utd.
The Irish management team were satisfied with the victory. Rino Giglione commented ‘the lads worked hard, we scored 4 good goals and created chances. We also have identified a couple of areas to work on’. Giglione also paid tribute to the positive assistance from IDSA in particular football director Sean Herlihy and the FAI towards the continued development of the Men’s Ireland Deaf Football team.

With the crucial game against Slovakia almost upon us the team would appreciate a huge turnout of supporters to gather at Home Farm FC pitch Whitehall Dublin 9 this Saturday (29 May) for 3pm to cheer the team on.

Deaf footballers met Trapattoni & Senior International Team

Director, Sean Herlihy, & Footballer's Joseph Watson, Eamon Byrne, Andrew Wynne, Kevin Dudley & Jason Maguire went to Ireland Senior Team training ground at Gannon Park, Malahide and met Giovanni Trapattoni & his men. Trap gave them best wishes with forthcoming match against Slovakia.

Click here to view the photo
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IDFF Cup Semi-Final & Final 2010, plus Ireland Trials & Ladies matches
26th May 2010

With final forthcoming IDFF Cup on Sunday 30th May, there will be Men two semi finals and final matches. After semi final matches, there will be 5th & 6th place teams to play trial team, to give Coach Junior a chance to see all players.

After the 3rd match, there will be ladies team A v team B match, to promote the ladies Futsal under grassroots programme before the Men Final due to be play.

Oisin Jordan from FAI, Junior from our National Futsal Coach and Kevin Lynch from IDSA President will do the presentations.

Hit here for fixture list
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IDSA Gen. Secretary Resigned
18th May 2010

It is with much regret to announce that June O'Mahony has resigned as the IDSA General Secretary for personal reasons.

She has served on the Executive Committee the past 31 years, We are indebted to her for her loyal and sterling support to IDSA.

She leaves us with our best wishes in the future.

IDSA President
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Swimming Press Release
18th May 2010

10th European Deaf Swimming Championship:

Swimming Director, Deirdre Byrne-Dunne, is delighted to announce that Nora Duggan (St. Paul’s Swimming Club), Eoin Nolan (Aer Lingus Swimming Club) and Vincent McArdle (UCD Swimming Club) are selected to swim for Ireland in the forthcoming European Deaf Swimming Championships in Dortmund, Germany on 20-26 June 2010.

The three Irish swimmers, Nora (Kerry), Eoin (Wexford) and Vincent (Dublin) swam in the Irish Open Long Course Championships 2010 recently in National Aquatic Centre on April 29 – May 2 and qualified in the Irish deaf swimming times for the European Deaf Swimming Championships. We, the IDSA executive committee would like to congratulate the above swimmers and wish them all the best.

Alan Turner, Irish Deaf Swimming Coach will be on the Irish Deaf Swimming team and thanks to Aer Lingus Swimming Club for allowing him to take time off from his coaching job there to join us, the Irish Deaf Swimming Team to Germany.

Further information and Swimming schedule as follows: - www.swimming-ec2010.dg-sv.de

Women:

Nora Duggan: 200m, 400m, 800m Freestyle; 100m, 200m Backstroke; 200m Individual Medley

Men:

Eoin Nolan: 50m, 100m, 200m Freestyle; 50m butterfly; 50m Backstroke

Vincent McArdle: 100m, 200m Freestyle; 50m, 100m Butterfly; 50m Backstroke

There are many young potential Deaf swimmers training every Thursday in St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf Boys’ pool at 4-5.30pm and some are in their own swimming club. I hope they will get their chance to swim for Ireland in the near future.

Any Deaf or hard of hearing swimmers that are interested in becoming involved in Deaf swimming are encouraged to contact Deirdre Byrne-Dunne for further information via email at swimming@irishdeafsports.net

In order to continue the great work, sponsorship would contribute hugely and if any person is willing to contribute, please contact me on the above email address.
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Ireland International Badminton Final Selection
18th May 2010

Badminton Director, Rita Murdock, is pleased to announce the final selection of Ireland Badminton Team in the forthcoming 6th European Deaf Badminton Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria on 21-28 August 2010.

The team led by Team Manager Sean Herlihy and Coach Laura Higgins.

The Ireland Team

Rita Murdock (Ulster)
Sandra Canning (Ulster)
James Lawlor (Leinster)
Shane Keogh (Leinster)

Further information and Swimming schedule as follows: - www.bdsf-bg.com/ecbadminton2010.html

The Team will departure Dublin on Friday 20th August and return home on Sunday 29th August 2010.

We, the IDSA executive committee would like to congratulate the above swimmers and wish them all the best.
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Ireland International U21 Basketball Final Selection
18th May 2010

Message from ladies Basketball Director

I am delighted to announce the final selection of Ireland U21 Team for the 1st World U21 Basketball Championship, to be held in Lublin, Poland from 26 June - 3 July.

The team led by Director Sarah Jane Moloney, Head Coach Paul O'Callaghan and newly appointed Assistant Coach Orla Dempsey.

The Team will departure Dublin on Thursday 24th June and return home on Sunday 4th July 2010.

For more information about the championship can be found on website: www.u21.deafbasketball2010.pl/

The Ireland Team

Brigid O Connor (Connacht)
Carmel Duggan (Munster)
Ciara Moloney (Munster)
Ciara Hamilton (Munster)
Joanne Chester (Munster)
Sabrina Hanley (Leinster)
Donna Costigan (Leinster)
Annes Marie McGuinness (Leinster)
Gemma Lewis (Leinster)
Laura McSkane (Ulster)
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2010 FAI International Football Tickets Raffle *Gentle Reminder
18th May 2010

IDSA have 8 tickets (2 per match) available for 4 International matches, plus other prizes. More details can be found here

Raffle will cost 20 euro for 4 Draws.

Ticket can be bought at IDSA Office on any Tuesday evening

or

By post and will accept cheque or postal order, payable to "IDSA"

or

Buy ticket from any IDSA committee

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Set-up Canoeing for Deaf People
18th May 2010

I was mentioned about canoeing in Ulster Deaf Sport Council AGM last October 2009.

My background:

• Started the canoe when I was 10 years old
• Joined the local canoe club
• First slalom race at Stratford Upon Avon (England)
• Promoted 5 different divisions. Division 4 to Premier Division.
• Great Britain U16 Team and England Junior Team
• Southern (England) Junior Championship
• British Youth Championship
• Become the professional of canoeing
• Teach some of Mary Hare pupils for British Canoe Union (BCU) Star 1. All were passed with the test!
• First race for Premier Division (when I was 17 years old). Best result was 9th out of 92nd
• Eastern (England) Senior Championship
• Great Britain Senior Team and England Senior Team
• Training around UK/Ireland and Rest of World
• Domestic Competitions (England, Scotland, Wales)
• International Competitions (Ireland, Slovakia Republic, Czech Republic, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Poland, etc)
• Filmed by See Hear for my Olympic preparation
• Great Britain Olympic Trial
• Sydney Olympic Games 2000 (Volunteer)

Last paddled was in 2000. Just back in a boat last Sunday. Hope to select for Ireland Canoe Slalom Team in 2011 for World Champion, World Cup, European Champion and my dream is to paddle the race for London 2012 Olympic Games with Ireland Olympic Canoe Slalom Team.

My aim is to teach the canoeing for Deaf peoples. Please email to me, sykes879@btinternet.com, if you are interesting! I will arrange the sport of canoeing this summer.

Please note you MUST be a good swimmer. If you can’t, that mean you are not able to paddle.

Matthew Sykes