Irish Deaf Sports Association

Day 16

15th September

Statement

The football management have released this statement to clarify a number of points that have been brought to their attention.

"Firstly, the performances of the lads this tournament have been fantastic, four clean sheets in 6 games is a remarkable achievement. Our quarter final game against France was somewhat a very unlucky result for us. We deserved to win that match but for the French to defend the way they did, the ball just wasn't going in the net.

Our game against Iran, like four years ago it was the hottest day by far, the majority of our players were struggling with the intense heat, it was 42 degrees for 90 minutes.
Iran were there for the taking but the conditions favoured them and had that slight advantage.

A 7th place finish for Ireland is simply not good enough, but having gone through very extreme conditions, hard playing surfaces, with four clean sheets, it is a credible result.
The players and staff have done Ireland proud and will continue to do so.

We thank you for the support you have shown us and the messages brought hope to the players.

We would also like to thank the players for their fantastic work and determination throughout the tournament. Many will take weeks to recover and we will assist them through this.

We thank the families of all players and staff for being so patience and being very supportive through the past 12 months of training and preparations

A special mention to Stuart Foy, who we believe is a servant that Ireland could do with more of, 80 plus caps say it all. He is currently as home with his family nursing a broken ankle. We wish Stuart a speedy recovery and look forward to having a cold pint of Heineken with him!

Come on the boys in Green!!

Football Management staff
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Day 15

14th September

Ireland wins 7th place

The match was the last one and both teams were battling for the 7th spot overall. The opponent was in the same group as Ireland last week so we knew them quite well. As this was the last opportunity to field players who has yet to participate in the tournament, the first eleven was distinctly different to the usual line up:

Watson took up his role of a striker instead of centre half in order to supply some firepower within the team. It worked when he coolly dribbled past three defenders before scoring low near the far post! Shortly afterwards, Bryan got booked for a foul. The match was more or less even at the beginning but Ireland soon became the better side in terms of possession. At 20 minutes, the team was given a minute water break. Just before the half time, Stephen Millar was knocked down and could not play any further. A substitute was made with Mark Sinclair coming on to replace him.

Damien McMahon, our right back, was booked for time wasting and he was then joined by Darren Dunne who got booked for high kick. Discipline seemed to be our weakness from that point onwards but that was soon forgotten when Watson came close and curled a shot but it went out wide. Tempo then increased with Sinclair crossing the ball but Johnson could not connect. Half time signal was given by the referee.

The management team gave a short talk about finishing off any opportunities they team get during the match. Second half resumed with Dudley making his first appearance for Ireland in Taipei replacing the tired Jason Maguire. Later on an experienced Jordan came on for Watson and he looked set to make an impact shortly afterwards with him coming closer for Ireland but no goal came out of it. Daly was lively throughout the match, frequently going up front but his shot this time was far too high and went over the bar. Moloney our goalkeeper was quiet during the match as our defence was tight and rarely have let the opponent get through their half.

USA number 12 was their best players and it was evident as he came close with a fierce shot but hit the post. By then we needed a goal or two to finish off the game. Good link up of play on the right side but it amounted to nothing. Brian Daly, when jumping to head the ball off, clashed with their player and the American seemed to come of it the worse as he was stationary for quite a time. It resulted in a substitute for USA.

A beautiful set of passes were made in our half and when going forward, the passes involved Moore, Dudley, Johnson and Jordan had the honour of slotting the ball in unmarked. We were eager to add in another, and it soon came courtesy of Johnson who received the ball from Sinclair. Soon the referee called it time and we were pleased with the result.

Special thanks must go to the local school children who turned up with our colours and they kept cheering for us throughout the match.

Players
Maloney GK
McMahon
Moore
O'Donnell
Daly
Maguire
Burns
Dunne
Miller
Johnson
Watson

Subs
Sinclair for Millar
Dudley for Maguire
Jordan for Watson
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Day 13

12th September

History repeats itself!

After suffering our loss in the quarter finals, it was important that the Irish got back to winning ways against a tough Iran side. The match had the viewers on edge of their seats witnessing history repeating itself, first as misfortune, second as farce as they couldn't get the edge over Iran again.

We got off a poor start and were on the back foot right from the whistle with Iran penning the Irish into their half although our possession ratio later picked up with the our boys building up some rhythm to their game with some neat passes.

Attempting to guide his team to beat Iran since the Deaflympics win, Giglione opted for the trusted 4-4-2 formation to combat looting fullbacks.
They might have gone up inside 10 minutes when Maguire inexplicably diverted a long ball into the path of Captain Dunne who raced on through goal but dragged his shot wide.

Iran shot straight from an acute angle to edge of the goal but the thumping drive was bravely blocked out of play by Moore.
Babb was booked with a yellow card for an unsporting tackle.

A foul outside the penalty box at 22 minutes awarded Sinclair and Byrne the opportunity to strike home with a dummy cross over but it could only sail over the bar.

A red card was given to Iran player meant 1 man down.

Babb connected with a cross but could only see his header go inches wide of the post.

The Iranians had a number of chances in the opening first half and were presented the opportunity of open penalty area but fortunately they missed, the ball going to the right of the target!

The remainder of the first half was a scrappy affair with the ball skidding around on the dry ground, and an improved performance was needed in the second half if Irish were to get back on equal terms however we did play some nice football in patches.

The half time whistle blew as the scores stood at 0-0

In the first 2 minutes of the second half an inswinging corner taken right-footed Watson went out of reach due to the wind.
54th minutes, Iran took a surprise lead when player Aliakbar scored a smashing goal from the edge of the penalty area to the bottom right hand corner of Walsh goal.

The defence was weakening as shortly on 56th minute Iran player Hamid made the pressure count with a scramble goal into an empty net!

Derek Jordan replaces Babb

The second goal was just a wakeup call for the Irish, spurring them into action as they hit back showing some persistence to win the ball and defence.

The counter attack started as Sinclair header goes over the cross bar and Mc Mahon was elbowed by an Iran player sustaining a cut which required medical attention but the Dubliner was allowed to return to the pitch sporting an eye bandage.

Johnson replaced Byrne

Frustration was mounting as we headed in to the crucial minutes of the game chasing the game with the score line at 2-1. An error by O Donnell gave away a free kick to Iran who shot a 25 yarder from outside of the penalty box goal but Walsh could only parry it into the path of the onrushing Aliakbar who fired the ball into the empty net. (64')

Wynne replaced Maguire

Manager Giglione and Coach Wilson were at their wits ends egging the team to chin up.

Despite having a fair amount of possession, we were struggling to create many clear cut opportunities but up popped Johnson pulled a goal back after some positive attacking and the Everton forward stabbed the ball into the back of the net!
However Wynne lashed out at his opponent, but did not connect and the referee spotted it had no reservations issuing him a red card leaving 10 men on both sides playing on field.

As minutes were ticking by fairly fast Watson took a corner from the right and O Donnell rose above the defence to head the ball past the keeper. (86')

Roused by the late second goal, Ireland threw everything at the Irans in the last few minutes to an equaliser but some resolute defending from all areas of the field and a couple of unfortunate escapes earned Iran a win.

It was a dramatic end to a pulsating encounter and the result brought some flashbacks of the Deaflympics in Melbourne 2005 where Ireland lost 3-2 to Iran in the semi finals.

Captain Dunne said "we have a history with Iran from the Deaflympics in Melbourne, they have great team fitness. The hot weather was against us and we gave away two stupid goals putting Iran in the lead, we did fight back extremely hard but it was too late"

The Irish team faces USA tomorrow for 7/8th place at 9.30am (local time) /2.30am (Irish time)

Players:

Walsh (GK)
Dunne
Mc Mahon
Watson
O Donnell
Byrne
Sinclair
Daly
Maguire
Babb
Moore

Subs

Johnson for Burns
Wynne for Maguire
Jordan for Babb
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Day 11
10th September

Ireland's downfall

Deaflympics slogan "Power in me" meaning to empower athletes and inspire them to be at their best did not register to the boys in green today as they battled with France today by a 1-0 result, failing to advance to the semi finals.

Ireland began the game in a determined fashion of counter attack as within the 9th minute with O' Donnell intercepting a pass to Dougherty who went on to attack the goal, but French defender headed it away to safety.

Wynne had his first corner kick of the game in the 11th minute only to be cleared away by a French header and following that a 25 yard free kick by Byrne went over the cross bar despite the clever dummies of Wynne and Sinclair.

Watson had sprained his thumb after a collision but regained his position again once he got bandaged up.

A Walsh error nearly cost us in the 33rd minute when he went out of goal as the French closed down on goal only for the ball to strike the outside of the post. The incident seemed to cause the crowd and team to freeze at that moment.

Foy was shouting to the players to use the wind as an advantage as it was blowing in our goal direction but it fell through.

Ireland had their first attempt on goal in 36 minutes into the match but Byrne's half volley went straight into the arms of their keeper.

It was all over in the just 4 minutes before half time when a lone goal by Frenchman Peltier, 15 metres into the penalty box where Walsh went out too far, slipping the ball behind him giving the French an early lead in the match after a poor defensive mistake.

France had a run-up attempt on goal in 44' minutes only to be saved by a header from Watson which found Burns who knocked it out of play.

The Irish fighting spirit was lacking among the team and Captain Dunne seemed frustrated by their lack of attempts on goals; Dunne was without his left back, Foy who was nursing a broken ankle and seems the team is badly missing Foy's calm influence on his players.

Stuart Foy said "I miss playing, but now I see the game, the possession of ball is poor and bit poor in passing the ball"
The first half ended with no stoppage time

France kept Ireland from reaching the semi finals by shutting down the Irish in the second half and the difference in the game stayed the as neither team managed to score again the rest of the way, with both teams focusing their efforts on defense.

Derek Jordan sent on to the pitch to replace Burns

A foul on Daly lead another free kick by O Donnell but he over hit it as the ball went out of play much to his team mates annoyance.

This was the first afternoon game for the Irish and the slacking and nerves could have been the reason why the team's defend dropped giving the opposition almost 70% of ball possession.

Another substitute in the 59th minute of the game with Wynne being replace by Maguire

76 minutes into the game Byrne took a corner, which goes to high seeing Manager Giglione frustrated with the team performance and Walsh's clumsy position at the goal

As the game begins to come to a close, the nerves gets the better of the boys making one too many errors as a begging chance came with 7 minutes left of the game when a foul on Johnson sees Byrnes resulting free kick going too high and also with 4 minutes left Maguire thought he had grabbed an equaliser only for it to be called as an offside

It was evident that Daly, who was under pressure to replace Foy's legacy is keen on developing into a great player listening to advices from Dunne and legendary Foy.

Ireland attempts with several promising offensives in the second half but came up empty on every occasion en route to the disheartening loss.

"A very disappointing game, poor performance from the players, they had no creativity. The French weren't playing their best and we did produce a break through at times but it was our poorest performance out of all the games we played"- Stuart Foy

Captain Dunne " we knew it wouldn't be an easy game against the European champions, we didn't play out game in the first half, everyone was losing control of ball possession but in second half after recuperating with managers advice, we start to attack but couldn't find a break through. Unfortunately we are out"

Ireland faces Iran for 5th/6th place which will take place on Saturday 2.30pm (local time).

Man of the Match: Wynne

Players:

Walsh (GK)
Dunne (c)
Burns
Moore
O Donnell
Watson
Daly
Sinclair
Wynne
Dougherty
Byrne

Subs:
Jordan for Burns
Magurie for Wynne
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Day 10
9th September

Today the footballers were invited to a delegation at Taipei Elementary school, who are supporting the Irish throughout the games, upon arrival the boys were astonished with the reception they were given, children of ages 4-6 years, in a line of honour waving the Irish flags giving a loud cheer to the team treating them like celebrities, it was a scene to cherish!

The Irish team were called in to a classroom by the school principal, meeting the International Rotary club who donated the team gifts wishing them luck in the games ahead of them and said they'll be rooting the Irish all the way!

Before the exchange of Irish Souvenirs Giglione made a speech to thank the committees of the school and international Rotary club for their support.

"it is an honour for our school to support the Irish team, and we got the best country to support"- says school director Tan Wei-ming

The players went out to the play grounds, only having to face the excited kids again asking for autographs, and the players and kids were involved in a fun game of basketball!

As the boys got back on the bus, a surprise trip to the local Taiwan Nougat Museum, the boys cooking skills were put to test to make their own pineapple cookie, they were also given a gift what's looks like a woman's red make up bag, inside full of Taiwan famous biscuits and candy!

By this stage, hungers sets in, the boys were looking forward to the meal at the hotel but organised by the school committee they were diverted to a local sushi cuisine- that didn't go down to well with our Irish lads!!!

Ireland's hopes suffer a crushing blow with the confirmation that Stuart Foy's time at his 6th Deaflympics is effectively over due to a broken ankle. He was taken to hospital for an x-ray this morning confirming the worst news for the influential left winger and his leg is now in a cast.

Foy faced the ankle injury he picked up on Tuesday following a collision against Japan minutes before half time and he had to be helped off the pitch before leaving the grounds on crutches.

Breaking the news to the team, devastated Giglione urged his players to win tomorrow's game in Foy's honour for providing 21 years of his service to Ireland National Deaf football team.

Legend player Foy, known for his acceleration and ability to defend, having 81 caps is the only Irish Deaf player to recieve all football international games medals

Captain Dunne will feel Foy's absence more than anyone and may this inspire him and his team mates to fight harder in the quarter final with France tomorrow at 2.30 (local time) 7.30am (Irish time).

Foy returns to Ireland tomorrow after the quarter final match. Safe trip Stu!
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Day 9
8th September

Ireland tips into the Quarter-Finals!
Today was a day of reckoning as Ireland had to be content with a goalless draw against Japan, which resulted Ireland being first and USA second in their group, qualifying for the quarter finals at the expense of group opponents Great Britain and Japan.

As always the game started at a high level, battling for possession against the fast Japanese but the Irish always had the edge.

The game had plenty of pace and stamina in the first half as within the 8th minute Sinclair lashed a 20 yards over goal crossbar from Wynne's corner kick.

Johnson had best effort, curling wide a 20th-minute shot from a narrow angle while Japanese threatened again as their forward fired over from the edge of the penalty area.

As the conditions were hot the team were starved of service and support having little chance of producing an effective performance in the first half; not an appealing spectacle and the disruption from referee's errors caused frustration to both sides.

Ireland suffered an early setback as Stuart Foy hobbled with a leg injury off with just seven minutes before half time following a collision.

As the game came to one minute before half time, Daly, on his first Deaflympics appearance was sent on as a substitute replacing Foy with the game still remaining at 0-0

Coach Wilson told the team to play defensive and to shut down Japanese defence. He urged the boys to keep their heads up which saw the second half the defense tightening up and allowing the attack to press hard for a winner. It almost came when Wynne executed a free kick only to see the keeper equal to it.

In the second half Johnson's performance began to deteriorate, missing few chances and failing to latch onto a pass from Sinclair. Meanwhile at the opposite end, Walsh was called into action when a Japanese shot came in from the right.
With time fast running out, Giglione sent on Derek Jordan to replace Johnson.

With 67th minutes gone by, a Jordan flick found its way to Byrne but the ball cannoned behind the goal net.

Giglione then sent on Miller, Man of the Match in Denmark friendly game in May, to replace Sinclair.

Lewis received a yellow card for an out-of-order tackle and prior to that Miller had a narrow angle to shoot but curled his left-footed effort wide of the far post.

Wynne was twice denied, who seemed to be the major operator at both ends of the field, fired from outside the penalty area but could only see his effort sail over the crossbar.

With three minutes left, Miller's foul at the edge of the penalty box led to a dangerous free kick being awarded to the Japanese. However it was poorly executed and Wynne cleared it away with a header.

In the final point of the game, knowing GB had been knocked out the crowd was urging the referee to blow final whistle before any surprises could intervene! As the players found out they were delighted to win 1st place in to the quarter finals to Great Britain - the gold medal team from Melbourne Deaflympics 2005

Whilst there were no goals there were plenty of talking points, harshly without Watson and O Donnell they have taken 5 points from their opening 3 games, having conceded no goals to progress to the quarter finals.

Player of the Match: Andrew Wynne

Players:
Walsh (GK)
Foy
Dougherty
Dunne
Wynne
Johnson
Byrne
Sinclair
Burns
Lewis
Moore

Subs:
Daly for Foy
Jordan for Johnson
Miller for Sinclair
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Day 7 September 6th

Taipei Referee issues 3 red cards!

Ireland played out a lively goalless draw against Great Britain (GB) this morning with plenty of incidents and tempers as the referee handed out three 3 cards, two for our top players, Watson and O Donnell and one for GB Monksfield.

Both sides started off a nervous but steady game giving each other space and not taking any chances and Wynne could have opened the scoring for the Irish inside six minutes, but sent his header over the goal bar.

Ireland enjoyed the greater share of ball possession in the first 15 minutes of the game and looked menacing in the opposition's half, twice coming close with two sterling opportunities from Johnson and Watson.

Some fashion of heading from both sides could have taken the lead when GB failed to hit the target with a free header followed by an open space opportunity when Deaflympics eighth-timer Foy sent in a high ball but Donegal man O Donnell couldn't keep his header under the crossbar.

With almost few minutes before half time, Byrne fired a Rooney-esque effort to see it go harmlessly over the bar to remain at 0-0.

Almost immediately in the second half, an inswinging corner taken GB player from the left by-line was saved by Goalie Walsh and Burns passed up an opportunity to open the scoring after 62 minutes when GB right midfielder headed into his path, but the midfielder could only drag his shot wide from 15 yards.

As the game picked up, Moore was sent on as a substitute replacing Johnson.

As things became intense, an appeal for a free kick was waved away when Dunne fell under pressure from a GB Midfielder challenge. However a chance came begging when Foy was felled from 25 yards on the edge of the penalty box. The resulting free kick was crossed over by Foy and Byrne curled in a superb shot missing to the top left of the goal.

We had plenty of chances to put the game beyond the GB when Johnson fired a tempting cross to open Sinclair to attack on goal from just outside the penalty box which went wide of the right-hand upright.

Giglione then sent Maguire on, replacing Wynne

Poor discipline leaded Watson and O Donnell seeing red; Watson for an unsporting behaviour after he gave a sneaky punch to a substitute GB player and a meaty tackle by O Donnell which was considered a beautiful tackle but not for the referee. Cards were flying out of the referee's pocket giving GB Naylor a yellow and Monskfeild red leaving 10-9 men playing to the end.

With 10 minutes left to play, Walsh dived and saved a left hand attempted goal in the penalty box and at this stage it looked on course to be a draw between both sides.

The game picked up some pace in the final phase, as both sides chased a goal in the dying minutes, but it ended with a share of the spoils when Maguire fired in a effort from 10 yards but it hit the goal post by an inch too wide!

The consequences for the dismissals of Watson and O'Donnell means a one match ban which sees them unavailable for next game against Japan on Tuesday 8th but the team are still in a good position on top of group with 3 points. GB are also on 3 points but Ireland have superior goal difference.

"We gave a good tactical defence against GB, but I think the 3 players sent off should have not happened. The referees ruined the game. But I was quiet please we worked hard with decent plays- gave a good match-winning or not"- says Captain Dunne

Players

1. Walsh (GK)
2. Foy
3. Watson (R)
4. O Donnell (R)
5. Dunne (c)
6. Wynne
7. Johnson
8. Byrne
9. Sinclair
10. Burns
11. Dougherty

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Day 5 September 4th

IRELAND CAME OFF THE PITCH WITH A WINNING SMILE!

Byrne's early strike followed by Johnson sliding goal before half time sealed win for Irish team with their win victory 2-0 with USA at Yingfeng pitch, Taipei 2009 Deaflympics securing top of the league.

The Irish teamed up for a pre-game warm up and celebrate the opening of the first Deaflympics game; donning their Irish jersey and lined up with the Americans players stood still for the National Anthem. The Lord Mayor of Taipei greeted the team with a firm hand shake and welcoming the players in Sign Language, before he kicks the ball to USA starting the game.

As a result of the daily downpour of rain prior and during the game, it was a hard game to contain as both sets of players were sliding and struggling to tackle on the playing field challenging to pass the ball in the right direction saw Sinclair slow tackled a few and slip ups from Watson to a yellow card!

The heavy weight performance from right midfielder Wynne show some speed using the ball intelligently to a dummy run and Byrne followed it up to a powering 25 yarder goal, a hit that have made coach Wilson sit up and take notice and just like buses, it didn't take long for another one to come along as Johnson slide a 33rd-minute effort floored Ireland in the game had the players and the local Irish supports jumping for joy!

The boys in green took the positive start right away and took control going close to a third goal only nearly reward for their efforts for Johnson's goal to be disallowed for the offside. USA was relief when referee waved half time giving the team to recuperate!

In the second half saw the Americans spirits edging excelling themselves in ball possession, as minutes ticked by Captain Dunne guided his team in control and succession. First Deaflympics timer, Lewis shown some stamina and pace in his right back position made a blunder of kicking the out of play and then accidently passed ball to the American's , his team mates vented their frustration at the lackluster lucky enough Lewis regained his concentration, whilst defender Dougherty gave glimpse of his abilities at midfield but has been trouble by an ankle injury and Johnson tireless legs sees him off being replaced with Moore.

With 2 minutes left of the games USA corner kick put tensions on spectators and manager Giglione but the whistle went off at 2-0 win for the Irish. The players aren't in finish article at the moment and needs to keep improving especially in midfield but spirits are good in the camp after a good game and are raring to go.

Dunne, earning his 54th cap, the skipper guided his team-mates to a first-time victory over the yanks, says "today was very difficult day with the wet and dry areas but we played well beating USA today for the first time in our history is a victory itself, could have scored more but am proud of my the efforts my team mates put in"

The boys went to greet the local Irish spectators and also to the children from the elementary school of Taipei Municipal who waved their Irish flags showing support for our boys!

Giglione says the "team played well" but stressed the importance of the next few games ahead especially Sunday's game against the current Deaflympics champions Great Britain.

Man of the Match: Eamon Byrne

Players:

Walsh (Goalie)
Foy (left back)
Watson (centre back)
O Donnell (centre back)
Dunne (Midfield)
Wynne (right midfielder)
Johnson (forward)
Byrne (midfield)
Sinclair (left midfielder)
Burns (midfield)
Lewis (right-hand)

Subs:
Dougherty for Burns
Moore for Johnson
Jordan for Lewis


An email from Anthony Lonergan, Local Irish ex-pat

"Members of our Taiwan Celts GAA club took the morning off work on Friday to check out the first soccer game of the tournament: Ireland vs USA. With heavy downpours most of Thursday night in Taipei, the football pitches were not in great shape, and the water logged fields definitely impacted on the flow of the game. However this did not affect the Irish teams domination in the first half, scoring two fantastic goals. The first a beautifully curled free kick around the USA wall and into the bottom right hand corner of the goal. The second goal game from play: a great run down the left wing and a perfectly timed cross into the box was met beautifully by the Irish striker. The US team came back into the game in the second half. The rain came down again in patches, and the conditions made for a scrappy game in the second half, with the referee handling out a high number of yellow cards for some late tackles. Again some inch-perfect long balls from the Irish defence and midfield onto the wings and corners meant the Americans were defending for most of the second half, but held out to keep a clean sheet in the second half. A fantastic start by the Irish team with a 2:0 win, and confidence growing for the Sunday game against England. The Taiwan Celts GAA will be there in force again to cheer on the team!"

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Day 4 September 3rd

"Together Everyone Accomplishes More"-Pedro J Julian (TEAM)

The team were in training yesterday without their football gear and after some explanation of our "missing" gear to the Germans, they offered their footballs, much to the players delight they couldn't contain their excitement; the fitness coach had to tell them stop dribbling at the Hotel lobby!!!

Training today as the Irish teams prepares to face their first group Game with USA tomorrow; kick off at 9.30am local time (Irish time 2.30am) and mouthy coach, Wilson beckons the players to "stop asking questions, focus and listen" as they warm up at the session whilst the team physio, Jonathan Faulkner had a handful of injured players to deal with.

Faulker explains the important of flexing midfielder Miller's calves "having strong and flexible calves results in a longer running stride and also lessens the effects of fatigue that affect your form over time" he also created a fitness strategy with defender Dougherty testing his ankle injury and see if he is fit and ready for tomorrow game.

Geoff Foy, Fitness coach, lines up injured party, Dougherty, Miller and Johnson to series of fitness workout plan of acceleration and speeding involving body weight circuits, running workouts and agility skills

"The more power your body can output the faster you can run" seems to be the drill of the sessions today despite the heat and humidity the players faced mixed sprints of slow motion running and top speed bursts to give an insight whether players are making superfluous motions while at top speed and it all requires contact with the ground on your toes!!!

In the heart of defending at the box, O Donnell practising his defending abilities from the corner kicks by Wynne, surely a towering presence he is no doubt a useful asset with displays of his thunderous headers! Plenty of dribbling and field crossing the ball was on the training session.

In the midst of training, heavens above opened, downpours of rain flooding the pitch slightly didn't damper the boys; only were gladly of the rain to cool down, not so long the sun came out sun shining again burning Goalie Moloney in the goal post training with Walsh, also a goalie. Diving from pole to pole, Moloney's sun burn received some grass friction had him stop training whilst Walsh was topping up his tan!

Asking the captain how the team will fair for tomorrow - "team are in good condition, good form and have been practising their corner kicks, shoots, tactical and footwork today and we are ready for tomorrow game with the USA new players" says Dunne

In the last Deaflympics in Melbourne 2005, Ireland ranked 4th place to USA 9th place which puts Ireland in a good light and manager Gigilione says "You are up against two things, the opponent and the heat, it's not going to be easy at any Games" but is positive and put faith in his players getting through the first round.

Good news has arrived, after some serious delegation and involving Taipei police and the Lord Mayor of Taipei, the customs have finally suspected Johnston is no longer a "street vendor" and free loaded the football gear to him! Team spirits are sky high now....roll on boys!

The manager, coach and fitness coach are in meeting to decide who will be selected to play tomorrow.......

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Day 3 September 2nd

"Stress! Stress!" for director Brendan Johnston as the team football gear has not arrive from Ireland, its being held at the customs, who thinks the gear for sale! Can you just imagine Johnston selling Irish football jerseys in Taipei!!!

The players had an a very early start this morning testing their strength in the humid conditions, however surprising it wasn't as bad they thought, probably due to the frequent outburst of rain which Mc Mahon welcomed the "water spray rain ".

The team have first to negotiate with a tricky pool of USA, Great Britain and Japan but manager Rino Gigilione is confident of success.