IRELAND’S DEFENCE FORCES have travelled to France in the hope of claiming glory in the CISM European Football Championship this week.
First up for the Boys in Green is a meeting with the hosts in Rochefort this evening (5pm Irish time) before playing Germany and the Dutch in the four-team tournament.
The side is captained by Athlone Town striker and former SSE Airtricitiy League First Division Player of the Year Philip Gorman while Craig Wall of Wexford Youths and Mark Horgan, an FAI Intermediate Cup winner with Avondale United, are also included.
“We have a good mixture of youth and experience within the squad and even though we know we are going to be up against it we are quietly confident,” Manager Comdt Declan Sheridan.
“It is going to be a tough task but we can only focus on our own performance.”
The Irish squad is: Lee White (Lifford Celtic), Niall Scullion (St Peter’s), Thomas Culhane (Carew Park), Mark Horgan (Avondale United), Richie Barber (St James’ Gate), Shane Dempsey (North End United), Jamie Murphy (Rockmount), Craig Wall (Wexford Youths), Philip Gorman (Athlone Town), Michael O’Shea (Cobh Wanderers), Aidan Friel (Strabane Athletic), Lee Grace (Carrick United), David Long (Collinstown), Rickie Fox (Shamrock Rovers), David O’Riordain (Newbridge Town), Shane Sherlock (Everton), Keith Arnold (Drogheda Town), Sean Poutch (Tolka Rovers), Gary Stephens (St Peter’s), Ian Clery (Carrick United), Scott Delaney (St Peter’s).
Monday 24 November:
- Netherlands v Germany
- France v Ireland
Wednesday 26 November:
- Germany v Ireland
- France v Netherlands
Friday 28 November:
- France v Germany
- Ireland v Netherlands