From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
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Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, this evening applauded the historic achievement by the Irish women’s national football team in qualifying for the first time ever for a global international tournament, next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand:
"The great performances by the Irish team over the qualifying campaign, culminating in tonight’s wonderful win in Glasgow, have filled our hearts with pride and delight. These brave women, under the astute leadership of Vera Pauw, have shown a whole generation of girls what is possible with teamwork, commitment, resources and support. They are role models and an inspiration and I look forward to seeing their story develop at World Cup 2023."
One of the key aims of Ireland’s sports policy is to bring the level of female participation in sport and wider physical activity up to the highest levels possible and this team’s performance gives another living example of what is possible with sustained support.
Jack Chambers, Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht, said:
"I want to congratulate the whole team, manager Vera Pauw and her coaching staff and everyone involved in this magnificent achievement for Irish women’s football. Time and time again throughout the qualification campaign, the players have proven they can compete with the very best in the world and have combined skill and composure with grit and determination when required.
"They are an inspiration to so many right across the country in how they have performed on the pitch against some of the biggest names in European football and for how they have conducted themselves off the pitch. I know the whole country will be behind them on the journey to Australia and New Zealand and I wish them the very best of luck."