Ian in European Action
posted 4 Aug 2008

Ian S, a pupil of Cookstown High School, recently returned from the European A Division Championships in The Hague, Holland.

Ian was part of an eighteen man squad and was the only representative from the Cookstown area.

The tournament proved very successful not only for the Irish Squad but also for Ian on a personal level.

The Irish Team played Holland, Russia, Austria, England and Italy.

Ireland defeated Austria in their first match with Ian scoring what was described as ‘goal of the match’. Ireland then played Russia and this game was one of the most exciting of the tournament finishing 6-6. During the match Ireland had a goal disallowed and missed a stroke but with seconds on the clock they equalised to draw the game.

Ireland ’s third game was against the hosts and European Champions, Holland.

Ireland led the game 2 – 1 with only 15 minutes to go and it took a late surge from Holland to finally defeat Ireland 5 – 2.

Ireland lost out on a Semi Final place on goal difference but their performances against both Russia and Holland were described as two of the best by any Irish Team.

Ian played Centre Midfield in all three group matches and as the team approached the final two matches Ian’s efforts in the group stages was rewarded by him being asked to Captain the team against Italy and England.

Ian was the youngest player in the starting line up for the Irish Team so this was indeed a great honour for fourteen year old Ian.

Ireland lost narrowly to England, however Ireland achieved their initial target and secured European A Division status with a win over Italy.