DEAF SPORTS Statement from President Laurence Coogan

It was enthralling to witness the extravagant of the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the 21st Deaflympics in Taipei. However Ireland's participation along with over 100 countries and over 4000 athletes did not match one expectation. The football and Water polo teams' preparation was so intense it touched professionalism; a touch of luck of Ireland came short.

With the intensive competition that yielded a staggering 51 world's record and 94 Deaflympics records tells you what a level of competition were produced in Taipei.

Going back to the Opening and Closing ceremonies, it came close to compare with Beijing Olympics massive show, never witness in any previous Deaflympics, best summed up by Alan Turner veteran of 8 Deaflympics who described it "absolute the best ever show".

Our footballers worked like Bravehearts fast and skilful. We emerged top of our group that included holders Great Britain without conceding a goal. European champions France; one bogey team then knocked us out with the first goal we conceded in the quarter finals. With great sadness that our legend Stuart Foy had a bad football injury was sent home early to recover.

Intensive training for the Water Polo team made us look positive for medals; however a 9-12 defeat by Germany in the Semi finals ended a much sought result in Taipei. Our lads gave their very best against vastly experienced opponents.

Eoin Nolan gave Ireland a reprieve with a Silver and Bronze medal in the 100 and 200 swimming freestyle plus narrowing missing out in the 50m dash that he did just 2 hours after the Water Polo Semi final. We are grateful to Eoin to bring home two medals.

In Athletics, Wayne Reid proved to be something special, after dropping out half way in the 10,000m, he put on a great fight to come home 5th then in less than 10 hours later he was up at 3am to travel to the Marathon venue for a 6am start of the 26 mile race. Under a scorching sun 35 degrees he battled home 10th an incredible effort. No coach would allow two big races 12 hours apart on any athlete, but Wayne wanted to and he proved real special to achieve that feat.

Our badminton squad found the opposition a very advanced level. We have much to do to reach the levels in badminton in future. We gave the two teenage girls a chance to compete in the Deaflympics and they did very well competing with top ranked players, the experiences they have come home with will no doubt be a bonus to their future career in badminton.

Lastly, I want say thank you all for your support and good wishes to the teams throughout the Deaflympics especially to the coaches, physio, our PR team and above all to the executive committee of the Irish Deaf Sports Association and to wish a speedy recovery to the great Stuart Foy who will forever be a legend for the 21 years service he gave to his country.

Laurence Coogan
IDSA President