The crowd loved it, the win was a fifth in six matches in the UEFA Women’s Nations League Group B, securing a playoff in October for promotion, and the curtain came down on the playing career of Louise Quinn.

She came on for her 122nd cap in the Republic of Ireland’s 1-0 victory over Slovenia at Páirc Uí Chaoimh last night.

The match, while a win, wasn’t sufficient for Ireland to secure automatic promotion in the UEFA Nations League, as they needed a four-goal margin to top the group.

Saoirse Noonan’s first half header gave a flicker of hope but the team is now play-off bound and will learn their opponents on Friday, along with Northern Ireland who confirmed their place in the draw with a 1-1 draw away to Bosnia Herzegovina.

The two sides will now face one of Austria, Iceland, Belgium or Denmark in a play off promotion with the added bonus of a win creating an additional path to the World Cup Finals in 2027.

Back in Cork, after the game Quinn was visibly emotional, delivering a heartfelt team talk and even the bumps from her teammates

“I think it will take a little bit of time but I just feel like where we have come as a team and to now, you can see that progress. We were a nation that was really struggling and to be part of something that has built to this,” she told RTÉ.

Head coach Carla Ward praised Quinn’s contributions, stating, “She’s been an unbelievable servant to Irish football. Her leadership, her presence, her ability on the pitch—it’s irreplaceable.”

Quinn’s career spanned 17 years, during which she played for clubs including Peamount United, Eskilstuna United, Arsenal, Fiorentina, and Birmingham City. She was instrumental in Ireland’s historic qualification for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

She has spoken at the Sport for Business Women in Sport Conference and we hope she will do so again.

The FAI released this content on Instagram yesterday which sums up the players feelings for her. Watch the Story here.

 

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SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

A great player and a great send off.  It sets up an exciting double header in October and five wins from six games has to be something to celebrate.

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