Jeff and Tony won their international caps, when they were called up to play for the Republic Of Ireland (ROI) over 70s Walking Football Team in an International Walking Football Invitational, hosted by the England Walking Football Club, at Redditch United's Football Ground over the weekend of 28th/29th September 2024. Their group included 6 teams with 2 from ROI, 2 from England and 1 each from Northern Ireland and France and they finished a creditable 4th. Over the two days of football, ROI entered teams in the men's 50+, 60+, 70+ and women's 40+. More details of the Tournament can be found on the England WFC website.
It was whilst they were playing for Coventry & District in league games at Coleshill, that Jeff and Tony were spotted by Brendan Glynn, the ROI over 70s Team Manager. It wasn't long until they were recruited into the ROI Midlands branch team and establishing themselves as regular players. It was whilst playing for the Midlands team against a full England over 70s team that they put in their best and most memorable performance - beating England 2-1! In the game, Tony scored one of the goals and Jeff put in a man of the match performance, and saved a penalty to help secure the win!
A great achievement by Jeff and Tony who have deservedly earned their place in the ROI team. Well Done!