Garry to play for Ireland in Euros!

LOCAL AMPUTEE ATHLETE SET FOR ISTANBUL GAMES

A Dundalk man is set to play for Ireland at the European Amputee Championships being held in Turkey next month.

Garry Hoey, who lost part of his lower right leg in an accident at work, will jet off to Istanbul with the Irish squad on October 1st for the ten day tournament.

Ireland will be among twelve national teams from across Europe competing for a top finish in the championships.

Speaking to the Argus about the forthcoming trip, he said: ‘It’s a fantastic opportunity for us, as it is the first time it is being held under the umbrella of UEFA.’

The Belfry resident has been playing with the Irish amputee team since 2012, and last year even had the honour of being named captain of the squad during the championships held in Poland.

‘It is one of the fastest growing sports at the moment, and indeed it is hoped to become a paralympic sport.’

Enjoying what has been a ‘real honour and a challenge’ he said: ‘I loved to play football when I had two legs, and now that I have one leg I am playing for my country.’

He added that rather than seeing the ‘disability’ of becoming an amputee, he realises ‘it is about the abilities that we all have on the team.’

Garry, who normally plays centre midfield, added that training has increased significantly for the squad ahead of the European championships.

‘We train down at the University of Limerick once a month, but I also have three or four training sessions each week here in Dundalk.

Amputee football involves players using crutches during matches, a factor which ‘ levels the playing field’ for all athletes, no matter what their disability is.

‘I’m really looking forward to it, the matches are being held in a stadium outside Istanbul, and the top six teams will then qualify for the world cup which we are hoping will be held next year.’

Garry added that the Irish team have benefitted from becoming FAI affiliated having fallen under the national body’s ‘Football for All programme’.