Cup win for Abbie
The Sporting Fingal Powerchair Team pictured with the cup. (Inset) Abbie Byrne
Wednesday March 10 2010
SPORTING Fingal's Powerchair football team were victors in a special match held in honour of one of their much-loved former players. Abbie Byrne was one of the founding members of the team and also the only female member. She sadly passed away in October 2009 and is greatly missed by everyone involved in Powerchair football in Ireland. Last week, the inaugural Abbie Byrne Memorial Cup match took place at Corduff Sports Centre, where Sporting took on St Joseph's from Sallynoggin. And the Fingal side paid their late friend the best possible tribute by bringing the cup, which was presented by Abbie's mother and sister, Niamh and Shannon, back to north County Dublin following a 1-0 win.
'Abbie was one of the first members of the team when it started in 2009,' Sporting Fingal Powerchair football team manager, Paul Murphy, said.
'Although she was the only girl on the team, she was well able to mix it up with the lads. She made a great impression on us all and we're delighted to play this game in her memory.'
Powerchair football is the first competitive team sport designed and developed specifically for power wheelchair users and teams are open to both male and female participants.
'Power soccer encourages people with disabilities to actively participate in a sport that they have an interest in,' Sporting Fingal Community Trust programme manager, Stephen McGinn.
'Sporting Fingal Community Trust is committed to working with all members of our society through football and to integrate football for people with disabilities under the Sporting Fingal banner.
' The team currently has seven players and is open for new members to join at any stage. I'd also like to thank Fingal County Council's sports unit for donating the cup.
'Abbie was a valued member of the team and it's important to remember her.'
- Robin KIELY
