Irish Deaf Sports Association

Brave Ireland Deaf Suffer Extra Time Defeat
5th July 2011

Ireland 2 - 4 Great Britain
(after extra time)

The Ireland men'sfootball team exited the European Deaf Championships at the quarter final stage when they suffered an extra-time defeat at the hands of Great Britain after the game finished 2-2 after 90 minute.

It was a brave effort from the injury ravagedlads, and some controversial refereeing decisions were also to prove decisive. Two excellent goals from Brian Babb, some stunning saves from Michael Walsh and heroic defending from a patched up Irish defence proved in vainGreat Britain ultimately recorded a deserved victory.match began at a fast tempo with some good quality football. Mark Sinclair had the first chance for Ireland but his 8th minute shot was blocked whilst Eamon Byrne saw a well struck shot drift wide moments later. At the other end Great Britain had a chance of their own but their centre forward headed over when well placed. The game continued to be evenly contested until the 25th minuteIreland struck the first blow. Good work from Stuart Foy and Byrne sent Babb clear and he cut in from the left touchline before delicately chipping the advancing keeper for a superb goal. Both teams had chances in the remaining minutes of the first half with some good play byWynne and Joe Watson as Ireland threatened. 1-0 at the interval and Ireland suffered a blow when Stuart Foy was forced off with injury with Sean Young enteringKeeper' Walsh saved wellthewhilst Babb had apenalty appealaway on 53 minute. The young striker did double his tally however on 59 minute when he pounced on a defensive mix-up to fire home another fine 20 yard shot into the bottom cornerput Ireland into a 2-0 lead. Thebiggest turning point soonhowever.defender Roy McKee made a confident tackle inside his own six yard box but to everyone's amazement the referee pointed to the penalty spot. The kick was duly converted and at 2-1was back in the game. Ireland was also suffering an injury crisis at this stage. Sinclair hobbled off with a leg injury and 5 other players were walking wounded. GB exerted some pressure and the equalizer followed in the 74th minute although most observers felt the goal was well offside. Irelandhold out for extra time and indeed had a golden chance to win the gamethe final minute but Daly's shot was blocked from Wynne's great cross.

GB were dominant in extra time as the Irish lads were out on their feet. Two early goals settled the contest but Ireland to their credit kept plugging away and had late chances through Watson and Sean Young.

The overworked Walsh had a superb game. Richard Dougherty, McKee and Foy gave heroic performances whilst playing through the pain barrier, Bobby McAra also emerging with credit. The Irish midfield of Byrne, Wynne,and Dunne all worked hard with Sinclair also doing well before retiring injured. Babb gave another sparkling performance taking his goals with supreme confidence. Substitutes Young, Daly and Burns also had good moments when introduced.

Manager Rino Giglione reflected the disappointment within the camp when commenting on the agonising nature of the loss. 'Too many things went against us today, however the lads gave a massive effort and they can take heart from their performance' Ireland now focus onto secure 5th place in the tournament when they play Belgium in their next game.'
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Ireland Deaf Triumph Denmark Thriller
3rd July 2011

Denmark 2 - 3 Ireland

Ireland Deaf secured a place in the quarter finals of the 2011 European Deaf Football Championships courtesy of an entertaining 3-2 victory over host nation Denmark last night. The Irish demonstrated tremendous character in the face of adversity, twice coming from behind and playing the last quarter with 10 men, but still returning the result they required.

Backed by a vocal large home crowd Denmark began on the front foot, an early 25 yard shot flashed wide of the Ireland goal before the Danish team were awarded a penalty in the 9th minute. Despite Irish Keeper' Mike Walsh's superb save from the spot kick the rebound was hammered home to put Denmark in the ascendency. Ireland to their credit responded positively and created chances of their own, forcing a deserved equalizer in the 22nd minute. A dream training ground set-piece routine was perfectly executed, Joe Watson and Andrew Wynne creating the opportunity for Eamon Byrne to steer a cracking drive low into the bottom corner from 20 yards to level at 1-1. The match continued with end to end action at breathtaking speed. Walsh saved well on 28 mins before Wynne shot narrowly wide from a clever Brian Babb cross. It was the hosts who regained the lead in the 36th minute. A cross from the right flank was finished to the net from close range to make the score 2-1. Once again the Irish response was immediate and decisive, drawing level within 2 minutes. Babb powered through the Denmark defence and his perfectly weighted pass sent Mark Sinclair clear, the striker confidently dispatching the ball past the advancing keeper for 2-2. The interval allowed the crowd to get their breath back but the second half was every bit as exciting. Babb headed over from a corner in the 47th minute and soon after Byrne's 25 yard piledriver was tipped over by the Danish keeper' at full stretch as Ireland started the second half well. Denmark hit the woodwork in the 57th minute and Sinclair almost scored at the other end from Babb's cross on 59 mins. Ireland were then reduced to 10 men with almost 20 mins remaining - O' Donnell receiving a second yellow, but this misfortune only seemed to inspire the Irish lads to greater heights. Ireland hit the woodwork twice inside 4 minutes. First Babb's stunning left foot shot from 30 yards rattled the post, Sinclair's shot from 12 yards suffering a similar fate in the 83rd minute. The match defining moment on 87 minutes was a goal of the highest quality. Sinclair won a free-kick 25 yards out and Wynne from a tight angle curled a fantastic shot into the far top corner to put Ireland 3-2 ahead and spark wild celebrations from the Irish contingent. Denmark weren't finished yet however and they exerted some late pressure, Walsh saving well twice in the dying seconds. The final whistle brought a mixture of relief and jubilation for Ireland.

Walsh had an assured 90 mins, O'Donnell also contributing well to the cause. Watson at sweeper was simply outstanding for 90 mins repeatedly repelling the Danish attacks. Daly had some good moments at left back whilst Wynne also performed with immense credit, both on the wing and when moved to defence. Bobby McAra returned another solid game - he was particularly prominent when defending resolutely in the pressurised late stages. Kevin Dudley on the left wing was the platform for a number of Ireland attacks whilst Eoin Burns and Byrne had excellent games in centre midfield where they were often outnumbered. Second half substitutes Stephen Millar and Enda Dunne were also to the fore in much of Ireland's best play. Mark Sinclair can be very proud of his performance - his best in an Irish Jersey for a long time. Strike partner Babb was again in tremendous form - working so hard throughout, and again as a lone striker.

Irish Manager Rino Giglione was proud of the effort. 'Again we did it the hard way but the character and self-belief of the lads was fantastic'. 'We are looking forward to the quarter final'. Ireland play Great Britain on Tuesday at 4pm ko Danish time.
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Ireland Deaf Defeat Belgium at European Championships
30th June 2011

Ireland 2– 1 Belgium

The Ireland Deaf Men's football team secured a vital 2-1 victory over Belgium today in theirgroup match at the European Championships in Denmark.

This was a hard-fought, physical encounter and the Irish displayed admirable grit and determination to come out on top. An expert first half Joseph Watson penalty and a superb second half header from Brian Babb proved the difference with the Belgian reply coming deep into injury time.

Ireland opened brightly with Watson heading over from a good Bobby McAra delivery on 6 mins, with Babb, Watson and Sean Young looking a threat every time they received possession. It was no surprise when Ireland took the lead in the 25th minute. Stuart Foy played an excellent long ball that was flicked on by Young. Babb's explosive pace saw him sprint clear of the Belgian defence and round the Keeper' only to be dragged down by a professional foul - the resulting red card reducing the Belgian's to 10 men. Watson coolly dispatched the spot kick for his 49th International goal and Ireland were 1-0 ahead. With the Irish on top Young and Babb struck the woodwork twice in a matter of seconds in the 30th minute and Stephen Millar went agonisingly close from Foy's 33rd minute cross. The game took another twist as the interval beckoned, Ireland were reduced to 10 men as Young received a second yellow card. This seemed to boost the Belgians morale and Irish keeper Mike Walsh had to be alert to save low to his left in the 42nd minute. 1-0 to Ireland at half time and it was Belgium who began brighter in the second half. The Irish defence was resolute in this period of pressure. Noel O'Donnell won everything in the air with captain Darren Dunne intelligently sweeping everything that came his way. Foy had a good 45 mins with his replacement Brian Daly also impressing. Bobby McAra also excellent throughout the 90 mins. Ireland doubled their lead with a counter attack goal in the 55th minute. Daly went on a surging 70 yard run down the left flank and his pinpoint cross was brilliantly headed into the top corner from 12 yards by Babb at full stretch.

The remaining minutes were all about Ireland consolidating the result and they did this well. The midfield of Maguire, Watson, Burns and Wynne worked their socks off, preventing Belgium creating chances. Babb had an excellent game, playing the last 55 mins as a lone striker and working tirelessly for his team. With the seconds ticking away Belgium summoned one last effort and Walsh produced an outstanding 1 on 1 save in the 89th minute. This was to prove priceless as Belgium did pull a goal back with virtually the last kick of the game to leave the final score 2-1 to Ireland.

Manager Rino Giglione expressed his satisfaction after the match. "We came here today to do a job - get the 3 points and move on to the next match. Today was a battle but the lads deserve great credit for their work rate and determination'. Ireland play Denmark in their final group match on Saturday and they know a victory will see them safely through to the quarter finals."
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Ireland Deaf in Unlucky Russian Defeat
29th June 2011

Ireland 0 – 1 Russia

The Ireland Deaf Men's Football team impressed in their opening European Deaf Football Championship group match in Denmark, going down to a 1-0 last minute penalty defeat against pre-tournament favourites Russia. This was a game the Irish lads dominated for long periods playing some excellent football but luck deserted them at crucial stages.

The Irish started brightly with Andrew Wynne seeing two early shots blocked and Eoin Burns driving wide from the edge of the box after a good team build up. Ireland suffered a blow losing the experienced Dougherty to injury after 15 minute, although replacement Bobby McAra had a rock solid game at right back throughout. came more into the game in the latter stages of the first half but expert defending from Roy McKee, Noel O'Donnell and Stuart Foy restricted them to long range efforts. Indeed for Foy, Ireland's most capped player with 82 appearances today's occasion saw him break yet another record, becoming the eldest person in history to wear the Ireland Deaf International Jersey. Foy's performance throughout the 90 minutes was simply inspirational.

Ireland almost took the lead on the stroke of half time, a great ball from Sean Young put Mark Sinclair clean through with only a last ditch tackle blocking the wingers shot at the expense of a corner. They went close again from this set-piece, Young's well struck shot forcing a great save from the Russian keeper. The half ended 0-0 and it was Russia who threatened briefly on the restart but Keeper' Mike Walsh dealt well with the danger. The period from the 50th minute to the 80th saw a great spell of pressure from the Irish. They tackled like men possessed and pinned Russia back inside their own half. Darren Dunne was outstanding controlling the midfield battle with Joe Watson playing well and driving his team forward with a succession of pinpoint passes. Half-time substitute Brian Babb was excellent, his pace constantly troubling the Russian defence. Burns played intelligently on the left flank nullifying the Russian widemen as Ireland dominated. Babb made an excellent run in the 55th minute shooting agonisingly just past the post with Young having a close range goal-bound shot blocked 5 minutes later. Wynne went even closer from a 20 yard free-kick that flicked the wrong side of the post and further shots from Watson, Babb and Young just missed the target as the Russian goal led a charmed life. From a rare Russian counter-attack in the 80th minute Irish keeper Walsh made a fabulous one-handed save to keep the scores level. As the game entered its final minutes Ireland poured forward and Watson connected perfectly with a half volley from the edge of the box which the Russian keeper managed to parry. Centimetres to either side or the ball would have rocketed into the net. With Russia seemingly content with a draw a hopeful punt forward into the Irish box in the final minute saw the Russian centre forward take a tumble and to Ireland's dismay the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Russian converted and the final whistle sounded giving Russia an undeserved 1-0 victory.

Irish Manager Rino Giglione said he was pleased with the display if not the result. 'We can take many positives from the game and build from this, the mood in the camp is upbeat, we played very well and now we know we have nothing to fear against the best sides in this tournament. We are fully now fully focused on Thursday's match against Belgium and 3 points will put us right back in the reckoning'.
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Ireland Deaf Football Heading to Denmark
25th June 2011

Ireland Deaf Football Team left Dublin airport this morning for the 7th European Deaf Football Championship in Denmark. The team trained so hard for the last 6 months and they are in good preperation for the Championship.

They will play Russia in their 1st game on next Tuesday at 3pm (Irish Time). IDSA will have live action on IDSA Facebook for the support. If you do not have like page on your Facebook, click "Like" before you will be able to watch live action; www.facebook.com/irishdeafsports

If you would like to leave message for the team, you can email IDSA, irishdeafsports@gmail.com, and we will added your comments here. Also, you can make comments on their facebook, www.facebook.com/irishdeafmenfootball

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Press Release gone to all the soccer writers in Ireland
26th April 2011

DESPITE qualifying for the seventh European Deaf Football Championship in fine style the Ireland deaf soccer team’s biggest challenge still lays ahead of them with just over two months to the start of the tournament.

Ireland have been drawn in Pool C alongside tournament favourites Russia, Belgium and hosts Denmark, yet the Irish ranked number four in the tournament are expected to reach the semi-final when the event kicks off on June 28.

But they can only be expected to do well if other issues relating to matters away from football can be sorted in the next week or so according to joint manager of the team Thomas Coyle.

Coyle, who works with Rino Giglione as manager is confident they can do well, but he wants the issue of finance sorted as soon as possible.

It is costing the organisation more than €55,000 to bring 20 players and six staff to the event and they need help and Coyle is appealing to all business people and companies to support this team.

“Funding is very important. The more resources we have the better we can prepare the team for the competition. Preparation can be everything in terms of giving you the edge over other teams,” Thomas Coyle said.

“We go to Denmark to compete with a great chance of winning this tournament. We are aware that there is a very difficult economic climate in Ireland at the moment and funding is hard to come by, but I feel our football setup adds tremendous value in terms of improving the quality of life of deaf players and being associated with a successful team can only add to the profile of a company.

“We have a 32-county network and a lot of cross community north-south inter-action and most of the player’s quality of life has improved because of playing football and that takes the burden of other sections of government.

“I think our programme is something that the government should be supporting heavily. “We get some funding from the Irish Sports Council and the FAI, but there is a shortfall and any sponsorship or funding the team receive will be put to very good use.

“It is costing the association €2,100 per person to travel to Denmark and with most of the squad unemployed, it is unfair to put them under further financial strain, hence our appeal for sponsorship.”

The cost of the flights and accommodation for the 10-day trip to Denmark is €33,000, with entrance fees, insurance, food and transport making up the rest of the €55,000 bill.

“This is going to be a very competitive tournament. We are one of the very best football teams in deaf football. Even though there are more than 100 countries competing on the world football stage, and even though the quality of football is very high we are one of the best sides in the world on our day.

“We are leaving no stone unturned in our preparation of the team. We are getting them as fit as possible. We are trying to do everything right in terms of training, matches, sports physiology, food, and nutrition.

“We are preparing them as professionally as possible to give them the best chance to win. At the end of the day if we are the best prepared we can be, and if we give it our best shot, then that is all I can ask for from the players.

“We go there confident that we can achieve a lot out there and if we can that little bit of luck that is so important in major tournaments we can go very close, but we need to secure our funding for the trip first.

“If there is anyone out there who would like to help please contact our football director Sean Herlihy at football@irishdeafsports.net and he will give you all the details.”

Ireland’s games in Denmark:

Tuesday June 28th: Ireland v Russia (3pm Irish time)

Thursday June 30th: Ireland v Belgium (3pm Irish time)

Saturday July 2nd: Denmark v Ireland (6pm Irish time).

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7th European Deaf Football Championship; Report for Sean Herlihy
29th March 2011

Football Director, Sean Herlihy, went to Odense, Denmark on 18th & 19th March, to observer the town of Odense, hotel, training pitch, match pitches etc for 7th European Deaf Football Championship on 25th June to 9th July 2011 and he found it very useful. Have a look with ISL video.

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Information about Odense, Denmark for Supporter
29th March 2011

For the supporter who is planning to go to 7th European Deaf Football Championship to support the Irish Football Team, have a look with ISL video with information about the flight, Odense, Deaf Club, social etc.

Thank you Sean for the useful information. He is hoping to see MANY supporters join with the team.

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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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Men Football: New Training Schedule for 2011
15th December 2010

IDSA Director layout the new schedule for 2011. They intend to stick to these dates as much as possible.

Click here for the schedule.
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Football Draw for 7th European Deaf Football Championship 2011
12th November 2010

The draw took place in Winterthur, Switzerland on 12th November. Ireland are in group C along with Russia, Denmark and Belgium. Top two teams in each group (3) plus two best 3rd place will play in Quarter Final.

Full report from Sean Herlihy at below.

You can go to EDSO wesbite to view all Groups for the championship.

Full information about championship can be found at other website; www.euro2011-deaffootball.eu/