Dublin South West representative Seán Crowe TD  has welcomed members of  the Irish Homeless World Cup team to Leinster House. The Irish team finished 16 out of 48 teams at the World Cup in Mexico earlier this month.

At a reception  in Leinsten House Deputy Crowe welcomed the team and a presentation was made  to goalkeeper David Byrne who was voted Goalkeeper of the tournament. Crowe who had met individual members of the team in Tallaght earlier in year said they were an inspiration and that they had  helped shine spotlight on the challenge of homelessness.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“Today is about honouring the players who represented Ireland in the World Cup in Mexico namely; David Byrne, Ollie Carroll, Ian Gannon, Paul Fitzsimons, Michael Nevin, Keith Hogan, Wayne Reid, and Garreth Lynch.

“During the tournament the Irish team played teams from well known football nations like Brazil, Ukraine, Poland, Argentina, Portugal, Norway, South Africa, and Scotland.

“The Big Issue League now has tournaments in towns and cities right across the country.

“In total over 500 young people compete in Street Leagues. The leagues culminate with an All-Ireland final that brings teams from North and South to participate in a one day event which was held in the An Post Club on the killtipper Road, Tallaght earlier this year.

“Out of this tournament the current group of players were selected to represent Team  Ireland.

“Particular congratulations must go to David Byrne in recognition of his personal achievement in being voted goalkeeper of the tournament.

“The lads are great role models and their commitment to overcome personal and other adversities in life, is an example to us all.

“Through their personal commitment they have focused a spotlight on the challenge of homelssness both here and around the world..

“I only hope that their sacrifice does not go un-noticed by official Ireland and that this will spur policy makers to greater efforts to tackle the homeless crisis that is estimated to effect  up to 5,000 people.

The Irish Homeless team did us proud in the World Cup  tournament, I want to use the opportunity of them visiting Leinster house and wish the team and their families every success in the future.”