Team Ireland Win Bronze in Floorball at the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games

Team Ireland today won a bronze medal in the floorball event at the 2013 Special Olympics World Summer Games in PyeongChang in South Korea.

This was the first time for Ireland to be represented in floorball at a World level competition event and it was clear from their performances that they were well prepared and ready to take on the World.

Today they overcame Austria by 11-7 in the last of their pool matches of the tournament. They then had to face the same team again in the semi-final match. This was a closely matched affair in which Austria just got the upper hand with a score line of Austria 6; Ireland 5. Ireland had trailed by 5 goals to 1 at half time but fought back bravely to score 4 goals in the second half.

Team Ireland quickly put any disappointment aside in the playoff game against the host nation South Korea which would decide 3rd and 4th place. Ireland proved themselves to be deserved bronze medal winners clocking up a convincing score line of 11 goals to South Korea's 1.

Reacting to Team Ireland's success Head floorball coach, Paul O' Callaghan said "I am delighted for the Team. Since they got here they have put everything they have trained for into practice. They've shown courage, determination and above all pride and honour while representing Ireland at these World Games. On a personal level I am delighted and incredibly proud to be part of the first Irish floorball team at a World level Games".

Matt English, CEO Special Olympics Ireland said: "This is such a fantastic achievement for Team Ireland and I want to pay tribute to every one of the athletes and their coaches. They came here as a team prepared and ready to take on the World and that's just what they did. They have been fantastic ambassadors not only for Ireland but for the sport of floorball and hopefully their success will inspire others to get involved in this exciting team sport".

Competition in the Alpine skiing event will get underway tomorrow with 6 Irish athletes involved. The Games will run until Tuesday 5th February. To follow Team Ireland's progress at the Games please visit www.specialolympics.ie/wintergames