Ireland’s Blind Football Team Continue Development in Poland
Ireland’s Blind Football Team continued its international development journey at the weekend of September 12th and 13th with two friendly internationals against the Polish National Blind Football Team in Kraków. The traveling squad consisted of, goalkeeper Ciaran Allan, defenders Cormac Flynn, John Doherty, Ruben Collins, and Paul Costello, attackers were Matthew Kearney, Ayaan Alam and Anthony Clarke, led by Head Coach, Alex Whelan, Anne Murray, Gerard Brown, and Gerard Feeney.
The fixtures provided another important opportunity for the Irish squad to test themselves against strong European opposition, gain valuable international experience and continue their journey towards returning to the IBSA Men’s Blind Football European Championship Division 2. Poland came into the weekend with a strong and experienced squad, with players representing eight blind football clubs across the country. Ireland travelled with players from all across the country, from Cork to Donegal. The team demonstrated defensive discipline, bravery, determination and an immense sense of pride in representing their country, while taking another important step forward on their international journey.
Poland were dangerous in attack and comfortable travelling with the ball, but Ireland’s defensive work produced a series of committed challenges regularly forcing Polish players away from goal and into shots from distance. When the Polish attack did break through, the Irish goalkeeper produced a number of excellent saves. Poland eventually opened the scoring after 17 minutes before adding two further goals in the second half to secure a 3–0 victory. The result did not take away from a very positive Irish performance. The team showed excellent defensive organisation, pressing, communication and teamwork throughout, while also showing bravery both in and out of possession. The scoreline did little to reflect just how hard Poland had been made to work. Ireland’s debutants made a huge impact with their effort and performance, while the more experienced members of the squad led by example and helped the younger players settle into the international environment.
The physical demands of the first match meant Ireland went into the second fixture with tired legs and a number of players carrying knocks, despite this, the team raised their level again. Ireland produced one of their strongest performances together to date, showing huge determination and leaving everything on the pitch. The team also adapted their approach from the first match, rather than simply absorbing Polish pressure, the team looked to play the ball further forward when opportunities appeared, drive at the Polish defence and create more shooting opportunities. It demonstrated an important progression from the first fixture, players taking lessons from one match and applying them almost immediately in the next. Poland again showed their quality and experience and went on to win the second fixture 2–0, but Ireland could be extremely proud of the performance. The players competed for every ball, supported one another and continued to push until the final whistle.
The weekend gave Ireland an opportunity to test themselves against a strong international side and identify areas that can continue to be developed. The squad will take important tactical learnings back from Kraków, particularly around positioning, timing and communication. Every international match gives the players another opportunity to learn and understand what is required at European level. The long term goal remains to continue building a strong Irish Blind Football programme capable of competing successfully on the European stage, with the team working towards a return to the IBSA Men’s Blind Football European Championship Division 2. The weekend was also a great example of what sport can bring away from the pitch. There was a real sense of unity, friendship and camaraderie throughout the group. After the matches and team meetings, players used their musical talents to help the group relax and recover, playing instruments and singing Irish songs and team favourites together in the evenings. It brought players and management together and showed that international sport is about much more than results. One player summed up the feeling within the squad perfectly, “This team is my family. You put in the effort because of the pride you have in the badge”.
Vision Sports Ireland would also like to thank the Polish National Blind Football Team and everyone involved in organising the weekend for the fantastic hospitality shown to the Irish squad throughout their time in Kraków. Both teams competed strongly on the pitch, while off it the weekend was built around friendship, respect and a shared passion for developing blind football. Ireland return home with two more international matches under their belt, valuable experience and plenty of learning to take forward. Most importantly, the squad showed the pride, determination and unity that continues to drive the development of Blind Football in Ireland. We would like to thank the continued work of coaches and support staff and the continued support from the FAI.
If you would like to get involved in playing bind football, please get in contact with Sean Polnd via email at sean.poland@visionsports.ie