
Aine O'Gorman retires from international football
Republic of Ireland Women's National Team forward Aine O'Gorman has announced her retirement from international football.
The 29-year old made her international debut in the 2006 Algarve Cap against Denmark at the age of 16 and has had a fantastic international career with the Republic of Ireland.
The Wicklow-native bows out of international football having achieved 100 caps for her country. She received the Golden Cap following her 100th appearance, the 1-0 defeat against Norway in June.
O'Gorman scored 13 goals for Ireland during her international career, including a hat-trick against Montenegro in June 2016, in a 9-0 win at Tallaght Stadium. She will continue her club football with Continental Tyres Women's National League side Peamount United, who won the WNL League Cup with a 2-1 win over Wexford Youths this weekend.
Following the announcement, WNT Head Coach Colin Bell paid tribute to Aine's international service. "Aine has had a fantastic international career and has had a profound impact on the growth of the sport in this country," Bell said.
"For any player to get over 100 caps is a fantastic feat and she should be very proud of her achievements. Ever since I began my management of the team, Aine has been a fantastic person to work with.
"She has been a fantastic role model to the young players who've come into the squad over the past year or so, and I would like to thank for her professionalism in every camp. I really hope that Aine will stay in the game and contribute even further to women's football.
"She has fantastic experience and knowledge which would be invaluable to young players, and I really hope to see her look to pursue the coaching pathway."
FAI CEO John Delaney also paid tribute to her contribution to the rise of women's football in Ireland. "Aine has been one of our star players for the women's national team over the past decade and has been a terrific servant to her country.
"Aine has shown great loyalty to the team since her debut in 2006 and when she played for Ireland, you could tell how much it meant to her with her passion, pride and energy.
"Aine gave 100% effort in every game she played for Ireland and for any player to receive a Golden Cap is a huge achievement. She retires from international football as one of the most decorated footballers to serve her country and I wish her well in the future."
Chairperson of the Women's Football Committee and FAI Board Member Niamh O'Donoghue paid tribute to her work off the pitch as well. "I'm sorry to hear of Aine's decision to retire from international football. She has given her country a fantastic 12 years of service and has been a huge part of the development of the game, O'Donoghue said.
"Aine has not just contributed on the pitch but has worked tirelessly with our Aviva Soccer Sisters scheme to help promote women's football at grassroots level. The sport is now one of the fastest-growing in the country and Aine can take huge pride from that having contributed so passionately to it's success.
"I look forward to continuing to watch Aine play for Peamount United in the Women's National League and I sincerely hope she continues to contribute to the development of the game. Her experience and expertise would be invaluable and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for her."