Unique international homeless tournament takes centre stage in ‘memorable weekend’

A UNIQUE international tournament took place in Tallaght over the weekend which saw men and women representing their respective countries.

The Irish Homeless Street League (IHSL), supported by Amazon Web Services (AWS), marked the celebration of its 20th anniversary with a successful international football tournament.

This milestone event took place at Sean Walsh Astro in Tallaght, bringing together teams from Spain, England, Poland, Scotland, Romania, Northern Ireland, Wales, Finland and the Republic of Ireland.

Tallaght man Ray Daly captained the Republic of Ireland mens team in the tournament, which was a landmark event, celebrating the journey many people have been on through in overcoming adversity, and the benefits of their involvement with the homeless street leagues.

Kickstarting proceedings on Saturday morning, the Crumlin youth band led players on a march from the Maldron Hotel to Sean Walsh Astro.

Mayor Alan Edge, Sean Kavanagh (IHSL) founder and former Republic of Ireland striker Niall Quinn led teams, male and female to the pitch for the opening ceremony.

“It was a truly memorable weekend for all involved and was the culmination of over nine months hard work putting it all together,” said Sean Kavanagh.

“The formant of street soccer with matches lasting 14 minutes, and the ball in constant play makes it a brilliant watch, it is never boring.”

Played over two days the tournament concluded with two great finals Romania defeating Poland 5-1 to win the Women’s tournament, while in the men’s final Northern Ireland defeated Lithuania on penalties after the match ended 4-4 in normal time.

Awards and medals were presented at the closing ceremony dinner in the Maldron Hotel.

Tallaght man Anthony Lees received the Player of the Tournament award, and Linda Suvat from Romania the female player of the tournament.

IHSL founder Sean Kavanagh was presented a framed jersey in recognition of his 20 years at the helm developing the movement.

Neil Morris, AWS Country Lead for Ireland said: “The Irish Homeless Street Leagues is a fantastic initiative and one that we at AWS are delighted to put support behind.

“At AWS we understand and appreciate the power that organisations such as the IHSL have to transform people’s lives so we are delighted to have played a small part in what was a hugely successful international tournament.”