14/04/2021

NI Women's Football Team Qualify For Euro 2022 Championships

The Northern Ireland Women's Football team has qualified for the Euro 2022 Championships.

The team secured a 2-0 play-off second leg victory over Ukraine.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey congratulated the team.

Speaking after a meeting with team Manager Kenny Sheils and player Simone Magill today the Minister said: "Last night's historic win, which will see this fantastic group of footballers compete in their first major tournament, is testament to the skill and determination of all the players led by captain Marissa Callaghan and manager Kenny Shiels.

"The commitment, bravery and will-to-win, which saw them through two tough play-off matches against Ukraine, despite going into the game with significant injuries, has been evident throughout the qualification campaign.

"Their achievement is made all the more remarkable by the fact that the team is made up of players who for the most part play for local clubs and the personal commitment and sacrifices that they have made to achieve such success cannot be underestimated.

"Qualification for one of the top women’s soccer tournaments in the world will see them compete against the best sides and will undoubtedly inspire many young girls to play football. In what has already been an amazing week for sportswomen on the island, this win will be regarded as another pivotal moment in the development of women's sport."

Image: Irish FA

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

07 February 2024
Executive To Present 'United Case For Fair And Just Settlement'
The Executive will take a united case for a fair and just settlement for public sector workers and public services to Westminster, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have said.
05 February 2024
Executive Calls For Urgent Talks On Long-Term Funding Stability
The Executive has written to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for an urgent discussions on long-term funding stability to deliver public services.
19 October 2022
Hargey Praises Achievements Of Women's Senior Football Team
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has praised the achievements of the Women's Senior Football team at a special reception held in their honour at Parliament. The team qualified for the UEFA 2022 Women's Euro Championship, for the first time in its history.
22 March 2024
Communities Minister Pledges To Address The Housing Crisis
The Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has committed to increasing the number of social homes and providing more affordable housing options, in his keynote address at the Northern Ireland Housing Conference.
16 February 2024
Infrastructure Minister Affirms Commitment To Biodiversity
NI's new Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting biodiversity to help address the climate and nature emergency. The Minister was speaking on a site visit to the A6 where over 1.2million trees were planted on the route between Belfast and Derry.