Dublin, August 29: The Ireland Hockey ID Team have taken part in history having competed in the first ever Hockey ID tournament to be organised in Bulgaria, The Santorelli Cup. The team secured the invitation by virtue of their gold medal success in the National Games in Tilburg, a competition in which hosts Bulgaria also competed.
Competing alongside Italy and Bulgaria, the Ireland side were braced for an incredibly competitive tournament. Italy set the standard early on, recording a 9-0 victory over Bulgaria in the first match of the tournament.
Ireland faced Italy in their first game on Saturday evening. The team fought exceptionally hard throughout the contest, producing plenty of exceptional attacking moves from Cameron, Joe and Matthew, and resolute defending from Andy, Tony, and Ben in goals. Italy, however, emerged as victors thanks to their clinical nature in front of goal which led them to a 5-1 victory.
Next up for Ireland were hosts, Bulgaria. Ireland entered the game with plenty of confidence having faced Bulgaria during their Gold-medal run in Tilburg. Again, the team threw everything they had at their opponents. Goalkeeper Ben pull off some show-stopping saves. Aoife, RuthAnne and Niamh fought for every ball, making things difficult for their opponents, and breaking out of defence on multiple occasions. Andy and Tony again showed their defensive prowess while Joe, Matthew and Cameron produced chances in front of goal. The hosts came away as victors 4-0.
Italy took home the trophy, with Bulgaria in second and Ireland winning Bronze in what was a historic weekend for Hockey ID.
Speaking after the tournament, head coach Scott Mulligan said:
“It was tough competition, and the weather conditions are something our players are not used to. Despite this, they played great hockey and really enjoyed it.
You can see how big Hockey ID is getting around Europe and being a part of the inaugural Hockey ID Tournament is an honour.
A big thanks to the Bulgarian Hockey Federation, Special Olympics Bulgaria and of course Mr Santorelli for organising this tournament.”