Day 3 of furious Floorball action
Team Ireland floorball entered the third day of competition seasoned by the valuable experience of their previous 7 total World Winter Games matches. With pride, determination, and unshakeable team spirit, they entered the arena and prepared to compete with skill and energy.
The first floorball match of the day was a rollicking romp against Switzerland. Gavin Bourke sent the first goal past the keeper, while Damien Kirwan got the second. At this point it was 2-1 for Ireland. Then Damien scored again for a 3-1 margin to Ireland. In quick succession Gavin scored once more for a 4-1 lead. Switzerland scored once more, but they were unable to make up the lead that the impressive Irish side had built up – and Team Ireland won by 4 points to 2.
Frank O’Dwyer’s mother Madge O’Dwyer spoke of how proud she was: “We’re extremely proud of Frank’s hard work and dedication – training for the last year to get here, never missing a session at the Tipperary Special Olympics Club, Buttevant, Cork or Dublin.”
Joseph ‘Joe-Joe’ Sheehan’s mother Mairead Sheehan and father Joseph said: “We are so proud of Joseph, as captain he led the team to victory. They showed super sportsmanship, and we could not possible be prouder.” Joseph’s sister Shantelle Sheehan said: “The team are feeling on top of the world with pride to be here, representing their country and working together as a team.”
In a triumphant post-match interview, now three-time man-of-the-match James Hunter said: "It was a fantastic match, everyone played their part. If we win one more match, we win our group. For a small island to play a country like Switzerland that's playing it constantly, is impressive...We all trained so hard to get here, I was jogging up and down the way for the last two years, and we were training in football with Joe Sheehan's dad to keep us fit! We're so proud, and the supporters have all been amazing."
While the Ireland v China match was about to begin, we talked to some of the spectators about the team and the Games.
Julie Dwyer of Mallow Special Olympics Club said: “We have four boys on the team from Mallow United SO club; Joseph 'Joe-Joe' Sheehan, James Hunter, Gavin Bourke and Jack Buckley. We are here to support our four athletes as they represent their club on the world stage. James has represented previously in the Summer Games in Abu Dhabi, but for the rest this is their first time. It is lovely to be here as a supporter and club coach. “
Goalie Jack Buckley's sister, Clodagh, said: “I’m here in Turin with my dad, Michael and my mom Linda. I am so proud of Jack my older brother, at his first Special Olympics Games. Jack is so excited to be here, and is really enjoying it! It’s an amazing achievement for him."
Graham Roe, Director of Marketing, Communications and Fundraising for Special Olympics Ireland said: "The spirit of how the games have been played, and the sportsmanship of the athletes, coaches and fans have been amazing to witness."
Chairperson of the Board of Special Olympics Ireland, Dr. Brendan O'Brien, said: “Today has been a fantastic day at the Special Olympics World Winter Games. We have had the privilege of being in Sestriere with fantastic results and amazing performances. We are so proud of the athletes, their coaches and their parents."
After both teams filed out onto the court, the Ireland v China match began. It was a match full of exciting moments, and China proved a very tough opponent, racking up 5 goals in the first half. The second half saw Ireland fight tooth and nail with great heart and determination, as Gavin Bourke and James Hunter hit the mark and put scores on the boards for our side. The final result was a victory for China by 8 goals to 2, but Team Ireland can hold their heads up high as theirs was a performance of tenacity and teamwork.
Match 1: Division B 12:15pm GMT: Ireland 4 - 2 Switzerland
Match 2: Division B 5:15pm GMT: Ireland 2 - 8 China
