The Republic of Ireland CP team have have qualified for the semi-finals of the 2018 IFCPF European Championships in the Netherlands.
Paul Breen’s side defeated Northern Ireland 4-0 in the Group A clash at the KNVB Campus, to reach the final four with a game to spare.
With games in back-to-back days, Breen made four changes to the side that defeated Germany on Sunday.
Ireland led 1-0 at the break thanks to Gary Messett. The current Football For All International Player of the Year has now scored in all three of Ireland’s matches in the Championship.
After the break, Ireland quickly doubled their lead through Ryan Nolan. Less than ten minutes later, Jimmy Naughton scored his first goal of the tournament.
With only one goal conceded in two-and-a-half games, goalkeeper Mark Barry has impressed and did well to keep a clean-sheet with an excellent point-blank save late in the second-half.
The icing was put on the performance, when Darragh Ruane scored to make it 4-0, and guarantee the three points.
Ireland’s final Group A game is against hosts The Netherlands on Wednesday evening. Both teams have qualified for the semi-finals, and the winners will top Group A.
Republic of Ireland: Mark Barry, Luke Evans, Gary Messett (capt), Ryan Nolan, Peter Cotter, Sam Carroll, Darragh Snell.
Subs Used: Jimmy Naughton, Darragh Ruane, Oisin Merritt, Darragh Byrne.
Ireland’s Cerebral Palsy team is co-funded by the FAI, Paralympics Ireland and Sport Ireland.
