Praise for women’s soccer team

DEPUTY Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Larry O’Toole (SF) has congratulated the Irish Women’s Under 19 soccer team on its recent exploits in the UEFA European Championships.

The Irish girls performed brilliantly in the tournament before losing out to the Netherlands at the semi-final stage.

Cllr O’Toole, who represents the Beaumont-Donaghmede Local Electoral Area (LEA), said he was delighted to welcome the team home.

“This team has made history by being the first ever Under-19 Women’s team to reach the semi-final of the UEFA European Championships,

? he said.

“I heartily congratulate everyone involved. I wish the team every success in their future endeavours. With this level of achievement behind them I’m sure they will go from strength to strength.

?

Minister of State with special responsibility for New Communities, Culture and Equality, Aodhán � Ríordáin, also congratulated the team.

“They are wonderful ambassadors for Ireland and for women in sport,

? he said.

“Their historic performance is a great credit to their talent and dedication, both individually and as a team, to the hard work of the coaching and support staff led by Dave Connell, and to their enthusiastic supporters.

“I am delighted that these young women, who represent many clubs in different parts of the country, are raising the profile of women’s football in Ireland and, indeed, of sport for women in general.

“I wish them well and I hope they continue to enjoy what is an amazing achievement.”

Minister Ã? Ríordáin said the benefits in ensuring the physical, mental and social wellbeing of women and girls were recognised in a specific objective of the National Women’s Strategy 2007-2016, which aims to increase the number of women participating in sport and physical activity.

“I hope the example of the Irish team will encourage more young women to get involved in team sports, highlighting the opportunities being provided by programmes such as Soccer Sisters, Late Night Leagues and Street Leagues,

? he added.

Keeva Keenan, Katie McCabe and Clare Shine, who all play for Raheny United FC, were among the Dubliners in the Irish squad.