FAI honour capped a memorable year for Fergus

It was one of the sports stories of 2023. How one young Walterstown man represented his country in two different sports - on the SAME day

There was much written and spoken about the fact that the friendly international between the Republic of Ireland and New Zealand in November was Stephen Kenny's last game in charge of the national side.

Another event however took place that evening at the Aviva Stadium that was history making in terms of soccer in this country. A group of talented young footballers became the first players with Down Syndrome to receive commemorative caps for representing the Republic of Ireland on the international stage.

It was a massive occasion for the players, their families and soccer in this country - and among the select group of players honoured was Fergus Cosgrove from Walterstown.

"Trailblazers," the FAI Director of Football Marc Canham called the players at the event at which the precious international caps were awarded - and the term was certainly appropriate.

The players were part of the Republic of Ireland's first international Down Syndrome Futsal squad that played in Padua, Italy in the Sport Union for Athletes with Down Syndrome (SUDS) European Championships in September.

"We as an Association are very proud of you," Canham added. "The awarding of a cap to an international player dates back to the 1870s and remains a symbolic gesture, as well as a prized keepsake,” added Canham.

“Therefore it was important to ensure that all players who featured for Ireland at senior level were eligible to receive this one-off cap that represents their involvement with the team."

In Padua the Irish squad had a jam-packed week, playing five games in four days against teams like Turkey, Italy and Portugal who have been putting out teams in futsal for the past four years.

That week in Padua was certainly busy for Fergus Cosgrove, a talented athlete and soccer player.

The Walterstown teenager had travelled to Italy as part of the athletics squad and did very well too. He won a bronze medal in the triathlon event. However when a player had to withdraw from the soccer team Fergus was asked to fill in as he had trained with the squad prior to the start of the Championships.

Fergus was more than happy to answer his country's call and played the game against a strong, skilful Italian side even through he had taken part in the 200m sprint final earlier that day.

It was a marvellous example of going that extra mile for your country, literally, as the adventure involved a frantic dash from one venue to another.

The aim is to have more players wear the green of Ireland in the future.

"Creating a player pathway for players with Down Syndrome in Ireland from grassroots all the way through to international level, would be the next general step.

"By getting more players with Down Syndrome playing to play Futsal (the International game is Futsal) on a regular basis will mean that the future is bright and more players can aspire to represent their country at future events,” added Tessa van Heerden of Down Syndrome Ireland Meath Louth Branch.

Being first-time competitors did not leave the Irish team at a disadvantage reckoned Máire Hourigan, mother of Futsal player Cian Kelleher from Cork.

“Our athletes demonstrated belief and strong heart and operated in a fun-loving way throughout the week. I am so proud of all of them and loved the cohesive way the teams bonded, dressed in their similar attire," she said.

"Memories were created, experiences were made, and our athletes led the way in style in how they handled themselves, one another, and their opponents. Truly phenomenal ambassadors. Onwards and upwards. There are no limits!”.

A number of the players selected for the squad had previous involvement in Football For All, and were very quick to adapt their skills to Futsal. This event also provided the players with the opportunity to test their skills against other players with Down Syndrome from the other nations involved.

Paul Smyth, Head coach, was delighted by the team’s performance “The players and families made huge sacrifices all through the year in preparation for the SUDS European Championships. This enabled the team to match more established countries with outstanding performances throughout the tournament.

"On behalf of the coaching team, Brendan Corish, Sean Mulligan and myself, we would like to acknowledge the support of the families and supporters who got behind the team and made it such a special experience. It made us all proud to be Irish.

"We would also like to recognise the endeavours of those pioneers who worked tirelessly on this project, the Down Syndrome Louth and Meath Branch and the unbelievable support of the communities and businesses.

"It was a pleasure to be involved with this historic group of players.”