News

The Republic of Ireland Deaf Futsal team recently took part in the Futsal World Cup which was held in Sofia from 8th -18th November. The traveling squad was strong; with Republic of Ireland Junior international striker, Joseph Watson  and other regular internationals for our deaf team, Stuart Foy, Mark Sinclair, Richard Beattie, Christopher Corcoran, Paul O'Callaghan and Raymond Watson - all of whom won bronze medals after victory over Germany in the 3/4 place playoff of the European Championship in June 2007. And one of the travelling keepers was Ashbourne United's Premier B net-minder, Ciaran Moloney.
The tournament consisted of 32 teams battling to win only the 2nd World Deaf Futsal Championship ever held at this level and it was the first time Ireland participated.  Drawn in a tough group the aim was qualification with two teams going forward to form the final 16.
When asked about the tournament Ciaran modestly thought he was going over as reserve keeper, he played it down as if he was going to 'make up the numbers'. Far from it, he started four of Ireland's six games and was a hero in the Slovakian game with a superb penalty save, despite being sent the wrong way! The team did not progress to the next stage but did earn 17th place ranking with a 5 v 3 victory over Azerbaijan.
While Ciaran was on International duty, his place in the Premier B side was filled by the impressive Darren Marcello of Utds NDSL U17 team. On his return to the side on Sunday 25th November, against league leaders Whitehall Celtic, Moloney was a hero once again with a last minute penalty save to give Ashbourne a deserved share of the spoils. A busy month for the Ashbourne man who is growing in confidence with every game and is starting to show the form that he is truly capable of. . .