Moynalvey star Jack’s joy at World Cup heroics

Moynalvey teenager Jack Douglas recently returned from Turkey where he not only made his international soccer debut but also scored his first goal for Ireland in the Amputee Football World Cup.

Seventeen-year-old Jack was delighted to be called up to the Irish squad for the tournament and gave Ireland a 1-0 lead in their fourth match against Uruguay though an equaliser forced the game to extra time and ultimately to penalties.

Jack scored the sixth and final penalty and with Uruguay missing their next one, Ireland claimed victory. There were some tough matches in the competition, three played in extreme heat and Ireland finished in 20th place overall.

It was an incredible experience for Jack, who took up amputee soccer when he lost his leg at the age of 10. Both Jack's legs were damaged in an accident involving a lawnmower when he was two and after years of problems and painful surgeries, brave Jack decided he would have a better quality of life if he had his leg amputated.

Shortly after the operation and with the stitches still in, Jack got his first taste of amputee soccer and has never looked back.

There was a strong Meath representation on the squad with manager Christy McElligott from Dunboyne and captain James Conroy from Skyrne. James and Jack also play and train together with Bohemians who are currently top of the table.

Speaking to the Meath Chronicle, after returning home, Jack said: "It was a great experience. Not every young lad gets to represent their country at 17 at football or anything at all. They're a group of great lads and great people."

Recalling the goal, Jack said it involved a whole team build up and he got the final and decisive last touch.

"It came from the keeper, every player bar one got a touch of the ball, so it was a team build up from the goalkeeper straight up the whole field. James Boyle got it and hit it to me in the last minute and I just got the last touch into the net.”

It was hugely proud occasion for Jack's parents, Lyndon and Siobhan who also travelled to Turkey to see their son represent Ireland, and also score. Siobhan said she was hoarse from shouting and cheering them on.

"It was his first international game, so it was a big deal. He was so nervous going out and didn't know what to expect. We were so delighted he scored a goal. It gave him great confidence and a great boost."

Jack had only just been called up to the squad and didn't know if he would get much game time but was delighted to get the most playing time out of all the subs and to start the last two matches.

Jack is a Leaving Cert Student in Boyne Community School in Trim and the whole school got behind him.

"They put a big banner out the front of the school, with a picture of me saying ‘Good Luck’. One of the teachers got the link and put it on facebook and they watched some of the matches in school."

Jack usually wears a prosthetis but for amputee soccer, they play without prosthesis and use crutches.