The Donegal Garda team competed in the International Policing Association European 5-A-Side Tournament in Spain recently – and found it ‘an eye-opener and a pleasure’.
The Donegal-based Gardai won the Irish International Police Association Event in Longford last November, defeating their counterparts from Dundalk in the final.
That win enabled them to play in the Santa Ponsa tournament from May 11-15.
They drew one of their games and lost five.
“The results were immaterial,” one of the group said.
“The Donegal Garda Soccer team enjoyed every moment of it. Playing against quality players was a real eye opener and a pleasure.
“To represent your country at any level is an honour.
“Our friendships were enhanced and memories created that will last a lifetime..
“We could have won three but it wasn’t to be.”
The nine-man squad was managed by former Finn Harps goalkeeper Bosco Gallagher and IPA representative Willie Maye.
The Donegal Gardai who have travelled extended a word of thanks to their respective District Officers and colleagues for enabling them to travel to the tournament, as well as their wives and girlfriends.
Divers Hyundai sponsored the kit while the squad extended a special word of thanks to Mairtin Kelly of Kelly’s American Roadside Diner, Mountain Top in Letterkenny, who was their main sponsor for the trip.
as he was our main sponsor, very supportive and a pleasure to work with..
The Donegal Garda squad was: Mark O’Sullvan, Jonathan Sweeney, Eamonn McGinley, Brian Coyne, Noel Gavaghan, Austin Marron, Liam O’Riordan, Declan McCann and Paddy Kelly.
