Irish Amputee squad train in MDL Grounds - familiar surroundings for three of our internationals

SOCCER

The Irish Amputee squad were in Meath at the weekend as they travelled to the MDL grounds in Navan to train on Saturday. The team is managed by Christy McElligott who has lived in Dunshaughlin for more than 20 years.

Other stars of the squad include recent Meath Chronicle Young Sportsperson of the Year Jack Douglas who of course hails from Summerhill. The team is captained by James Conroy, the goalkeeper who is from Skryne and also manages the Bohemian FC team that won the league last year with Jack also playing on the team.

Manager McElligott was more than happy to be able to use the excellent MDL facilities as a training base.

"I would like to put on record our sincere thanks to Gerry Gorman and all at the North East Football League for the hospitality at the MDL grounds on Saturday. To get to use these great facilities on my doorstep is unbelievable and to have all the squad travel here and have the use of the pitch for training purposes will help us get to the next level of International football.

"We have our National league competition growing, and more and more amputees are getting the confidence to contact us and begin their own training, with a view to becoming a player within our league and of course the bigger prospect of putting the green jersey on for Ireland. As Jack or James will tell you, there is no bigger pride than wearing the green jersey of your country.

"We hope to have several friendlies this year, in the build-up to our qualifying tournament in France late September. Any amputee that wishes to get involved can contact our Facebook page and we will put them on the path to success."