On Sunday afternoon, the League of Ireland Down Syndrome Futsal Festival returned for the second series at the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown.
Before commencing the tournament, all teams held a minute’s silence in honour of Mark ‘Maxi’ Kavanagh. As a mark of respect, the lads also wore Head in The Game armbands to raise awareness for mental health.
Michéal McCloy of Dundalk shows his armband in honour of Dundalk supporter Mark ‘Maxi’ Kavanagh, who passed away recently, during the FAI League of Ireland Down Syndrome Festival at the National Indoor Arena Futsal Courts in Dublin. Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile.
After narrowly missing out on victory earlier this year, Dundalk displayed impressive form in the group stage. Placed alongside Sligo Rovers, Cork City and Derry City, Dundalk started strong with a 6-1 victory over Derry. David O’Hare led the charge with four goals, while Michéal McCloy and Aaron Connolly scored one each.
Next up, they secured a 4-1 win against Sligo, thanks to goals from McCloy, Jamie Linden (2) and Jonathan Evans. Dundalk completed the group stage with a 1-1 draw against Cork, with Linden finding the net, ensuring they topped the group with seven points.
Hughy Sweeney of Finn Harps in action against Jamie Linden of Dundalk during the FAI League of Ireland Down Syndrome Festival at the National Indoor Arena Futsal Courts in Dublin. Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile.
In the semi-finals, Dundalk triumphed over Wexford FC 2-1, with Kevin Trainer netting both goals to send the team to the final for the second time.
Facing Finn Harps once again in a rematch of June’s final, Dundalk came up short, losing 3-2 despite Trainer’s two goals. Harps’ goalkeeper made three outstanding saves in the closing minutes to secure the win, and Dundalk finished as runners-up in the Cairdeas Cup for the second time.
The Dundalk FC team pose for a photograph with League of Ireland director Mark Scanlon after the FAI League of Ireland Down Syndrome Festival at the National Indoor Arena Futsal Courts in Dublin. Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile.
Dundalk FC: Declan Donaghy, Conor McGuinness, Jonathan Evans, Aaron Connolly, Adam Nulty, David O’Hare, Jamie Linden, Conor Halpenny, Kevin Trainer, Michéal McCloy. GK’s: Goalkeeper against Derry was Kevin, against Sligo was David, against Cork was Michéal, against Wexford was Kevin and then David for the final.
Huge well done to everyone involved, especially their coaches, Aoife Burns, Luke Murphy and Noah Linden.
The initiative is a collaboration between the FAI Football For All programme and the League of Ireland via the Clubs’ Football and Social Responsibility (FSR) Officers and provides players with Down Syndrome countrywide with an opportunity to line out for their local League of Ireland clubs.
Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, assistant coach John O’Shea and goalkeeping coach Gudmundur Hreidarsson were in attendance and are pictured with Dundalk’s team and coaches above.
