By Cóilín Duffy
A Cabra man is set to represent Ireland this weekend in a historic international soccer game in Wolverhampton.
Cian Hade is part of the 18-man squad set to break new ground when he represents Éire against Khalistan in an international friendly on Saturday August 15th at 7pm in the Guardian Warehousing Arena in Willenhall, Wolverhampton.
The 27 year old plays his football with the Dublin Devils and is hugely looking forward to this weekend’s match.
A huge crowd is expected for the game, at the prestigious venue which just last weekend hosted a preliminary round FA Cup tie, which featured home club Sporting Khalsa.
Armagh native James Mac Éinrí is set to co-captain the side along with TG4 Sacair Beo presenter/reporter Darren Ó Dubhgáin.
The squad includes players from Derry, Armagh, Antrim, Donegal, Galway, Louth, Laois and Dublin.
Cumann Sacair Gaeilge (CSG) is the brainchild of Derry native Oisín Mac Eó and An Páipéar editor and freelance sports journalist Cóilín Duffy, who set up the organisation to provide social opportunities for Irish language speakers through the medium of soccer.
CSG gained international recognition last April when they were made a member of international organisation CONIFA, the Confederation of Independent Football Associations.
Independent of FIFA, CONIFA is the global soccer organisation for nations, regions, minorities and cultural communications not represented by FIFA, and celebrates soccer as a way of bringing people together, promoting inclusion, friendly and cultural identity through international competition.
CSG have a number of regional hubs, with weekly five-a-side’s taking place, and are currently looking at venues in Galway.
To help with the costs involved Cumann Sacair Gaeilge have set up a crowdfunder at
https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/sacairgaeilge1 with all donations very much appreciated.
You can find out more about Saturday’s International game and Cumann Sacair Gaeilge at CSGaeilge on Instagram or by searching for Cumann Sacair Gaeilge on Facebook.
CUMANN SACAIR GAEILGE: Oisín Mac Aodha, Oisín Mac Eó, Dónal Ciarán Mac Eó, Dualta Mac Lochlainn, Cóilín Duffy, John Ó Fearraigh, Éamonn Ó Duibheannaigh, Donnchadh Ó Duibheannaigh, Donnchadh Ó Cathasaigh, Darren Ó Dubhgáin, James Mac Éinrí, Seán Óg Mac Éinrí, Rian McShane, Joe Mac an Fhailí, Proinsias Mac Ruaidhrí, Chris Ó Biadha, Joe Ó Colla, Cian Hade.