Waterford FC Down Syndrome Futsal Team honoured at Mayor's Office
Pictured at City Hall for a Mayoral reception for Waterford FC Down Syndrome Futsal Team in recognition of their outstanding achievement in winning the League of Ireland Cairdeas Championship Cup. Photo: Joe Evans
Waterford FC Down Syndrome Futsal Team were recognised for their achievement of winning the League of Ireland Cairdeas Championship Cup with a Mayoral reception this week.
In his speech, the Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Seamus Ryan, said: “The Blues did something quite extraordinary, five played, five won, a perfect record.
“What makes the achievement even more impressive is that this was only the team's second appearance at the tournament, yet the improvement shown in all aspects of performance was clear for everyone to see.
“It speaks volumes about the commitment shown week after week on the training floor every Thursday night out in South East Technological University.
“Sport, like life, often throws up challenges and this team has faced their fair share. The absence of Chris Walsh on the day was a big loss, yet the response from the group was exactly what you’d hope to see from a winning team; others stepped up.”
He was particularly impressed by John Flynn, who provided “one of the defining moments of the day” when he scored a late decisive goal against Shelbourne, complete with “a celebration that will live long in the memory".
“The steady improvement of this squad is no accident. It is the result of patience, belief and consistent encouragement.
“Success like this is never achieved in isolation. Today we celebrate silverware, yes. But we also celebrate confidence gained, friendships strengthened and a reminder of what sport can achieve when opportunity, inclusion and ambition come together," the Mayor said. “You’ve done your club, your city and your county proud.”
Colin Power, Head of Community at Waterford FC, accepted the scroll on behalf of the team.
He said, “I’ve been involved in football for far longer than I care to remember. And I have to say, I found this experience one of the most enjoyable I’ve ever had in football. You’re an absolute pleasure to work with, and I mean that sincerely.
“There’s a lot of stuff that goes into the background before we get to a final. SETU are very good to us. I’d say we’re one of the only groups, if the only group, that get to use the facilities in the arena for free.
“We run a lot of different projects in Waterford FC, but we can’t run any of these projects without volunteers. They give up their time every Thursday night. I know they get as much out of it as the lads do.
“The parents and the siblings of the players are particularly a pleasure to deal with. Ye are so easy-going. The numbers ye travel into Dublin, that makes such a difference to the lads.
“Everybody has stuff going on in their lives. We go out there on a Thursday night, not because we have to, we go out there because we enjoy it.”
Goalkeeper John Mulligan told the : “I’m so happy to be there and to be a part of the team.”
Defender Wayne Pepper said: "The Mayor is very thoughtful and kind to us in what he said in his speech."
He continued: "Being on a football team means everything to me. We stand by each other no matter what."
