Stephanie’s ‘goal in a million’ steals the show

PEAMOUNT United striker Stephanie Roche has been widely praised after she was nominated for a prestigious FIFA Puskas Award at the Ballon d’Or gala in Zurich last week.

The Republic of Ireland international was up against Colombia’s James Rodriguez and Robin van Persie for the award which recognises the best goal in the last year.

Roche claimed over a million of the 3.3 million votes cast by the public to take 33 per cent of the total behind Rodriguez’s strike [42 per cent] and ahead of the Manchester United player’s header [11 per cent].

Her super strike was scored in front of a crowd of just 95 people at Wexford’s Ferrycarrig Park, but was watched by over six million fans on YouTube.

Even though Roche was eventually beaten by Rodriguez’s stunning effort against Uruguay in the 2014 World Cup, her achievement in making the top three was applauded.

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, congratulated Stephanie on her fantastic achievement in being shortlisted for the best goal of 2014.

“Stephanie’s goal for Peamount United against Wexford Youths in the Women’s National League showed great skill and technical ability and was a goal in a million,

? he said.

“She thoroughly deserves all the praise she has received and I am sure she is a little disappointed but she should be very proud of her achievement. It was wonderful to see the global attention that Stephanie received since she was shortlisted for the award along with such global superstars as Robin van Persie and James Rodriguez.

“I have no doubt that all her family and friends and the whole country are delighted and proud of her achievement. Stephanie has been a wonderful ambassador for her sport and her country since being nominated for the award. The publicity that it has generated for the profile of the Women’s National League and Irish women’s sport in general is very welcome.

?

Minister Ring also wished Stephanie and her Republic of Ireland Women’s National teammates the best of luck in their preparations for the Euro 2017 qualifiers which start in September.

“Ireland recorded its biggest ever points total in the most recent World Cup campaign and I know the whole country will get behind them now as they endeavour to qualify for the Netherlands in 2017,

? he added.

The Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, with special responsibility for Equality, New Communities and Culture, Aodhán � Ríordáin, also congratulated Stephanie on her nomination for the award.

“This is a great day for women’s soccer, and women’s sport in general, in Ireland,

? Minister Ã? Ríordáin said,

“I would like to congratulate Stephanie on her nomination and for finishing in the top three. My hope is that this will serve as an inspiration to other women involved in sport throughout the country.

?