Talented young Clare athlete to represent Ireland in international cerebral palsy soccer tournament
A TALENTED young athlete from county Clare has been selected to represent Ireland in the Cerebral Palsy Women's Soccer Tournament.
19-year-old Ali from Kilkee, a student at the Mid West School for the Deaf, has been selected to represent her country as part of the first-ever Cerebral Palsy Women’s Soccer Team at the Nations Cup in Denmark.
The team will travel to Denmark on October 19, with their first match taking place against Spain on Friday October 20.
The Mid West School for the Deaf held a celebration at their school on Wednesday October 18 to give her "the send-off she so richly deserves".
Maria Allen, principal of the Mid West School for the Deaf said, “Ali’s journey has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. She has overcome numerous obstacles to reach this pinnacle in her soccer career. Her dedication, resilience, and unwavering spirit serve as a testament to the power of determination and the human spirit.”
Ali has risen above countless obstacles to achieve her dreams. Her journey is a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the students at the Mid West School for the Deaf. Ali’s class teacher Michelle Creed said that “Ali’s success reminds us that with passion, perseverance, and a strong support system, any dream can become a reality. We are immensely proud of Ali and her accomplishments. Her story is a beacon of hope for all of us."
In Ali’s class, Ali’s fellow classmate and friend Dash Dolan shared, “Ali’s dedication to her sport, and her fantastic spirit have been an inspiration to us all. We know she will make us proud at the Nations Cup.” Cillian Daly and Bella Sexton agreed, “Ali is a role model, and she’s shown us that no dream is too big to chase.” Amy Ryan exclaimed that “We’re her biggest cheerleaders, we can’t wait to watch her on the international stage.”
Ali’s former teacher, Roisin Mercier pointed out that “Ali embodies the true spirit of our school, and we’re thrilled to celebrate her success.”
Ali herself stated "I am extremely proud to be part of the CP women's football team. It is a dream come true to play our first international games, but none of this would be possible without certain people in my life." Ali went on to explain "In 2021 I left mainstream school due to the pandemic. Everyone was wearing masks and as a deaf person who relied on lip reading I felt totally excluded. Even though I was nervous moving schools, I can say today that joining the School for the Deaf was the turning point in my life."
"This outstanding achievement is a historic moment for Ali and a milestone for the school. The school will be hosted a special celebration on Wednesday to honour Ali’s achievements and to offer our best wishes for her success at the Nations Cup," the Mid West School for the Deaf said.