Noel O’Donnell has been selected as the Ireland Deaf Footballer of the year for the 2012-13 season and he has been shortlisted in the top 3 for the FAI ‘Football For All’ player of the year award, which takes place this Sunday (2nd March) evening and is live on RTE.
Noel has played for the Irish Deaf Team for over 10 years and has almost 50 caps. Originally from Donegal , Noel had a great 2012-13 season, where he was outstanding in the memorable victory over Germany and later, Noel scored the winning penalty which helped Ireland qualify for the 2013 Deaflympic Summer Games.
Noel then overcame two very serious knee operations to battle back to fitness and played well in Bulgaria. Noel even scored two great goals from centre back against Egypt and Iran.
He is a great role-model for any young sportsman and is highly respected within the Deaf and hearing communities.
Deaf Sports Ireland wishes Noel the best of luck for Sundays awards night and fingers crossed he will win the judges vote which would be a very positive news story for Irish Deaf Sport.
Source: Deaf Sport Ireland