SEMI FINAL OF THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
Today Friday the 3rd of August 2018 the Rep of Ireland International CP team will face Ukraine in the semi final of the European Championships being held in Holland. The game kicks off at 3pm and can be watched live via this link: CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE AT 3PM
INSPIRATIONAL CAPTAIN
The captain of the Rep of Ireland Gary Messett has been nothing short of inspirational both on and off the field for his country in the lead up to the tournament and also during the tournament itself thus far. To date Messett has scored in three of his four appearances in the competition and played a key role in leading his team to the semi final stage. For those who know Gary it will come as little surprise that he is yet again shining at a major competition in the green jersey. Gary is no stranger to setting records having being voted player of the tournament at no less than three previous European Championship tournaments. What makes Gary's performances in Holland this time around even more notable is the inspirational courage and pride he has displayed to answer his countries call this summer. On June 5th of this year Gary's father Bobby Messett was tragically killed in a shooting incident in Bray boxing club county Wicklow. Bobby an incident man gunned down for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Just two months on from that tragedy Gary is doing his dad, his family, friends and the country of Ireland very proud. The young mans courage and devotion to his country deserves recognition and without question there is no better Irish man to captain this Irish side heading into a historic semi final clash with the Ukraine this afternoon.
EXPERIENCE
Ireland finished 4th at the European Championships held in Portugal four years ago and will be looking to go one better this time around under highly rated manager Paul Breen. Ireland will head into this afternoon's game as underdogs against a much fancied Ukraine outfit who boast a number of full time professional players in their squad in comparison to an Irish team made up of amateur footballers who's time together is very limited. Four years ago Ireland suffered a heartbreaking extra time goal to eliminate them at the semi final stage of the Euro's. Four years on and with some of that squad still remaining added to by new additions and a top class coaching staff it is not beyond reason that Ireland can pull off a historic result this afternoon.
PRIDE
Whatever the outcome in this afternoon's semi final this group of players and coaching staff have once again done not only their family and friends, but the entire country of Ireland proud.
Ireland vs Ukraine (European Championships Semi Final 3pm Friday 3rd of August 2018)
