Ireland's original women’s senior team in official games were reunited on Friday, May fifth.
Representing eight different counties, the women helped Ireland defeat Wales 3-2 on May 13th and beat Northern Ireland 4-1 on June 30th, 1973 in Bluebell, Dublin. The group was reunited for the first time in five decades.
As part of the Football Association of Ireland's 50-year anniversary celebrations of women and girls' football. The trailblazing women, first featured for Ireland in 1973 were honoured at The Westin Hotel, Dublin.
At a lunch event, each of the players received a special gift to mark the occasion. The event was attended by Minister of State at Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Thomas Byrne, Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy, FAI President Gerry McAnaney and FAI CEO Jonathan Hill.
A number of key personnel who helped to create the early foundations of women and girls' football at domestic and international level in Ireland present, were also present.
The players will be special guests of the current Ireland WNT at their International Friendly against France on July 6th in Tallaght Stadium. Their final home game before the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.
Wales 2-3 Ireland, 13 May, 1973
Goalscorer: Paula Gorham x3
Goalkeeper: Anne Griffith. Defenders: Nora McHugh, Geraldine Molloy, Sally Bownes, Mary O'Callaghan. Midfielders: Mary Gavin, Carol Carr, Linda Gorman, Margaret O'Connell, Catherine Rafferty.Forwards: Paula Gorham.
Substitutes: Teresa Holland, Eleanor Carroll, Geraldine Grace.
Selected but couldn't travel: Kathleen Ramsbottom, Ursula Grace
Ireland 4-1 Northern Ireland, 30 June, 1973
Goalscorers: Maureen Stokes, Breda Hanlon, Joan Williams x2
Goalkeeper: Anne Griffith. Defenders: Nora McHugh, Anne O'Brien, Margaret O'Connell, Maureen Stokes. Midfielders: Violet Elliott, Linda Gorman, Eileen Brennan, Breda Hanlon. Forwards: Joan Williams, Paula Gorham.
Substitutes: Mary Gavin, Carol Doran, Marian Donnelly, Margaret O'Driscoll, Marion Slattery.
