The Football Association of Ireland has welcomed the announcement by Government of additional funding to support development of Women and Girls' Football.

At a special function at Farmleigh last night, to celebrate the Ireland Women's National Team ahead of FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, it was confirmed that up to €500,000 will be earmarked for Grassroots girls' programmes, adult women recreational football and women in football leadership programmes.

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, An Tánaiste Mícheál Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD, and Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education Thomas Byrne TD hosted Vera Pauw, the Ireland WNT and backroom staff, FAI President Gerry McAnaney and CEO Jonathan Hill as well as FAI Board Directors.

CEO Jonathan Hill said: "As our Ireland Women's National Team prepare for their final World Cup preparation game on home soil, against France in Tallaght Stadium on Thursday night, it is fantastic that they would be celebrated by the Government in such a way which clearly means a lot to the Association.

"The announcement of additional funding is a great step forward in our ongoing work to fulfil the potential of football for women and girls in Ireland and it will help to build on the legacy that our current Women's Team are creating."