Sinéad Farrelly thanks Vera Pauw as she retires from Ireland team after just 8 caps

Sinéad Farrelly has confirmed her retirement from international football as she steps down from Ireland's national team. 

The US-born midfielder thanked former coach Vera Pauw and current coach Eileen Gleeson for the opportunity and called playing for Ireland "a dream that came true". 

Farrelly - who made her debut in April 2023 - played just eight games overall, including all three of Ireland's Group B games at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and in three UEFA Nations League fixtures. 

Eligible through her Cavan-born father, Farrell is reportedly still contracted to NJ/NY Gotham in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). 

She said, "It is with a tremendous amount of sadness that I've made the difficult decision to retire from international football. 

"Even though I was a latecomer to international football, it meant so much to me and my family. To pull on the Ireland jersey, sing the national anthem and represent the Farrelly family from Cavan (and beyond) was truly special.

"I'd like to thank Vera Pauw and Eileen Gleeson, all of the backroom and support staff, every player who I was proud to call a teammate and, of course, the amazing Irish supporters who welcomed me with open arms." 

Former coach Pauw previously hailed Farrelly as "a potential game changer" after her debut in a 2-0 friendly defeat against the US in April 2023. 

According to the Irish Examiner, Farrelly had been out of the game for eight years before joining the Ireland squad for her international debut. 

Farrelly continued: "To play for Ireland was a dream that came true and it is an experience that I will cherish forever. I got to play in a World Cup but more than that I got to play for this country and I'm just so grateful for having that opportunity because it is one of the greatest honours of my career.

"I will continue to support the team and will always hold close the fantastic memories that I made playing for Ireland." 

WNT Head Coach Eileen Gleeson said, "I'd like to thank Sinead for her time representing Ireland and we wish her the very best in her career going forward." 

Photo: Vera Pauw Sportsfile