It was an incredibly proud day for Solihull Moors Walking Football Club on Sunday 16th August 2026, as five members of our highly successful Over 65s squad represented their respective countries in the Walking Football Masters World Cup in South Wales.

And what better stage could there be than an England versus Ireland World Cup Final?

Solihull Moors were remarkably well represented on both sides. Ken Dyas and Over 65s captain Graham Liddiard represented England, while Martin Sharkey, John McGinnell and Mick O’Dwyer represented Ireland.

For five players from the same club squad to be involved at international level is an achievement in itself. For all five to be part of the two teams competing for a world title is something everyone connected with Solihull Moors Walking Football Club can be immensely proud of.

With international honours at stake, the final proved every bit as competitive as expected.

There was very little separating England and Ireland throughout the contest, with both teams producing some excellent walking football and opportunities at either end.

Remarkably, the decisive moment came from a player very familiar to everyone at Solihull Moors.

Just a couple of minutes into the game, Graham Liddiard struck for England, scoring what would ultimately prove to be the only goal of the World Cup Final.

The Solihull Moors Over 65s captain has enjoyed another tremendous season at club level and once again demonstrated his goalscoring ability, this time on the international stage when it mattered most.

Ireland refused to allow the early setback to dictate the game and pushed hard in search of an equaliser.

They came agonisingly close when a superb effort struck the woodwork, while both goalkeepers were called upon to make excellent saves as the final remained finely balanced.

The longer the match continued, the more important Liddiard’s early strike became.

Ireland continued to press, but England held firm and eventually secured a narrow 1-0 victory, with Graham’s goal proving enough to decide the destination of the Masters World Cup trophy.

While there could ultimately only be one winning team, from a Solihull Moors perspective the occasion was about much more than the final result.

Seeing Martin Sharkey, John McGinnell, Mick O’Dwyer, Ken Dyas and Graham Liddiard representing their countries on such a prestigious stage was a tremendous moment for the club.

These are five players who regularly train, compete and share a dressing room together for Solihull Moors. On this occasion, however, they found themselves pulling on different international shirts and competing against one another for a world title.

It is difficult to think of a better demonstration of the standard that the Solihull Moors Over 65s squad has reached.

Congratulations go to Graham and Ken on England’s World Cup victory, and equally to Martin, John and Mick for their achievement in helping Ireland reach the final and pushing England all the way.

When the final whistle sounded, the result may have divided the five players temporarily, but they will soon be back together wearing the yellow and blue of Solihull Moors.

There will not be much time for our international players to put their feet up.

Attention will now return to club football as the Solihull Moors Over 65s prepare for another major challenge — the National Cup Finals at Nottingham University on Sunday 6th September 2026.

Six teams will compete in the Over 65s age group in a final round-robin competition to determine the 2026 National Cup champions.

Solihull Moors will travel to Nottingham full of confidence following another remarkable season, and having five members of the squad return from representing England and Ireland in a Masters World Cup Final only underlines the quality and experience available within the team.

It promises to be another special occasion for a group of players who have already achieved so much together.

Whatever happens at Nottingham, having five Solihull Moors Walking Football players involved in an England versus Ireland World Cup Final is an achievement the entire club can celebrate.

Five players. Two countries. One club.

A fantastic achievement for Solihull Moors Walking Football Club — and further evidence of the remarkable strength of our Over 65s squad.