The countdown is on for the 2025 SUDS European Championships and the Ireland Down Syndrome Futsal squad are preparing well for their third tournament. Harps players Daniel O’Reilly, Hughie Sweeney and David Crawford are all in the squad.
Their involvement with the Ireland squad brings the club into double figures for international callups in recent weeks as Hughie, Daniel and David join Oisin Cooney (Ireland MU19), Gavin McAteer (Ireland MU17s), Kyra Gavigan (Ireland U15 Schools), Daniel Cunningham (Ireland Schools), Corey Sheridan (Northern Ireland MU17s) and Odhran McHugh and Lukas Doherty (Northern Ireland MU15s).
The event will be held in Ferrara, Italy from June 15-21 with the Ireland players excited to build on their experiences of previously facing Italy, Portugal, Türkiye and USA.
Led by the management team of Mark Ross, Conor McKahey and Nigel Fitzharris, the squad has been selected through assessment from national blitzes and inter-club games with over 100 players available nationwide.
With the players excelling with their respective League of Ireland clubs, hopes are high of performing well in the tournament. The development of Down Syndrome Futsal continues all around the country with the support of the Football Association of Ireland’s Football For All programme.
Máire Kelleher, whose son Cian is involved, believes the pride of representing their country is a huge motivating factor for the players. She said: “What a wonderful opportunity it is for these players to wear their Ireland jerseys. They have worked hard to reach this point. They have demonstrated much skill, determination and a great sense of camaraderie.”
The squad benefits from any fundraising support it can get, so if you would like to help out contact [email protected]
Ireland Down Syndrome Futsal Squad
Goalkeeper: David Crawford (Finn Harps)
Defenders: Josh Hennessy (Shelbourne), Jamie Linden (Dundalk), Fergus Congrove (Bohemians)
Midfielders: Cian Kelleher (Cork City) Michéal McCloy (Dundalk), Sean Toolin (Cork City), Fergal Birrane (Sligo Rovers)
Forwards: Daniel O’Reilly (Finn Harps), Kiegan Taylar (Derry City), Hughie Sweeney (Finn Harps)
*Fixture details will be confirmed in due course
