Soccer CP-ISRA European seven-a-side Championships

Ireland completed an incredible two weeks at the CP-ISRA European Championships in Glasgow on Friday when they beat a strong Dutch team in the bronze medal play-off match. In a tight game Ireland managed to win the game 2:0 and secured their first major Championship medal in 15 years.

Ireland had a tense first half with the Dutch missing a number of chances. Some fine goalkeeping from Brian McGillivary kept the score level at half time. Ten minutes into the second half, team captain Luke Evans was forced off due a hamstring injury. This forced a change in tactics which resulted in the Irish playing a more pressing game.

The first goal came from a Gary Messett free kick which was deflected into his own net by Dennis Straatman in the 57th minute. The scoring was completed in the injury time from another set piece move through Joe Markey. This resulted in wild celebrations on the touch line.

Following the game Paul Cassin commented "This result is the just reward for the amount of hard work the lads have put in over the last 8 months. With 2 of our starting 7 getting injured, I was a little worried but each member of the squad stood up and was counted, resulting in a fantastic team performance".

The team received a further note of recognition at the end of tournament prize giving ceremony, when Bray's Gary Messett was named Player of the Championships.

With 2 years to go to the London 2012 Paralympic Games, the Irish Team have laid down a significant marker of their prospects in London.

For further information: www.pcireland.ie