Republic of Ireland, USA, Scotland and The Netherlands will do battle from 5^th to 11^th of May in the inaugural Dublin Gathering CP International Tournament. The fixtures will take place at Peamount United FC, in Newcastle, South Dublin with Milenio Sports as Tournament Organisers.

The tournament represents some of the highest standard of CP Football in Europe and beyond with The Netherlands ranked 5th, USA currently ranked 9th and Scotland 6^th in the world. Republic of Ireland are no strangers to hosting International CP Tournaments having organized the CPISRA European Championships in UCD in 2006 and The St. Patrick’s Day Cup international tournament in 2011 hosted by this years venue Peamount United FC. Both the Netherlands and Scotland return two years after the St. Patricks Cup to Dublin hoping to reverse results against their hosts in 2013.

 

Throughout 2013 Ireland will open its arms to hundreds and thousands of families and friends from all over the world inviting them home to gatherings in villages, towns and cities.

 

The Dublin Gathering International CP Tournament forms part of the overall strategy of getting Ireland's global diaspora home (and contributing to the local economy) while enjoying a first class International tournament and experiencing the best of local hospitality and attractions at the same time.

 

The Gathering Ireland is not one single event. It’s an exciting year-long celebration of Ireland, its people and all that is great about its connections, both at home and abroad. The Gathering Ireland invites anyone who has a link to Ireland or just a love of the country, to come to Ireland for a series of events throughout 2013. The Dublin Gathering CP International Tournament was launched last October in South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght by Michael Ring TD the Irish Minister of State, at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

 

Oisin Jordan, National Co-ordinator for FAI’s Football for all programme said ‘’ This event will be a spectacular exhibition of the very high standard of football in international CP football but more importantly like in 2011 the tournament will put CP football on the map in the Irish football community and hopefully this exposure might unearth a number of new players who in the coming years might represent their country at the Paralympics in Brazil 2016. I am really looking forward to the competition and would like to welcome our colleagues from the 3 countries to Ireland and hope they enjoy their time in South Dublin.

 

Brenda O’Donnell, Director of Sport for Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland said “ this event sees a very welcome return to the calender following a succesfull St Patricks Day Cup 2 years ago. The competition will provide a huge opportunity for our own players to demonstrate their skills and talents against the top teams in the world. Undoubtedly there will be plenty of oppurtunities for new players to experience the atmosphere of CP football. On Behalf of CPSI, I am really looking forward to the competition and would like to welcome USA, Scotland and Netherlands to Dublin and hope they enjoy their time here. 

 

Philip Behan, Director of Milenio Sports Management said '' We have been working hard on  this tournament ever since Sports Minister Michael Ring launched it in October 2012 in County Hall in South Dublin and we are delighted to be managing all aspects of this tournament

and working closely with The Football Association of ireland, South Dublin County Council, CPSI, Dutch Football Association (KNVB) and Scottish Football Association. It promises to be a great week of football in South Dublin and really highlights South Dublin as a leading Sports Tourism Destination in Ireland and far beyond.

 

The Tournament is supported by South Dublin County Council, South Dublin County Tourism Ltd, Fingal LEADER Partnership and Gathering Ireland. Mayor of South Dublin Cllr Cathal King remarked on the international teams in attendance; ‘’I am delighted to invite international teams and visitors to the area to compete in the Dublin Gathering CP International Tournament. South Dublin is Ireland’s premier business, sport and leisure destination. Don’t forget to ‘#MeetToCompete’ if you are attending the event!’’

Tournament Details are as follows:

 

15.30 Republic of Ireland VS USA

17.30 Scotland VS Netherlands

15.30 USA VS Scotland

17.30 Netherlands VS Republic of Ireland

15.30 USA VS Netherlands

17.30 Republic of Ireland VS Scotland

13.30 3^rd/4^th place match

15.30 FINAL

All matches will take place at Peamount United, in Greenogue, Newcastle, Co. Dublin.

Peamount United Club shop will be open for the tournament where hot, cold drinks and confectionary will be for sale. 

 

Admission to all games is free of charge and all are encouraged to come along, cheer on the ‘boys in green’ and welcome our visitors to South Dublin for what will be an action packed week of top class CP football in the spirit of Gathering Ireland 2013.