MDI Members Receive Power Soccer Wheelchairs in Milestone Event

We are thrilled to share the highlights of a special event held at MDI Head Office on Wednesday, 5th February, where three of our members were presented with power soccer wheelchairs to support their participation in Powerchair Football. This initiative is a major step in ensuring that our members have access to the equipment they need to thrive in the sport.

Empowering Athletes Through Generous Support

This incredible achievement was made possible thanks to the generous funding from The Lord Taverners Ireland, a charity dedicated to increasing access to sport for individuals with additional needs. The funds originated from the RevUp annual fundraising event, organised by Dead Ducks Motorcycle Club, whose proceeds were donated to The Lord Taverners Ireland to support this project.

Meet the Recipients

We are delighted to introduce the three outstanding players who received their power soccer wheelchairs:

• Kyle Baker (M&F United)

• Emer O'Sullivan (DCU Storm)

• Dylan McLoughlin (M&F United)

L- R : Dylan McLoughlin, Emer O’Sullivan, Kyle Baker

Back Row L-R: Julie Nicholson (AIPF Chairperson), Noeleen Gannon (AIPF) Front Row L-R: Dylan McLoughlin, Emer O’Sullivan, Kyle Baker

Dylan McLoughlin and mum Bridget McLoughlin

Emer O’Sullivan and family; dad Damien, mum Carmel, and sister Gráinne

Back Row L-R: Alan Breathnach (MDI CEO), Paul Farrell (The Lord Taverners Chairperson), Noeleen Gannon (AIPF), Kathleen  Gavin (The Lord Taverners, Board), Don Moore (Dead Ducks Motorcycle Club, President)

Kyle Baker and mum Sara Hickey

A Special Thank You & Celebration of Support

This event was a true celebration of collaboration, generosity, and dedication to inclusive sports. We extend our deepest gratitude to all those who played a role in making this initiative a success and who were in attendance on the day:

• The Lord Taverners Ireland, represented by Paul Farrell (Chairperson) and Kathleen Gavin (Board), for their generosity in funding this initiative.

• Dead Ducks Motorcycle Club, with special thanks to Don Moore (President), for their commitment to raising essential funds through RevUp.

• The Association of Irish Powerchair Football (AIPF), including Noeleen Gannon and Julie Nicholson (Chairperson), for their expert guidance, particularly Noeleen’s invaluable support in sourcing and preparing the powerchairs for use.

• The families of Kyle, Emer, and Dylan, whose presence and encouragement made the event even more special.

Looking Ahead

MDI remains committed to creating opportunities for our members to participate in sports and lead active, fulfilling lives. We will continue working to remove barriers, provide essential resources, and support athletes at every stage of their journey.

Congratulations once again to Kyle, Emer, and Dylan—we can’t wait to see you develop, compete, and inspire others in the Powerchair Football community.

Photography by David McAuley