Mark’s goal is vital to Irish victory as they qualify for Europeans
MARK Irwin from Ballymote played a pivotal role in the Irish national Garda soccer team as they defeated hosts Norway 4-1 and have now qualified fro the European Championships which are taking place in Prague this summer.
Mark was the first Garda from Sligo to be selected for the squad for the Norway game and he said it was an honour for him to be part of the team. The Ballymote Celtic striker was influential throughout the game, scoring a vital goal for Ireland midway through the second half when the sides were level at 1-1.
The 15-man squad is coached by Aaron Callaghan, the current Athlone Town manager and former Stoke and Alexandra Crewe player.
Mark was the only player from the West selected for the representative squad which consists of members of An Garda Síochána from throughout the country.
Noel Kennedy, Secretary of the Sligo/Leitrim District Soccer League congratulated the Ballymote man on his success. He said: “Congratulations to Mark Irwin Ballymote Celtic and his colleagues in An Garda Síochána who won 4-1 and have qualified for the European Police Championships in Prague this summer. Mark started and played 85 minutes as well as scoring the second with a powerful header as the game was in the balance at 1-1 midway through the second half this proved vital in their historic win.”