Northern Ireland's walking football squads enjoyed a hugely successful weekend at the Limerick Festival of Walking Football, with the Over 70s retaining their title and the Over 65s lifting the trophy on their tournament debut.
Held at the University of Limerick in July, the festival saw Northern Ireland's three representative squads produce an outstanding set of performances, remaining unbeaten across 12 matches and conceding just two goals.
The Over 70s successfully defended the title they won in 2024. Victories over Anglia and Dublin secured their place in the final, with Keith Campbell, David Marcus and David Lemon all finding the net during the group stages.
In the final they were held to a goalless draw by a strong Leinster side before keeping their composure to triumph in a penalty shootout.
The Over 65s also enjoyed a memorable tournament, winning their age category at the first attempt.
After drawing with Midlands Irish, they recorded victories over Munster and South Irish, including an emphatic 5-0 success in their final group game. Goals came from Jackie Fenton, Reggie Dornan (2), Michael Mahood, Anthony Cafolla (2) and Jim Gorman.
Like the Over 70s, the Over 65s needed penalties to separate themselves from Leinster after a tense 0-0 draw in the final, emerging victorious to complete a superb weekend for the Northern Ireland squads.
The Over 60s also impressed throughout the competition. Wins over North West and Midlands Irish, followed by draws against Anglia and Dublin, left them agonisingly short of a place in the final.
Ronnie Carleton, John McClure and Geoff McKendry, who scored twice, were all on target during an encouraging campaign.
Manager Gary Barclay praised the commitment and consistency shown by all three squads.
"It was astounding that across more than five hours of football, involving 12 games, our teams remained unbeaten and conceded only two goals," he said.
"These achievements are a direct reflection of the time, effort and application that our players bring to every training session.
"We look forward with confidence and belief to the World Masters tournament in Swansea in August."
Anyone interested in taking up walking football, or who believes they have the ability to represent Northern Ireland at international level, can contact Keith Gibson, Inclusive Football & Sustainability Manager at the Irish FA Foundation, by emailing keith.gibson@irishfa.com.
