The victorious Irish women’s homeless football team has returned from South Korea to a rapturous welcome at Dublin Airport.
The team were joined by the men’s squad and were greeted with cheers of “Ole, Ole, Ole” by family and well wishers who gathered at Terminal One to welcome them home.
The women’s squad beat the USA in the Trophy Stage Final 5-2 to cap a brilliant tournament for the team, which saw them score 42 goals across ten games.
Footballer Hayleigh Power from Co Limerick said she never imagined the team would receive such a warm homecoming from the public.
“It’s unbelievable, we’re so proud of our achievement and it’s testament to all the long hours of hard training we did over the past three months,” Ms Power said.
Ms Power lost her father just before the World Cup started but said her dad would have wanted her to go and win it. And that’s exactly what she did.
“He would have been so proud of me and the girls,” she said.
“My father boasted to so many people that his daughter was playing in the world cup so I felt like it was right to go and I couldn’t have asked for a better group to be there with.
“I’d say he [father] would be bursting with pride and that’s all I wanted to do is go out and make myself proud and make everyone else proud and I’m happy with that,” she added.
The Irish men’s team finished in 8th place overall after suffering defeat to Northern Ireland in the quarter finals.
Despite the loss the team said they were delighted with their performance.
“What an experience and memories – we’ve made friends for life,” Brendan Taylor said.
“Homelessness is a major issue here but football brought us together, a ball can change a life. I’m still homeless but please god i keep doing the right thing and I’ll get a house,” he added.
The coaches said it is remarkable that many of the men have “turned their lives around” and can now see a bright future for themselves.
Irish Street League, which organises events and runs the football team events, said plans are advancing for Ireland’s bid to host the next Homeless World Cup in 2028.