Ireland lose another huge name as retirement from football is confirmed
Louise Quinn has confirmed her retirement from club and international football.
The 121-time capped central defender, who turns 35 in June, leaves behind a staggering legacy, and a career that has seen her play in Ireland, Sweden, Italy and England.
Currently at Birmingham City, she started her career at Peamount United, and had spells at Eskilstuna United, Arsenal and Fiorentina.
She was a key member of Ireland's history-making 2023 Women's World Cup side, but possibly her most impressive feat was climbing to fourth on the Ireland women's all-time top goalscorer list with 16 goals. 15 of those were headers.
Quinn said: 'When the time arrives that you need to write your retirement statement, they are the hardest words to find. But it is time for me to hang up the boots.
'There are so many reasons as to why or why not but it's just one of those things, when you know, you know.
'I have had the honour of playing with some incredible clubs, Blessington FC, Lakeside, Peamount United, Eskilstuna United, Notts County, Arsenal, Fiorentina and Birmingham City.
'I've been through it all with these clubs; I've won, lost, been promoted, relegated, experienced liquidation, reached the Champions League with many headers scored and many tackles missed.
'But they all have all given me a chance to prove how much I love the game. And that's it, I love the game and I'm going to miss it.
'The Ireland team, that is the reason why I always wanted to play this game. Some of the best moments of my life have been in the green jersey.
'I've been part of something so special. The foundations were laid by legends of the women's team before me and for a short period I was lucky enough to play with a few of them too.
'Then it was up to us to continue that fight to put the Ireland team on the map on the international stage. The (2023) World Cup proved that dreams do come true.'
She paid tribute to mum Sinead and dad Viv, and added: 'For now, I just can't wait to spend time with my family.'
Quinn captained Peamount to the inaugural SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division title 2011/12 and went on to win two League Cups with the Peas.
The Blessington native moved to Sweden in 2013, and won the Women's Super League and the FA Women's League Cup at Arsenal.
Nominated five times for the FAI Senior Women's Player of the Year, she won the award in 2013 and 2019.
Her last appearance for Ireland was the 3-1 UEFA European Championship Qualifying victory over France in Páirc Uí Chaoimh last July.
Quinn didn't make an appearance under new coach Carla Ward as she battled injury. Her loss, however, will be a fresh blow to the Ireland chief, as she is the latest experienced star to hang up her boots, along with Niamh Fahey, Diane Caldwell and Julie-Ann Russell.
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