Page 62 - Callan United 50th Anniversary Yearbook 2018/19

Defence Forces qualify for World

Military Games

8th Dec 2018

The Irish Defence Forces team drew with France 0-0, earning them a spot at next
year's World Military Games in China, thus making Callan man Lee Delaney the first
from this town to head to a World Cup in a green shirt.

After the French were down to ten men in the early stages, the Irish pressed to take
advantage creating numerous chances with Lee Delaney, Tony Smith and Chris Kenny
producing top class saves from the French goalkeeper. The French posed their own
threat causing some upset in the Irish defence, with two quick breaks but Ken Deegan
and the Irish defence were up to the challenge.

The second half started in similar fashion with the French happy to settle for the draw
which would qualify both teams. The Irish pressed hard to get the goal but were
thwarted by an excellent French keeper and defence. Chris Kenny came closest to
winning it for the Irish and was close to winning the game with an auditious chip with 15
minutes to go.

Irish legs tired in the last 10 minutes with France getting a foothold in the game but the
Irish dug deep and nearly nicked it in the last minute with a header from Kenny.

Manager Richie Barber was delighted after the game with his team. “This is the
culmination of a years’ planning and work from the staff and players. We set our goals
and achieved them. We could have won the game today but we achieved what we
came to do.