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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Eamon Doggett

Irish sport stars pay tribute to women's football team after World Cup heroics

Kellie Harrington has led the tributes to the Republic of Ireland women's team after their sensational qualification for the World Cup.

A 1-0 victory over Scotland at Hampden Park courtesy of a stunning goal from Amber Barrett saw Vera Pauw's side become the first Irish women's team to qualify for a major tournament.

It is an achievement that has the whole country talking, including many of our top sports stars who have been quick to praise the team.

READ MORE: Amber Barrett dedicates historic goal to Donegal explosion victims

Olympic gold medallist boxer Harrington said: "Absolutely amazing, congratulations to the whole team, and the ones who were there before them helping to pave the way.

"What a day for Ireland. Amber Barrett, take a bow, you are all that a role model should be, I am in awe."

Katie Taylor, an ex-Ireland international footballer and now a world champion boxer, retweeted a message celebrating the team's achievement.

2019 Open champion Shane Lowry tweeted: "World Cup here we go!"

While rugby legend Brian O'Driscoll said: "BOD: Woohoo!!! #coygi "

Outside of sporting figures, Taoiseach Micheal Martin commented: "Congratulations Ireland on a brilliant, inspirational and historic achievement.

"A disciplined, organised and spirited performance on a wonderful night for Irish football.

"We are going to the World Cup!"

The team were treated to a hero's welcome when touching down at Dublin Airport last night, with members of the emergency services keen to join in on the celebrations.

In a video posted to social media by FAI CEO Jonathan Hill, a fire engine is seen on the runway with two firefighters proudly holding an Ireland flag.

As the Ireland women's team disembark the aircraft, they then spontaneously break into a rendition of the Baccara hit song "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie".

It was an amazing campaign for Vera Pauw's side that saw them finish second behind Sweden in the group stages before beating Slovakia and Scotland in the play-offs, both on the road, to reach the finals.

Donegal native Barrett celebrated her match-winning strike by pointing to the black armband on her sleeve as a tribute to the 10 victims of the Creeslough tragedy.

Barrett, whose grandparents hail from the small town in north Donegal, said: “I know Cresslough like the back of my hand.

“My grandparents were born and bred there. I spend my holidays there with my uncle.

“I know people who died in the tragedy, who were affected by it, who were first on the scene.

“I’ve been sombre the last few days. This is the best day of my life in terms of what we have done for football.

“But when you put it into perspective, compared to what happened over there last Friday, this doesn’t scratch the surface.

“I’m dedicating this result and the goal to the 10 beautiful souls who unfortunately perished, for all their families.

“I know they touched their lives and they have touched ours. This is for Cresslough. This is for Donegal.”

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