Ireland Bring Trophy home from Homeless World Cup
Ireland are now the proud holders of the Melbourne 2008 Dignitary Cup after their 7-3 victory over African power-house Nigeria in front of thousands of fans at Fed Square Stadium Melbourne.
The Dignitary Cup features 8 of the top sixteen Homeless Street soccer teams in the world and is second only in importance to the Homeless World Cup.
Having suffered an off day which saw them lose a pivotal game against England and exit the World Cup by the slimmest of margins Ireland along with 8 of the top sixteen street soccer teams entered the Dignitary Cup competition. Defeating Poland 7-3 in the Quarter final they followed this up with a semi final victory over Germany 8-5 and then met a classy Nigerian side in the Final on Sunday Dec 8. Watched by a fanatical crowd of 5,000.people in Melbourne’s Federation Square Ireland proved what an excellent side they are by defeating the Nigerians 7-3. Brilliant goalkeeping by Gary Cunniam who replaced the injured Thomas Cullen ensured there was no way back for the Nigerians who peppered his goal in the closing minutes to no avail. Goals from Jimmy Bell, Karl Robinson, Captain Ross Crosbie Brian Coleman a hat-trick, and a stunner from the charismatic Paul Farrell ensured that Ireland were going to get just reward from a tournament that saw them suffer the highs and lows that only a sporting occasion such as the Homeless World cup can bring.
This was a memorable week for the lads,
Hat-trick hero Brian Coleman said winning the Dignitary Cup and finishing ninth overall in the Homeless World Cup simply “meant the world”.
“I have never felt this good before,” Coleman said after the win. “Achieving this, and not depending on drugs and alcohol, it is just the best feeling.”
He said he was looking forward to the pride he would feel when he returned home.
“We’re gonna keep playing soccer, and we’re going to be appreciated for doing what we love.”
Irish Team coach Daniel Carey said he was extremely proud of what his boys had achieved.
“Most importantly, they did themselves proud,” said Carey. “They will go home and they will earn the respect that heroes like them deserve.”
A sentiment echoed by Street league founder and manager Sean Kavanagh,
This has been a very successful tournament for the Irish not only did they win the Dignitary Cup, Goal keeper of the tournament was awarded to Thomas Cullen, (Ireland) while the Nike Fair PlayAward day 3 was given to Jimmy Bell (Ireland). World Ranking 9th of 56 countries
We would on behalf of the team like to thank all those who have helped us along the way and for their continued support in helping to change lives.
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Paul Farrell |
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 Top row: Mick Pender, Gary Cunniam, Stephen Coleman, Thomas Cullen, Karl Robinson,John Dowling, Dan Carey, Sean Kavanagh , bottom Vernon Mcallorum, Paul Farrell, Captain Ross Crosbie, Jimmy Bell, Brian Coleman and Anthony Hill
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