A look back at last weeks Sport 4 Development news here in Ireland, sees the lads from Galway winning 4-3 on penalties against the Portlaoise side, AKA “The Killer Penguins” to become All Ireland Homeless Street Soccer 5-aside Champions for 2016.
Sport4Development went along too see the lads in action, and it was a fantastic day out. #IrishStreetLeague Founder Mr. Sean Kavanagh and the rest of the crew put on a great reception for everyone who turned up with music and a slap up lunch mid game.
Not even the bad weather could put these lads off with more than 230 players representing teams from all over Ireland showing up on the day. Also in attendance on the day was the Minister for Youth and Children’s Affairs James Reilly,
Brother Kevin Crowley of Capuchin Day Centre, Father Peter McVerry of Peter McVerry Trust, Actor Glen Gannon of Simon Community, Pat Fenlon of Shamrock Rovers,
Fran Gavin FAI Director of Competitions, Jim Beglin of Dublin City Council,Maureen O Sullivan TD,Sarah Holland Mayor of South Dublin County,Richard Boyd Barrrett TD.
The event was aired on TV3 News during the week bringing much needed media support to the amazing work all the people at Irish Street leagues have been doing since 2003.
This year’s Player of the Tournament Award went to Mr. Billy Ward of Waterford and Goalkeeper of the Tournament Award went to Mr.Daniel O’Herlihy of Cork.
Individual Awards went to : Limerick Player of the year Mr.Willie Moran /
Galway Player of the year Mr.Niven Bodireddy / Portlaoise Player of the year Mr.Gary Burke
Waterford Player of the year Mr.Billy Ward / Cork Player of the year Mr.Dean O’Connell
Coach Thomas Morgan of the Irish #HomelessWorldCup team was very impressed with the skill and talent on show and has shortlisted a panel of players from the event, who will represent Ireland in the Homeless World Cup being held in Glasgow, Scotland, July 9th-17th 2016.
Congratulations to everyone who took part in the games and we look forward to seeing the lads play in Glasgow and will keep you apprised of any and all development to come.
Videos of The Big Day To Follow Shortly
Published 5/4/16 by Mark McCluskey