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‘We did it’ – jubilant scenes as Ireland’s floorballers take bronze medal at Special Olympics world Winter Games
@Source: independent.ie
Gavin Bourke from Mallow, Co Cork, slotted home two goals in the 3-0 win. One of his goal celebrations was inspired by the racing festival at the Cotswolds, as he mounted his floorball stick like a horse upon scoring the opener in the medal match.
"My girlfriend made a joke with me before the thing started, she said you have to put out a celebration if you score,” he said.
"She won in Cheltenham two days ago and I said, ‘do you know what – I’m going to hop on the horse and ride the saddle to victory’. And I did.”
It set the tone for an afternoon of celebration, culminating in players diving onto each other in the goalmouth at the final whistle.
The celebrations when we get home will be massive
“We did it and I couldn’t have done it with a better bunch of lads, honestly,” said Bourke. “They gave all guts and got all the glory.
"We’re going to be bringing the medal home on Sunday to Dublin and see the rest of the country cheer us on.”
Bourke said he can’t wait to see his family, adding: “I miss them so much. I can’t wait to show them the medal.”
His Mallow United teammate, Joseph ‘Joe-Joe’ Sheehan, raised his arms to the crowd after the victory. Sheehan also got in on the scoring act with a brilliant goal and received the player of the match award.
"The celebrations when we get home will be massive,” he said.
"When we get off that plane, the supporters will go mad – and I mean mad.”
Bronze medals for the floorballers brings Team Ireland’s tally to 10 for the Games – a huge haul with only 14 athletes in total.
The team’s skiers take to the slopes for one final time on Saturday, with six in contention for medals.
The Games will conclude with the closing ceremony on Saturday night, with Team Ireland due to land at Dublin Airport on Sunday afternoon for their homecoming.
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