County Derry footballer achieves ‘greatest honour’ as she captains Northern Ireland

A County Derry footballer achieved the ‘greatest honour’ of her career as she captained Northern Ireland.

Simone Magill led her nation out on October 29, in the first round of the Euro 2025 qualifier play-offs at Windsor Park.

The Magherafelt native wore the armband with pride as she led the Green and White army to victory over Croatia on an aggregate score of 2-1.

Magill has captained her country at every age group since U-15’s right up to senior.

Beginning her career at Mid-Ulster FC before moving to Everton, where she spent nine years before moving to Aston Villa. 

Throughout this period, she represented Northern Ireland as a key figure and was part of the historic side that qualified for the UEFA Women's Euro 2022.

Now playing for Birmingham City, Magill achieved a dream of hers to captain her country, with the aspiration now to lead Northern Ireland to the next international tournament.

Norway stands in the way of Magill and Northern Ireland from reaching the tournament in Switzerland next July.

Northern Ireland will host Norway at home in the first leg of the second round of Euro 2025 qualifier play-offs on November 29, before travelling to Scandinavia for the second leg four days later.

Magill said about her achievement: “Once was a little girl from Magherafelt with a dream of playing for Northern Ireland. To captain this team will be the greatest honour of my career. For all those who paved the way and those whom it may inspire, I’ll carry it with immense pride for you. #GAWA.”