Republic of Ireland Cerebral Palsy team head coach Paul Breen has named a 14-man squad for their 2019 IFCPF World Cup campaign in Seville.
Geraldines man Aaron Tier is named in the squad for the upcoming campaign.
The team will be looking to build on last year’s success when they collected a bronze medal at the European Championships by beating host nation, The Netherlands, in a third-place play off.
Ireland head to Spain on Thursday (July 4) in confident mood with their opening fixture of the tournament coming against Finland on Monday, July 8. This is followed by a clash with one of the favourites for the tournament Iran on Wednesday, July 10 and a final group game on Friday, July 12 versus the USA.
Breen’s squad includes first tournament selections for defender Joshua Treacy of Celbridge Town and midfielder Alan Moore of Oldcastle United. Sword Manor’s Carl McKee returns after missing the European Championships and ex-Sligo Rovers and Finn Harps U19s academy player Oisin Merritt gets the call-up.
Winner of the 2017 FAI FFA Three Player of the Year and winner of European Player of the Year, Gary Messett captains the side in what is his 15th international tournament.
Paul Breen, who took over the reins of the Ireland CP team in 2017, said:
“There’s a strong core to this team and they have played together for a good while and know each other’s game. Joshua Treacy and Alan Moore are two new faces to the squad but they will be able to offer something new and we’re excited by it. We know our game and we know our strengths and the squad is a perfect mix of both experience and youth.”
Breen also spoke about his preparation for the tournament- his third with the team.
“We have prepared well for the World Cup and are going to Seville confident and excited by the challenge ahead of us.
“We were training once a month and this included a camp at Johnstown where we faced The Netherlands in two friendlies and on both occasions we won. As we got closer to the World Cup we’ve trained once-a-week at Abbotstown and that has prepared us well for what is a tough group. Finland will present a challenge, Iran are considered one of the strongest in the World Cup as are the USA but we have no reason to fear any team.”
Republic of Ireland CP squad:
Goalkeeper: Mark Barry (Raheny United)
Defenders: Joseph Markey (Carrick Rovers), Darragh Byrne (Home Farm), Darragh Ruane (Mervue United), Joshua Treacy (Celbridge Town)
Midfielders: Gary Messett (c) (Arklow Town), Ryan Nolan (Rathmichael FC), Oisin Merritt (Ballybofey United), Carl McKee (Swords Manor), Alan Moore (Oldcastle United)
Forwards: Dillon Sheridan (Cherry Orchard), Aaron Tier (Geraldines FC), James Naughton (Unattached), Sam Carroll (Ardmore Rovers).
Fixtures:
08/07/2019: Ireland v Finland ( 6pm Irish time), Seville
10/07/2019: Iran v Ireland (10am Irish time), Seville
12/07/2019: Ireland v USA (6.10pm Irish time), Seville
13 – 14/07/2019: Quarter Final, Seville
16/07/2019: Semi Final, Seville
18/07/2019: 16th – 10thplace play-offs, Seville
19/07/2019: Final/3rdto 8thplace play off, Seville
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