FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MDI & AIPF Power a New Era of Inclusive Football: Launched by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan TD.
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI), the national charity supporting people living with neuromuscular conditions, celebrated the arrival of six Football Power Chairs, funded by the UEFA Children’s Foundation, and Lord’s Taverners Ireland/RevUp and in partnership with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).
The launch took place at the National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown on Thursday 15th of January and was officially led by the Minister for Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, marking a major milestone in the ongoing development of inclusive and accessible sport for people with disabilities in Ireland.
The new Football Power chairs will be used by players across Power Football teams nationwide, enabling people with significant physical disabilities to take part in a fast-paced, competitive team sport. For many players, Power Chair Football provides not only physical activity but also vital opportunities for social connection, confidence-building, participation in their community and the opportunity for some to represent their country on the international stage.
MDI and the FAI have supported Power Chair Football in Ireland since the early 2000s, when the sport was first introduced through summer camps run by Muscular Dystrophy Ireland. In 2009, the Association of Irish Powerchair Football (AIPF) was established. Since then, both MDI and the FAI have continued to support players with muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular conditions to join clubs, access specialist equipment and compete at national and international levels.
In 2025, MDI with the support of the FAI and AIPF were successful in securing funds through the UEFA Children’s Foundation of €38,500, with a further €44,000 in funding contributed by Lord’s Taverners Ireland/RevUp (via funds raised by their annual motorcycle event). There has long been a financial barrier to accessing this amazing sport with each Football Power Chair costing over €12,000. By removing this barrier, MDI and the FAI aim to build a strong and sustainable pathway for players, ensuring that young people can access the sport regardless of ability or financial circumstance.
The impact of Power Chair Football extends far beyond physical health. Players benefit from improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and coordination, while also developing teamwork, strategy and goal-setting skills. The sport plays a crucial role in combating isolation among young people with disabilities, helping them to build strong peer networks and lifelong friendships.
Today’s launch also highlights how far the sport has progressed. In its early days, games were improvised using manual wheelchairs, plastic storage boxes and a yoga ball. This is a testament to the determination of players, family members, volunteers and staff to make Power Chair Football accessible.
Speaking at the launch, Alan Breathnach, CEO of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, said:
“These Football Power Chairs mean that young people with neuromuscular conditions can take to the pitch, play alongside their peers and experience the joy, confidence and sense of belonging that sport brings. We know from years of experience that when barriers are removed, young people thrive. This investment into inclusion for all players will change lives.”
FAI CEO David Courell, said: "This initiative is a fantastic example of our ambition to build a truly inclusive game for everyone in Ireland. This would not be possible without the visionary work of MDI and the AIPF, and the generous support of the UEFA Children's Foundation and Lord's Taverners. These Power Chairs will create a tangible pathway for players with neuromuscular conditions to participate, compete, and excel in the sport they love. The FAI is proud to support this pathway, ensuring that every player has the opportunity to reach their full potential."
Julie Nicholson, Chairperson for the Association of Irish Power Chair Football, said:
“Today is a significant milestone in our Powerchair community here in Ireland. The presentation of these six new chairs is far more than a handover of equipment — it represents opportunity, independence, and belonging for players and clubs across the country. We are incredibly grateful to MDI for sharing in their vision for stronger partnerships, where we see the FAI, IAPF & MDI partner to open the conversation with funding ambassadors such as UEFA and The Lord Taverners. We want to thank them for their funding and unwavering support. These partnerships are essential in helping us grow the sustain the future of our sport. To ensure players have access to the specialist equipment required to participate at every level.”
Quote from Paul Farrell, Chairman, Lord’s Taverners Ireland
“Lord’s Taverners Ireland are delighted to have co-funded this essential sports equipment for Muscular Dystrophy Ireland using funds raised by the participants of the annual RevUp Motorcycle event. It is a pleasure to support the great work that Muscular Dystrophy Ireland do and continue to be a part of ensuring that many young people with disabilities can participate in a sport that they love.”
Quote from Kevin O’Dowd, member of RevUp organising committee
“The RevUp organising team is proud to announce the continuation of its partnership with the Lord’s Taverners Ireland. This collaboration has enabled the purchase of power soccer chairs, funded through the generosity and commitment of our supporters. These contributions make a tangible difference to individuals living with Muscular Dystrophy in Ireland, empowering players to participate fully in the sport they love. Seeing the impact on the players and their families reinforces the importance of our shared mission. We extend our best wishes to all athletes and teams as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 tournaments.”
Quote from Steve Rayner - Brand Director of Joe Duffy BMW, MINI,Motorrad
“We’re incredibly proud of our long-standing partnership with RevUp and Lord Taverner’s Ireland, working together for many years to help young people with disabilities access sport and independence. At Joe Duffy Motorrad, supporting initiatives that make a real difference in our community is central to who we are, and we’re honoured to continue that tradition.”
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD kindly presented international caps to 3 players from the Republic of Ireland development team who represented their country between 2023 and 2025. Two coaches from Republic of Ireland development team also received an award.
Player Names
Fionn O’ Longaigh
Dylanl McLoughlin
Lucas Gorman
Coach Names
Padraig O’Longaigh
Patrick Flanagan
ENDS
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