The players have headed back to their clubs and resumption a more normal life but that life will never quite be the same for the members of the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team who secured their place at the FIFA World Cup next summer in Glasgow on Tuesday night.
The story of the ill-judged song and its social media sharing will pass, even though UEFA is investigating on foot of what we understand was an official complaint from an elected official in Northern Ireland.
The preparation will begin in earnest at the FAI next week with Vera Pauw at the heart of that and we will have an interview with her next week that will be of interest to all coaches and fans of the game.
In yesterday morning’s Irish sun, Rob Hartnett of Sport for Business was quoted extensively on what it might mean for the earning potential of the players.
“This is a real game changer for the team,” he said.
“For those who can remember you can compare it to the Jack Charlton era in many ways, to Stuttgart and Italia ’90.”
“It’s a really wonderful achievement and Vera Pauw and all the girls deserve every accolade that comes their way.”
“Away from the emotion of the night and down to the business end of things, qualification for the World Cup is really a game changer.”
“You saw Vera Pauw with the Sky logo emblazoned across her chest chatting to Tony “Donoghue from RTÉand they will love that attention.They have a pretty full book (of sponsors) at the moment but they will look to see if they have room for more in 2023.”
The FAI have done great work with Sky and other partners like Aviva. As far as individuals go, they’re a really tight unit. Katie McCabe and Denise O’Sullivan were a picture of joy after the game and brands will look to tap into that.”
“But getting closer to the World Cup, global brands will have campaigns built around the tournament and might look to snap up players like Katie or Amber Barrett. Companies like Coca-Cola and Visa will get involved and if you get attached to a brand like that the possibilities are endless.”
“Pepsi have players like Lionel Messi on board, and while the female players are not at that level yet, this is going to be a global event, watched by millions, so brands will be looking to be very invested. And that’s where the real money can be made. Six-figure sums might not be a stretch.”
Adding the surge of Irish female sporting stars in recent years Hartnett added ” Look at what people like Rachael Blackmore, Ellen Keane, Leona Maguire, Kellie Harrington and Katie Taylor have achieved.”
“They are doing amazing stuff on an international stage.”
“Kellie has done some great campaigns with Spar, another FAI partner, and brands like that will want to be involved with the players.”
It promises to be a special time for the players, the entire group, the fans and the FAI.
